Conversation 1 – Cosmetic surgery and social media
A: Do you think you would ever have cosmetic surgery?
B: Me? No, I don’t think so. I’m really against it actually. I think it’s becoming far too normal because of social media.
A: Really, why?
B: It can be quite dangerous—some of the procedures people have, um…
A: Yeah, I know what you mean.
B: Take the case of my cousin—she had lip fillers last year.
A: Did she?
B: Yeah, and she couldn’t, you know, she couldn’t…
A: Smile properly?
B: Yeah, she couldn’t smile naturally—her lips looked completely different for weeks.
A: Although if someone’s really, really overweight and it becomes a health problem, do you think maybe then they should have some kind of surgery, you know, such as weight-loss surgery?
B: Oh, I see. For health reasons maybe, yes, I suppose so. I mean you’ve got a point there, but I still don’t like the sound of it. I wouldn’t do it myself.
A: I might, if it was to do with my health.
Are these people for or against this topic?
Conversation 2 – Streaming, piracy and creators
A: Do you ever watch films or TV shows on illegal streaming websites?
B: You mean illegally? No. I think I’m probably one of the few people that don’t do it. I’ve always paid, whether it’s Netflix, Disney+ or Amazon Prime.
A: Why? I mean lots of people I know do it.
B: Well, the way I see it, it’s just theft, isn’t it? I mean…
A: Oh, I totally disagree.
B: I mean, filmmakers and actors have copyright on their work, so you’re stealing from them. It’s as simple as that.
A: But it’s a well-known fact that streaming services don’t pay creators very much anyway. So they don’t lose out. I mean, they want people to watch their programmes.
B: Hmm. I’m not so sure about that. If people watch everything for free, how can creators make any money?
A: Well, the famous ones don’t need more money, and for independent filmmakers, social media is the way they become well known so they don’t have to spend a fortune, you know, on advertising and marketing.
B: Yeah, but…
A: …anyway, nowadays a lot of creators make most of their money from sponsorships and live events.
B: Hmm. I’m still not convinced. Aren’t you worried about getting caught? For instance, people have received huge fines for sharing copyrighted films online.
A: Really? Ouch!
B: Yeah, so maybe you’d better think again.
A: Hmm.
Are these people for or against this topic?
Conversation 3 – Low-traffic neighbourhoods
A: Have you seen this plan in the local paper about closing some streets to traffic?
B: Oh, you mean the idea of creating a low-traffic neighbourhood?
A: Yes, only allowing local traffic. What do you think of the idea?
B: Oh, I’m in favour of it. I think it’d be really good for the environment, you know, for cutting down pollution.
A: Well, I don’t know. Apparently it’s been shown that traffic just moves onto other roads.
B: How can it? But even if it does at the moment, it seems to me that towns are bound to improve over time, you know, with better public transport and more cycle lanes.
A: Maybe.
B: Does that mean you’re against it?
A: Yes, on balance, I think I am. I mean, according to the article, when they introduced the scheme in another town, local businesses said they lost customers.
B: That doesn’t sound right if more people are walking and cycling. I suppose the main thing is to put money into making sure you have a good public transport system.
A: Okay. I mean I agree to some extent, but actually, I think the town centre works perfectly fine as it is.
B: But it’s clogged up. You know, you can’t move—it’s polluted.
A: It’s a bit clogged up, but if you’re patient you eventually find somewhere to park.
B: Well, I just hope they decide soon.
A: Yeah.
Are these people for or against this topic?
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