Interaction 11/12 (subjects in the curriculum)

A: (Guichi) My name is Bill Gates and I am the chairman of Microsoft Company. Also, I have part of some Information technology (IT) companies: Toshiba, Dell, etc. Im a well-known businessman and I have come to Spain to find good future engineers, physicists, and computer scientists, but I have found that young people dont have enough knowledge about scientific subjects. I think that the problem is that the Spanish curriculum of secondary schools is not practical enough. B: Good night, Mr Gates. My name is Veronica, I graduated in Classics from Oxford University seven years ago and I am happy to teach Latin and Greek in a high school. This subject also provided me considerable knowledge of Ancient History and some Modern History. In my opinion, classic languages are the base of the current ones and the base of our culture and should be deeply studied in the school. The students learn a compulsory technical subject in the 2 and the 3 year of the secondary school. But, Latin is only an optional subject in the 4 year. If they dont choose it, they wont have the opportunity to learn any classic language for the rest of their lives. So my proposal is that Latin should be a compulsory subject in the secondary school. A: Well, I agree with you. Latin must be a compulsory subject. But I think that the Spanish government has to propose a solution or alternative. They need to remove some hours from the curriculum and settle down the really important subjects.
they settled down to some serious work, se pusieron a trabajar en serio

I have information about the Spanish curriculum of secondary schools and I agree with it up to a point. I agree about the number of hours that the students dedicate to Social science, natural science, Spanish language, English language, and math (the five most important subjects). Do you agree? B: Of course, I agree with you, these subjects are the ones that need to be settled down by the students at this level. They have to get used to managing with them. In my opinion, I would give less importance to the Religious culture and Physical Education and even, I would remove them from the compulsory curriculum. Instead of them, I would include Latin and Greek. I dont want to offend anyone and I dont mean that Religious culture and Physical Education are not relevant subjects in the secondary school, even though, from my point of view, I wouldnt consider them as compulsory ones. A: Take notice too: Between the 1 and the 2 years the students spend 8 hours per week learning Music and Art (2 hours each subject and each year).

And between the 2 and the 3 years the students spend only 6 hours per week in a technical subject (3 hours each year). I mean, during the 1 and the 2 year the students develop their artistic side meanwhile, during the 2 and the 3 year the students develop their technical side. So, first of all, they spend more hours in humanistic subjects than in practical ones in total. And, secondly, the technical subject is about technical drawing, constructions, and electricity. But the pupils dont learn anything about chemistry, and the rest of physics. They need to develop his logical part too! B: Ok so, maybe a good solution would be to go back to the seventies education system. In which all the students had to study physics, chemistry, and Latin during the 4 year so every child finished this level with a humanistic and technical base. And, the two years before going to the University they would decide which optional they prefer. What do you think about? Do you have another idea? A: My solution serves as a complement to your solution: Equilibrate the hours between practical and artistic subjects in the 3 first years. Reduce hours in Physical Education (1 hour per week is enough), and Remove Religious culture. This subject must be studied in churches and at home.

Interaction 13 and 16
A: (Veronica): Oh my God!!! Are you crazy? I cant understand why you swapped your marvellous flat in the city centre for that old ramshackle (destartalada) house far away from everywhere. I should admit that your flat wasnt a palace, I mean, it wasnt so luxury and maybe it was a little big small but your job was five minutes walking and you used to live in a fantastic atmosphere surrounded by some of the most well known monuments, gardens and museums. B: Well, I wish my new home was located in Seville city centre but, unfortunately, I cant afford a house of 250 m2 there. Now, I live in a comfortable house with a garden and 4 rooms. You know that my husband has a lot of books. We needed more bedrooms because we only had one. Now Juanba has his dreamed library at home. Also, we are thinking about having a baby, so we need more space. A: But what about your spare time? You wont have any in your weekdays. Also, you arent used to commuting daily and I am convinced that youll be fed up with it soon. Youll spend minimum two hours a day on the road, that's nuts!!, youll regret your decision deeply. In my opinion, the main downside is that youll lose your not so abundant free time. B: Well, on the plus side now I have a part-time job. As you know, I hate rush-hours because of the traffic-jams so I have decided to leave my home to drive to my job every day earlier than the rest of people and come back before them. I start at 7.30 and I finish at 14.30. I dont spend more than 40 minutes into my car. I have more spare time now than before.

A: And what about the variety of amenities and services available in the city centre? You could reach the shopping center easily where you had the opportunity to comfortably visit several shops, supermarkets, restaurants, hairdressers, and cinemas. In addition if you are thinking in having a baby, there you had several nurseries to choose from.Your flat location was unique. B: About the serviceswell, I thought it carefully before moving and there is a big mall near Carrin (in Bollullos) and another one in Bormujos and in La Palma I dont think Ill miss anything at all. There is also a bilingual private school in Espartinas with bus service and a public school in Carrion. A: Ok, ok, I see that you are completely determined but anyway, live 20 kms far from the centre is also more expensive, you have to go everywhere by car an the petrol price is sky high so driving too much seems to be a crazy thing to do right now. And, are you able to find park when you get to your job? B: But I dont have to pay the Residents Association Receipts. I used to pay more than 60 Euros per month in my old flat. About the parking, I work in Torre Triana and there is a free-parking for the staff. Its true that its not possible to use public transport. But in Seville it has never been possible A: And dont you miss us, your close friends? We have been sharing our lives for years: drinking coffee in the afternoons and beers at night. B: Well, of course I miss you. But I dont miss my neighbours. Anyone can disturb me now. You now how many problems I had in Enladrillada street. Some of them were vey noisy. A: Ok Mary, I think at the moment you are happy with your decision but listen to me: The longer you stay here the more youll miss your old flat. B: Well, I have the companion of my husband and I have something important to tell you: I will have a baby next March! For this reason I am so happy and I needed another room too.

Interaction 14/15
STUDENT B (GUICHI): Hello Mrs Mora, my name is M Luisa and I work as a photographer for a well-known magazine called Hello, Im so sorry if I disturb you in your day off but would you mind telling me why you have sued my tabloid? STUDENT A (VERONICA): Oh my God!! How can you ask me that question? You cant believe anything you read on it. Im one of the most famous soap-opera actresses in America but your magazine took me for granted. Your director is only interested in publishing sensationalist reports to the point that he invented an affair between Barack Obama and me. Your tabloid is deteriorating my public image so that I have decided to sue it.

STUDENT B (GUICHI): Well Mrs Mora, take it easy. First of all I should defend my editor because he is a down-to-earth person. He used to work for The new York Times when he was younger and bases his stories just on facts, not on feelings or beliefs. As far as I know about you, you have been always in the eye of the hurricane: about your breast implants, your relationship with your colleagues, even you washed your familys dirty linen in public. STUDENT A (VERONICA): Im so sorry my dear paparazzi but Im not going to discuss with you about my value like actress. It would be a waste of time. Im fed up with the behaviour of your magazine and Im fed up with you, I cant stand a legion of paparazzi following me around wherever I go. Please, say to your boss that hell have to get used to dealing with me in the court if he carry on like until now. STUDENT B (GUICHI): Its a pity that we cannot get an agreement, it would have been great but, Im afraid that you are too busy selling your last scoop to The Daily Mirror STUDENT A (VERONICA): Sorry, You are very sceptical about my job. Im in a hurry and I dont even have a minute to lose. We will meet in the courts, see you!!!

Interaction 18/19
STUDENT B (Mary): Ay John, you are so romantic. I never imagined being so lucky as to find someone like you, my cup of tea: optimistic, self-confident, easy going and sincere. You give me strength and happiness. I can't ask for anything else in my life. Im delighted with the restaurant you chose. And the music of the violin is so moving. You did your best my love. STUDENT A (John): Thanks Mary but you deserve everything. I know that lately you have started thinking that I was taking you for granted but nothing could be further from the truth my love, you are the reason of my life. I should admit that working as an editor of the local magazine is taking me more time that I supposed but I promise you that, in the future Ill dedicate more time to make you happier. STUDENT B (Mary): Oh John, you actually make me happy. And now that we taste this delicious rice pudding I would like to take the opportunity to give you my anniversary gift darling. I hope you dont expect an expensive one my love, because, as you know, we are in a serious economic crisis and it wouldn't be worth spending too much money, its just a little gift. STUDENT A (John): Well, Mary you shouldnt have taken the trouble to buy anything for me my love. Ahhh, wonderful, its a key-holder with your initials. STUDENT B (Mary): Do you like it? You can remember me easily. STUDENT A (John): Sure darling. Im so sorry, I wish I had brought my present with me but, unfortunately I left it on my office desk STUDENT B (Mary): Oh I see, you didnt buy it, did you? Ok, its not important but please, you dont have to look for a stupid excuse, ok?

STUDENT A (John): I promise you, my love, that I bought two tickets for the musical Mamma Mia for next week but I forgot them on my office desk. STUDENT B (Mary): Ok my love, Im so sorry for having doubts about you John, I knew you wouldnt let me down.

Interaction 17
STUDENT A (VERONICA): Hello Mary!! How are you? I was just walking around and thought: Why dont I visit my dear sister? It seems ages since I last stopped over her flat!!! STUDENT B (GUICHI): Hi Susan!! What a surprise to see you!!! You are always so busy travelling and spending a good time that I didnt expect your visit STUDENT A (VERONICA): Well, in fact you are right, I wish I hadnt wasted so long travelling, partying, gambling and drinking. STUDENT B (GUICHI): What do you mean Susan? You have always been proud of your life style, you dont have obligations, you dont have to work too much and you can enjoy on your own. STUDENT A (VERONICA): Well, yes, but now I cant afford my lifestyle. I spent all my money in my bad habits. Believe, its so difficult for me to come here to ask for money but, I deeply regret being a happy-go-lucky person. I would like to be like you, my sister; I have always looked up to you: you are a sensible and hard-working woman who knows what to do in every situation. STUDENT B (GUICHI): Oh my God! Did you come here only to ask me for money? Im absolutely nave, Susan. I really supposed that you missed me and wanted to see me. Anyway, how much money do you need? STUDENT A (VERONICA): Please, Mary, dont be angry to me. Im sincere when I tell you that I really regret my behaviour. Ill become a down-to-earth person and change my lifestyle STUDENT B (GUICHI): Ok darling. I cant be angry to you, you are my dear sister. And think that I was jealous of your way of life!! And nowWont you be in trouble, will you? STUDENT A (VERONICA): Not really, I just need 1000 Euros to pay my flats rent STUDENT B (GUICHI): Ok Susan, here you have, Pay your flats rent and tomorrow morning meet me in the city centre. Bring some Curriculums, because we are going to look for a suitable job for you, ok? STUDENT A (VERONICA): Ok Mary, you are my last resort, thank you for always being there for me