South Korea: Why so many struggle to sleep
This is a list of key vocabulary and expressions from the article in order of how useful they are. The student must choose 6 items from the list to study in the lesson.
To be used to (doing) something
To deal with (something/ someone)
Far bigger/ better/ more beautiful etc.
To have trouble doing something
What’s the point (of (doing) something)?
To take a toll (on something/ someone)
To cater to (someone/ something)
15 conversation-provoking questions related to the article.
1. What do you know about Ji-Eun and her situation?
2. Why does South Korea have such a big sleep deprivation problem?
3. What do you know about the sleep-aid industry in South Korea?
4. What have been some of the criticisms of the sleep-aid industry in South Korea?
5. ‘Normally, people who suffer from sleep deprivation only have themselves to blame. They simply need to change their habits and everything will be fine.’ Do you agree?
6. ‘Paying for therapy, medication and Buddhist retreats for South Koreans is pointless. Instead, they should make a law banning people from working more than 40 hours a week.’ Do you agree?
7. ‘I’ve always wanted to go to a Buddhist meditation retreat. I think I’d enjoy this much more than a party holiday in Ibiza.’ Is this true for you?
8. ‘I never have any trouble sleeping. Even when I’m very stressed out, I sleep like a baby.’ Is this true for you?
9. ‘I know someone who did something very strange when they were asleep.’ Is this true for you?
10. ‘I’d rather do the day-shift for £30,000 a year than the night-shift for £100,000 a year.’ Is this true for you?
11. ‘Sometimes, I really struggle to get out of bed in the morning.’ Is this true for you?
12. ‘You shouldn’t have long lie-ins on the weekend, lie-ins are a waste of time.’ Do you agree?
13. ‘I always finish work at exactly 5pm, and after I finish, I don’t think about work again until 9am the next day.’ Is this true for you?
14. ‘I always fall asleep when I shouldn’t. I fall asleep during meetings, lectures and while I’m watching tv. It’s so embarrassing!’ Is this true for you?
15. ‘People in South Korea should use natural remedies instead of sleeping pills to deal with sleep deprivation.’ Do you agree?