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This podcast is designed to give English students extra practice by discussing events, history, culture and language.
Winter is a time when many people slow down. The days are shorter, the weather is colder, and many adults have some time off work. Today, you will listen to a short story about three winter decisions. After each decision, stop and think. What would you do?
Pay attention to the intensifiers used when talking about the options. Intensifiers give a level of certainty, and they are often used when talking about options. Some intensifiers means 100% certain while others are much less certain.
DECISION 1: Stay at Home or Travel?
It is the first week of winter holidays. I finally have time off. I don’t need to wake up early, and I don’t need to check my emails all the time. Now I need to decide: Should I stay at home or travel somewhere else?
If I stay at home, my life will certainly be easier. I won’t need to pack a bag, and I won’t need to spend much money. I will probably wake up late, drink coffee slowly, and watch movies in the evening. This option is definitely comfortable. But possibly, after a few days, I will feel bored.
If I travel, everything will be different. It will absolutely be more exciting. I will see new places and meet new people. But it will probably be more stressful too. Trains could be late, hotels could be expensive, and the weather could be bad. This option is certainly not the easiest one.
What would you do? Stay at home or travel? Why?
Now, which intensifiers did you hear that mean 100% certain – certainly, definitely and absolutely.
DECISION 2: Spend Time Alone or With Other People?
I need to make a decision about this, so I ask myself: “Do I want to spend most of my time alone, or with other people?”
If I stay alone, I will definitely have more peace and quiet. I can read, think, and rest without anyone asking me questions. This is most likely good for my mental health. However, I could possibly feel lonely, especially in the evening.
If I spend time with other people, I will certainly laugh more. We can cook together, talk, and share stories. It is absolutely nice to feel connected. But it will probably be tiring sometimes, and I may not have enough time for myself.
Which option is better for you in winter and the Christmas holiday?
And which intensifiers did you hear that mean you are not 100% certain? – most likely, possibly and probably.
DECISION 3: Plan Everything or Be Flexible?
Now comes the final decision. I ask myself one last question: “Should I plan everything, or should I be flexible?”
If I plan everything, I will totally feel more in control. I will know what I am doing each day. This option is useful if I don’t like surprises, but it is also possible that I will feel stressed if something changes.
If I stay flexible, perhaps my days will feel more relaxed. I can decide in the moment what I want to do. This sounds utterly free and calm. However, maybe I will waste time if I don’t make any decisions.
Do you like plans, or do you prefer freedom?
Which are the 100% certain intensifiers? – totally and utterly
Which are not? – perhaps and maybe
In conclusion, there is no perfect winter holiday, and decision making can sometimes be made with certainty and sometimes not. What matters most is how we feel at the end. This winter, your choices will probably say a lot about what you need right now.