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Conversation Advance · Module 12 · Unit 57

White Lies vs. Serious Lies

C1 Advanced Upper

Learning Objectives

Today, you will explore ethics in everyday life and discover useful words and expressions for everyday situations.

Discussion

Direction: Answer these questions.
  1. What does it mean to you to be an ethical person?
  2. Do you think ethics are universal, or do they change based on the situation?
  3. Can you think of a time when doing the right thing was difficult?

New Words & Expressions

Direction: Listen and repeat these words with your teacher.

  • Integrity

    noun

    /ɪnˈteɡrɪti/

    Meaning:The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.

    He has a lot of integrity, which is why we trust him.

    Real Life Tip:

    Considered a top trait for leaders in the US.

  • Accountability

    noun

    /əˌkaʊntəˈbɪlɪti/

    Meaning:The obligation to accept responsibility for one's actions.

    Our team culture is built on personal accountability.

    Real Life Tip:

    Often used in organizational and political contexts.

  • Own up to

    phrasal verb

    /oʊn ʌp tu/

    Meaning:To admit that you have done something wrong.

    It was difficult to own up to my mistake in front of everyone.

    Real Life Tip:

    Shows maturity and builds respect.

  • The moral high ground

    idiom

    /ðə ˈmɔːrəl haɪ ɡraʊnd/

    Meaning:A position in which you are morally superior to others.

    He tried to take the moral high ground during the argument.

    Real Life Tip:

    Can sometimes sound arrogant.

  • Sleazy

    slang

    /ˈsliːzi/

    Meaning:Corrupt, dishonest, or morally lacking.

    That salesperson had a sleazy way of pressuring me.

    Real Life Tip:

    Used to describe someone who lacks integrity.

Conversation

Direction:

  • Listen carefully as your teacher reads the conversation aloud.
  • Role-play the conversation with your teacher
Michael and Emma discuss the ethics of a potential client who seems untrustworthy.
  • Michael
    I'm not sure about this client. He seems a bit sleazy.
  • Emma
    I noticed that too. He keeps avoiding any real accountability.
  • Michael
    We should maintain our integrity, even if it means losing the money.

Q&A

Direction: Answer the questions based on the conversation.
  1. Why do Michael and Emma doubt the potential client?
  2. What do they decide is more important than money?
  3. What does Emma say they need to own up to?

Exercise

Direction: Choose the correct answer to complete each sentence, then read it aloud. Each question gives you 5 Points.

  1. What is integrity?

  2. What is accountability?

  3. You must ____ up to your mistakes.

  4. Don't be such a ____ person.

  5. the / ground / take / moral / high

  6. is / everything / integrity

Ask Your Teacher

Direction: Ask your teacher these questions.
  1. How can a business balance profit and accountability?
  2. Is it possible to be successful without sacrificing your integrity?
  3. When is it better to walk away from a client who seems sleazy?

Your Time To Speak

Direction: Answer using the language you have learned in this lesson. Talk about yourself!
  1. Why is it so hard to own up to mistakes?
  2. How do you define your personal ethics?
  3. Can a sleazy person change their ways?
  4. Is integrity something you are born with or learn?
  5. How do you handle someone who tries to take the moral high ground?
  6. What does accountability look like in a friendship?
  7. How do you teach children about ethics?
  8. Is it ever okay to prioritize money over integrity?
  9. What is the difference between ethics and morals?
  10. How can I better hold myself to my own ethical standards?
Emma
Agreed. I don't want to lower our standards for anyone.
  • Michael
    It's tempting to take the deal, but it feels wrong.
  • Emma
    If we own up to our values, we'll find better clients.
  • Michael
    True. Let's not worry about taking the moral high ground, let's just be honest.
  • Emma
    Exactly. Integrity is worth more than a quick buck.