Navigate Reading: Generation X, Y, Z, slide 79, ex. 3

ex. 3 / Match profiles A-D to generations 1-4 in exercise 2.

A. Born shortly after World War II, this generation had more opportunities in life than their parents. Optimistic and willing to work long hours, they tend to define themselves by their professional achievements. They are often well educated and can be quite competitive in the workplace. Outside work they like to be active and seek enjoyment in life. (Baby Boomers: Born 1946-1964)

B. This generation, joining the workforce at the start of this millennium, is also known as the ‘millennial’ generation. They have different priorities from their parents, caring less about earning large salaries and more about work-life balance. They have a (perhaps unfair) reputation for being self-centred, arrogant and believing they deserve the best in life. Some think this comes from constantly being told since birth that they are special. This generation is more open-minded than previous ones in their attitudes to other cultures and nationalities. (Generation Y: Born 1981-2000)

C. Sometimes referred to as Generation Net, this generation never experienced a world without the internet. Because of the internet they are very well informed about world events. They are also even more tech-savvy than previous generations, with children as young as two being able to operate smartphones and tablets. This generation, having lived through an economic recession, probably won’t take money for granted. (Generation Z: Born after 2000)

D. Sandwiched between Baby Boomers and Generation Y, this generation shares many of their characteristics. They tend to be hard-working, but value a work-life balance. A higher divorce rate and an increase in working mothers meant many from this generation grew up often being alone. They therefore tend to be independent, family-focused and have a realistic attitude to life. They also tend to be critical of authority. (Generation X: Born 1965-1980)

Navigate slide 84, ex. 6a, Gifford’s Circus

ex. 6a / Complete the online review of a circus show with words from the box.

When I won tickets for Gifford’s Circus in a competition, I wasn’t convinced I’d enjoy it. In fact, I nearly gave the tickets away. Thank goodness I didn’t, as it turned out to be one of the most thrilling shows I’ve ever seen!

The secret of its appeal is that it combines the charm of a small, old-fashioned circus with world-class talent from performers recruited from countries as far afield as Russia, China and Ethiopia. The ninety-minute show includes a huge variety of breathtaking displays: acrobats, gymnasts, fire-throwing jugglers and performing animals, all of which are accompanied by live music. What makes it unusual is that all the acts are linked by a story, so it’s more than just a series of individual unrelated performances.

The fire-throwing jugglers went down very well with the audience, as did the man who added chair after chair to an impossibly tall tower on which he was balancing. I could barely look!

For me, the highlight of the show was the animals: a magnificent horse ridden by the circus owner, dogs jumping through hoops and riding horseback, and the most enormous turkey — and it really was huge! — strutting majestically round the ring. It was an extraordinary sight!

Gifford’s describes itself as a ‘humane circus’, and treats its animals kindly. Their dogs, for example, are rescue dogs, abandoned by their previous owners, and trained to perform using treats and rewards, not punishment. They certainly seemed well cared for.

The show is on until the end of the month. If you get a chance to go, take it. You won’t be disappointed. A word of advice: take a cushion, as the seats are wooden benches.