Listening

You will hear two people, Miriam and Ian, discussing their personal views on happiness. For questions 1-6. decide whether the opinions are expressed by only one of the speakers, or whether the speakers agree.

Write M for Miriam

I for Ian

B for both

	1	Happiness is only ever an ephemeral sensation.
	2	Domestic harmony is a precondition for happiness.
	3	To experience happiness you have to be in a safe environment.
	4	Feelings of happiness are usually triggered by something specific.
	5	I impose restrictions on my choice of music during times of extreme happiness.
	6	Good food is conducive to the experiencing of happiness.

Explain the meaning of the following expressions.

7. be on cloud nine

8. rose-tinted spectacles

9. the bee’s knees

10. put yourself on the line

11. lotus-eating

12. in my book

Academic vocabulary in use

1. Read the text and fill the gaps with the words from the box.

ADVERSITY ANTICIPATED CONTEND EMPATHY ORDEAL

PROVINCE TRANQUIL TRIBULATIONS VICIOUS WEATHER

The Hidden Side of Happiness

A rich, rewarding life often requires a messy battle with adversity.

Hurricanes, house fires, cancer, white-water rafting accidents, plane crashes,…(1)… attacks in dark alleyways. To their surprise, many people find that enduring such a harrowing …(2)… ultimately changes them for the better.

We love to hear the stories of people who have been transformed by their …(3)…, perhaps because they testify psychological truth: there is a built-in human capacity to flourish under the most difficult circumstances.

Positive reactions to profoundly disturbing experiences are not limited to the toughest or the bravest. In fact, roughly half the people who struggle with …(4)… say that their lives have in some ways improved.

This and other promising findings about the life-changing effects of crises are the …(5)… of the new science of post-traumatic growth. This fledgling field has already proved the truth of what once passed as bromide: what doesn't kill you can actually make you stronger.

Those who …(6)… adversity well are living proof of one of the paradoxes of happiness: we need more than pleasure to live the best possible life. It turns out that the people who have suffered the most, who have been forced to …(7)… with shocks they never …(8)… and to rethink the meaning of their lives, may have the most to tell us about that profound and intensely fulfilling journey that philosophers used to call the search for "the good life."

This broader definition of good living blends deep satisfaction and a profound connection to others through …(9)…. It is dominated by happy feelings but seasoned also with nostalgia and regret. Compassion, wisdom, altruism, insight, creativity—sometimes only the trials of adversity can foster these qualities, because sometimes only drastic situations can force us to take on the painful process of change. To live a full human life, a …(10)…, carefree existence is not enough. We also need to grow—and sometimes growing hurts.

2. Read the following text and decide which answer (A, B, C or D) best fits each gap.

Fashion Fashion may be said to encompass any of four forms. First, there is a conscious manipulation of dress that …(1)… for effect, a ‘fashion statement’ or ‘fad’. Second, fashion may designate innovations in dress that are more …(2)… than simple fads. Some of these changes occur abruptly, whether due to economic fluctuations, or even the sudden …(3)… of certain materials; other innovations may develop more deliberately. Third is the phenomenon …(4)… styles in particular area of dress change swiftly and repeatedly, with the new ones replacing the old in …(5)… succession. Finally, fashion may refer specifically to the use of such adornments as cosmetics, fragrance and jewellery, whose primary purpose is to enhance a wearer’s …(6)… features.
	1	A attempts	B strives	C endeavours	D seeks
	2	A eternal	B perpetual	C enduring	D continuing
	3	A abundance	B overload	C excess	D crop
	4	A whereas	B whereupon	C whereabouts	D whereby
	5	A prompt	B rapid	C fast	D brisk
	6	A naked	B raw	C commonplace	D natural