Difficult economic times

1)

a) True. “In a recession more people are out of work because companies save money by cutting
jobs. That way they don't have to pay wages to so many people. This means that there are fewer
jobs for people”

b) True- “The Spanish economy is going through a difficult period at the moment, like many other
countries' economies around the world”

c) True “They may have to make some cutbacks in their spending this summer. For example,
they may not be able to take you on a foreign holiday but, instead on a holiday somewhere
in the islands. They may not be able to take you and your friends to a theme park but,
instead, to the cinema.

2)
a) rising
syn: increasing, growing

b) to immerse

We are immeresed in a really interesting project at the moment.

c) wages
syn: salary

They don't earn much money, their wages are very low.

d) Carer
Loly is my grandmother's carer, she takes care of her while we are working

e) Cutbacks

syn: reduction

The government made cutbacks in the budgets.

f) Tough

syn: Hard
I've had a tough day and now I am really tired
3)

1. Can I go by myself?
2. How much does it cost?
3. Are there any transport services to get to the Great Wall?
4. What is the cheapest way to go?
5. Is there any transport service that goes directly to the Wall?
6. Have you ever been there?
7. Is the Great Wall so big?
8. Would you like to go with me?

4)

1) I can help you to study for the exam, you know I am really good at History.

2) I'm sorry but I cannot go to the supermarket to buy bread and milk because
at the moment I'm really busy studying for an exam.

3) I'm sorry but I don't feel like going to the cinema on Saturday. I am really tired
because I have the flu.
4) Would you like to go to the new disco with me this weekend? We will have a good time.
5) I'm sorry but I haven't studied for the English exam. I have a lot of exams this week
and I forgot about the English exam.
6) I'm sorry but this sweater is too small, I need a bigger size.

5.

Dear Laura,

I would like to tell you about my experience with Paco. This situation is very delicate. Paco is
a young man who lives in the street. He is tall and handsome and he has a beard. I feel really
sad for him because he is homeless but he helps other people. He is living a terrible situation
and he does not have food. I think that maybe we could help him. We must buy him some food
and a blanket because it is very cold during winter. His clothes are dirty and broken so we
could buy him some new clothes. He needs clean clothes so he can find a new job and earn
money to rent a house. Would you like to help him?

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

Lydia