Why do we have so much stuff?
This is a list of key vocabulary and expressions from the article in order of how useful they are. The expressions in italics are additional and cannot be found in the article. The student must choose 6 items from the list to study in the lesson.
To make someone/ something happy, sad, difficult, etc. (meaning to cause someone/ something to become happy, sad, difficult, etc. E.g. 'You've made me very happy.')
To get rid of something/ someone
To be fed up with something/ someone
Fancy (adjective, meaning expensive or luxurious)
To be in a good/ bad mood
To work out something (meaning discover or find a solution)
To take up time/ space (meaning use space/ time)
Rash (meaning careless)
15 conversation-provoking questions related to the article.
Why do people buy so much stuff?
Is buying stuff good for us?
Have humans always needed so much stuff?
Is our consumption damaging the environment? Why?
Would it be good for the world if we bought less stuff?
Do you buy a lot of stuff?
Do you try to buy stuff to create an image of yourself?
Could you live with an incredibly small amount of stuff, like a minimalist? Why?
Is our desire for stuff an instinct or did we learn it?
Have you ever been jealous of another person’s material possessions? Why?
If you won the lottery, how would you spend your money?
What is the possession that has brought you the most happiness?
When was the last time you wasted money on something?
Do you think that the next generation will have as much useless stuff as we do?
Are you heavily influenced by adverts?