FARMERS AND MOBILE TECHNOLOGY

Farmers in Central Kenya are obtaining loans through mobile banking in increasing numbers. Kenya's Mobile banking system is by far the most successful in the world with at least two-thirds of Kenyans use their mobile phones to pay bills, transfer money, pay salaries and now to get loans. The availability of a reliable mobile -payments platform has also spawned a host of mobile phone start-ups helping thousands who don't have bank accounts. Al Jazeera's Catherine Soi reports from Nyandarua, Kenya. YOUR TURN: 1. What do you use technology for? 2. Kenyan vs Romanian farmers - compare and contrast

SHOPPING IN TOWN

1. Where do you do your regular shopping and why?

2.Can you write about a shop in town that is special to you? What aspect/s of the shop attract you/the customers?

 3. Is shopping a hobby? Why do you think women like shopping more than men?

 4. Do you always need the things you buy? How does it happen?

5. Do you prefer going shopping alone or with friends/family?

 6. Which is better: shopping online or in shops?

 OPTIONAL - FOR BEGINNERS: Listen/read the story on SARA WENT SHOPPING, then write a similar account on I WENT SHOPPING

Promoting Glogster for student projects

Alternatively, you can find this simple example of Glogster here In order to create your own Glog (i.e. virtual poster) - go to http://www.glogster.com/ - create an account (don't forget the password!) - Create new glog using the Tools.

BUYING AT A DISCOUNT PRICE

Many people buy at discount prices in flea markets, second hand stores, retail outlets, and pundlands, including Martin Lewis, the British multimillionaire. Read the article on How Poundland shops make their money - then watch the YouTube clip on buying second-hand in Paris (below): Now answer the following questions: 1. How do Poundland shops manage to survive financially according to the article? 2. What is your opinion of buying in outlets, second-hand? 3. Do you know about other types of shops selling at discount prices?

MOST WANTED DEGREES

Read the article Degrees that teach skills for in-demand jobs and then answer the following questions:

1. Is your Bachelor's degree among the ones mentioned there?

2. What are the skills you feel you are acquiring now/have already acquired and will help you in your future profession? Mention just one such skill and develop on it.

Graham's story - post for beginners

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/the-friendly-stray-cat-who-s-a-regular-at-his-local-pet-shop--and-he-always-heads-straight-for-the-rats-and-fish--171233140.html?vp=1#lecmqTy

Below is a very interesting story about a ginger-and-white stray cat (see picture above). Try to read it with a dictionary: Graham's story Your turn: 1. Do you like cats? Do you have a cat? 2. What are people's attitudes towards cats and why? 3. What was the effect of this cat's visits to the shop, according to the article?

Behavioural economics

1. What advantages do you think you will have in your future career if you speak English well? Now read the article below and then express your opinion on it: Behavioural economics