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Conversation Advance · Module 19 · Unit 92

Comparing Fictional vs. Real Societies

C2 Proficient

Learning Objectives

Today, you will explore the freedom vs. security debate and discover useful words and expressions for everyday situations.

Discussion

Direction: Answer these questions.
  1. Would you give up privacy for more security?
  2. How do you define freedom in your daily life?
  3. Have you ever felt that security measures were propaganda?

New Words & Expressions

Direction: Listen and repeat these words with your teacher.

  • Compromise

    noun

    /ˈkɒmprəmaɪz/

    Meaning:An agreement reached by each side giving something up.

    There must be a compromise between security and freedom.

    Real Life Tip:

    Highly valued in democratic societies.

  • Vigilant

    adjective

    /ˈvɪdʒɪlənt/

    Meaning:Keeping careful watch for possible danger.

    We must remain vigilant about our rights.

    Real Life Tip:

    Suggests active protection of values.

  • Back down

    phrasal verb

    /bæk daʊn/

    Meaning:To retreat from a position.

    We should not back down on this issue.

    Real Life Tip:

    Used in arguments or negotiations.

  • At the expense of

    idiom

    /æt ði ɪkˈspens əv/

    Meaning:With loss or damage to something else.

    They are prioritizing security at the expense of privacy.

    Real Life Tip:

    Used to show trade-offs.

  • Sketchy

    slang

    /ˈsketʃi/

    Meaning:Unreliable.

    That law seems sketchy.

    Real Life Tip:

    Expresses skepticism about rules.

Conversation

Direction:

  • Listen carefully as your teacher reads the conversation aloud.
  • Role-play the conversation with your teacher
David and Olivia debate the trade-offs of city security cameras.
  • David
    I understand the need for safety, but not at the expense of privacy.
  • Olivia
    It is a tough compromise to make, David.
  • David
    Still, we must remain vigilant about how these cameras are used.

Q&A

Direction: Answer the questions based on the conversation.
  1. What is the main disagreement between David and Olivia?
  2. What does David say about vigilance?
  3. What will they do next?

Exercise

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

  1. What is a compromise?

  2. What does vigilant mean?

  3. Do not back ____ on your principles.

  4. He succeeded ____ the expense of his health.

  5. worth / for / fighting / is / freedom

  6. must / we / vigilant / remain

Ask Your Teacher

Direction: Ask your teacher these questions.
  1. How do you find a fair compromise in daily disputes?
  2. Why is it hard to stay vigilant in a busy world?
  3. Can you think of a time you refused to back down?

Your Time To Speak

Direction: Answer using the language you have learned in this lesson. Talk about yourself!
  1. How do I argue for privacy without being difficult?
  2. When is it time to back down from an argument?
  3. Is total security possible in a free society?
  4. How do I remain vigilant without becoming paranoid?
  5. What are the best examples of a healthy compromise?
  6. Why is freedom sometimes at the expense of security?
  7. How do I handle sketchy rules at work?
  8. What does freedom mean to you personally?
  9. How do I balance rights and responsibilities?
  10. How do we teach others to value freedom?
Olivia
True. If we do not speak up, they will just install more.
  • David
    Exactly. We cannot just back down because of a few scary headlines.
  • Olivia
    Some of those official statements sound pretty fishy to me.
  • David
    I agree. Let us prepare our arguments for the meeting.
  • Olivia
    Good plan. Freedom is worth fighting for.