4. Look at the words and phrases in the box that come from the recordings. Which are associated with a) saving or b) spending? Listen again to check.
interest
conspicuous consumption
go on a spree
set a budget
run out of cash
a sound investment
a nest egg
a treat
to economise
in the red
shopaholic
get through money like water
on impulse
put it away for a rainy day
a 'must-have' item
Listening 2
You will hear part of a radio programme in which a sociologist, Graham Styles, and a journalist, Sally Greengrass, are discussing the effects of consumerism in society. Choose the answer (À, Â, Ñ or D) which fits best according to what you hear.
1 In relation to the research he describes, Graham feels
A unsure what conclusions to draw from it.
 disappointed at how ungrateful people seemed to be.
Ñ concerned about how people interpreted the questions.
D unconvinced that increased income leads to contentment.
2 Graham gives the example of a fridge to show how
A consumer goods have gone up in price.
 people have unreal expectations of consumer goods.
Ñ people are influenced by the conspicuous consumption of others.
D consumer goods that were once luxuries have now become essentials.
3 Sally feels that the desire to own luxury goods is
A not necessarily related to status.
 not as unusual as Graham thinks it is.
Ñ not actually related to personal happiness.
Dnot growing as much as Graham suggests.
4 According to Graham, what is the main problem that consumerism brings?
A people becoming more selfish
 natural resources being wasted
Ñ environmental problems getting worse
D people getting into financial difficulties
5 What point does Sally make about the production of luxury goods?
A It is good for the economy.
 It has seen a decline in quality.
Ñ It has changed a lot since the 1950s.
D It is not doing as well as it once was.
6 Graham feels that family life is suffering as a result of