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C1.2A Class Google Site:

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C1.2B Class Google Site:

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Class Blog:

https://englishadvancedc1.blogspot.com/

Ready for C1 p 23. Christmas. Interaction Sample

Holiday Traditions & Family Dynamics

Many people feel obligated to conceal their disappointment about receiving unwanted gifts. Should we prioritize honesty or politeness in these situations? What are the consequences of each approach for family relationships?
Is there a notable discrepancy between the idealized family gatherings shown in media and the reality most people experience? How can we maintain awareness of this gap without becoming cynical about the holidays?
When family members have a lack of compatibility in their political or religious views, what's your suggestion for navigating holiday dinners? Should hosts take responsibility for establishing ground rules?

Commercialization & Consumer Culture

Do you express your strong disapproval of the commercialization of Christmas, or do you believe the economic aspect serves an important purpose? Discuss the ramifications of the proliferation of Black Friday sales extending into November.
Has there been a downturn in the meaningful aspects of holiday celebrations due to excessive consumerism? What represents the biggest impediment to returning to more authentic traditions?
Some argue that the simplicity of gift-giving has been lost to competitive spending. What's your proposal for addressing this without causing embarrassment to those who enjoy elaborate celebrations?

Workplace & Professional Obligations

Is the prevalence of mandatory office holiday parties a positive tradition or an outdated practice? Should employees feel comfortable expressing their dissatisfaction with being pressured to attend?
How can managers balance the importance of year-end performance reviews with the holiday spirit? Is there the viability of delaying difficult conversations until January?
What's the consequence of companies' failure to provide adequate time off during the holidays? Should there be greater adherence to work-life balance principles at this time of year?

Social Expectations & Mental Health

There's ongoing contention about whether the pressure to be joyful during the holidays is harmful to those struggling with grief or depression. How can we show greater awareness of mental health challenges during this season?
Do social media posts create a notable discrepancy between perceived and actual holiday experiences? What are the ramifications of constantly comparing our celebrations to others'?
Should people feel free to express their dissatisfaction with holiday obligations, or does this represent negligence toward family traditions? Where's the balance between self-care and social responsibility?

New Year's Resolutions & Personal Goals

Given the prevalence of failed New Year's resolutions by February, is there the viability of this tradition at all? What would be your suggestion for making commitments more sustainable?
Is our collective inability to maintain resolutions a result of unrealistic goal-setting or the inadequacy of our support systems? What represents a considerable improvement in how we approach personal change?
Should we reach a consensus on abandoning the "New Year, New You" mentality? Discuss the consequence of the pressure to completely reinvent yourself each January.

Cultural & Religious Perspectives

How can multicultural societies better handle the fluctuation in religious and secular celebrations during this season? Is there a lack of compatibility between respecting diverse traditions and maintaining shared cultural moments?
Do you think there's been a reduction in genuine religious observance during Christmas, even among believers? What's the importance of distinguishing between cultural and religious celebrations?
What assurances can be provided to minority communities that their winter celebrations receive equal recognition? Is the assertion that Christmas dominates public space justified?

Environmental & Ethical Considerations

Should we express our strong disapproval of excessive holiday consumption from an environmental perspective? What's a realistic proposal for more sustainable celebrations without diminishing joy?
Is there a notable discrepancy between people's stated commitment to environmental values and their actual holiday behavior? Who should take responsibility for addressing the waste generated during this season?
Discuss the prospect of future holidays being significantly altered by climate change or resource scarcity. What changes would require the most difficult adjustments?

Reflection & Closure

What's your contention regarding the arbitrary nature of treating January 1st as a fresh start? Does the simplicity of this date-based thinking have value despite lacking originality?
Many people make a request for forgiveness or seek reconciliation at year's end. Is this genuine reflection or mere adherence to tradition? What's the importance of authentic closure versus ritual?
Looking at the past year, would you conceal your disappointment about certain outcomes to maintain optimism, or is honest evaluation more valuable? What are the consequences of each approach for personal growth?

Sample C1 Dialogue: Christmas & New Year Discussion

Participants: Maria and James

Maria: So, James, what's your take on New Year's resolutions? I have to say, I'm rather skeptical about the (1)_____________ (VIABLE) of the whole tradition, given that most people abandon them within weeks.

James: That's an interesting point, actually. I can see where you're coming from, but I'd argue it's not so much the (2)________________ (ADEQUATE) of the concept itself as our (3)_____________ (FAIL) to set realistic goals. What makes you so doubtful about them?

Maria: Well, I suppose my main (4)_____________ (CONTENTIOUS) is that there's a notable discrepancy between the ambitious changes people promise themselves and their actual (5)_____________ (COMMITED) to following through. It feels somewhat artificial, doesn't it? This idea that January 1st magically transforms us.

James: I'm inclined to agree with you there, to some extent. Though I must say, I find it fascinating how the (6)____________ (PREVALENT) of social media has amplified this phenomenon. Everyone's posting their resolution lists, which arguably creates even more pressure.

Maria: Absolutely! And that raises another issue—people often conceal their (7)_______________ (DISAPPOINTED) about not achieving these goals, which I think has serious (8)_______________ (RAMIFY) for mental health. They end up feeling like failures privately while maintaining a successful facade online.

James: That's a really valid point. I hadn't quite thought of it that way. So what would be your suggestion for a better approach? Surely you're not advocating for abandoning goal-setting altogether?

Maria: Not entirely, no. I'd say my proposal would be to shift away from this annual pressure and toward ongoing reflection throughout the year. The arbitrary timing strikes me as problematic. What's your view on that?

James: I see what you mean, though I'm not entirely convinced. There's something to be said for the importance of having a designated moment for reflection, wouldn't you say? A sort of collective reset, even if it's somewhat symbolic.

Maria: Fair enough. I suppose I can appreciate that perspective. Moving on to a related topic—how do you feel about the commercialization of Christmas? Do you express your strong (9)______________ (APPROVE) of how consumerist it's become?

James: To be honest, I have rather mixed feelings about that. On one hand, yes, I do find the (10)____________ (PROLIFERATE) of Black Friday sales and the relentless advertising quite off-putting. But on the other hand, I'm conscious that many people's livelihoods depend on holiday spending.

Maria: That's a nuanced take. I appreciate that you're considering the economic dimension. But don't you think there's a lack of (11)_______________ (COMPATIBLE) between the supposed spiritual meaning of Christmas and the frenzied shopping culture?

James: You've hit upon something there, I think. Though I'd push back slightly and say perhaps we're being a bit idealistic about what Christmas "should" be. The reality is that gift-giving has always been part of the tradition, hasn't it?

Maria: I take your point, though I'd argue there's been a considerable improvement in awareness about sustainable gifting in recent years. More people seem interested in experiences over material goods, which strikes me as positive.

James: That's an encouraging observation. I'm curious, though—how do you personally navigate the gift-giving expectations? Do you ever feel pressure to spend beyond your means?

Maria: Occasionally, yes. And I must admit, I sometimes struggle with my inability to say no to certain obligations. There's this expectation that you'll attend every party, buy gifts for everyone, maintain elaborate traditions... It can be utterly exhausting.

James: I completely empathize with that. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that the consequence of these overwhelming expectations is that many people end up dreading the holidays rather than enjoying them. My partner and I have started expressing our (12)_______________ (SATISFY) with certain family obligations more openly.

Maria: Really? That's quite bold. How has that been received?

James: Better than expected, actually. Initially, there was some resistance—my mother seemed to think our failure to attend every single gathering showed (13)______________ (NEGLIGENT) toward family values. But we provided assurances that we still value family time, just in more manageable doses.

Maria: Good for you! I think that takes considerable courage. There's definitely the prospect of causing embarrassment or offense when you break with tradition, isn't there?

James: Precisely. Though I'd argue someone needs to take responsibility for establishing healthier boundaries. We can't keep perpetuating patterns that make everyone miserable simply to avoid awkwardness.

Maria: I couldn't agree more. You know, this conversation has got me thinking about the (14)________________ (FLUCTUATE) in how we perceive holidays at different life stages. When you're a child, it's magical, but as an adult, the obligations seem to multiply.

James: That's spot on. I wonder if there's a way to recapture the (15)______________ (SIMPLE) of childhood celebrations without regressing entirely. Perhaps focusing on fewer, more meaningful activities rather than trying to do everything?

Maria: Now that's a suggestion I can definitely get behind. Though I suspect many people would resist the idea of scaling back. There's this (16)______________ (ASSERT) that "more is more" when it comes to holidays—more decorations, more parties, more gifts.

James: True enough. And attempting to reach a (17)___________ (CONSENSUAL) on what constitutes "enough" would be virtually impossible, given how personal these preferences are. I suppose the key is allowing people to celebrate in ways that feel authentic to them without judgment.

Maria: Well said. You know, I've genuinely enjoyed this discussion. It's given me food for thought about my own approach to the holidays. Perhaps I'll try to be more intentional this year rather than just going through the motions.

James: Likewise! It's been really thought-provoking. And who knows? Maybe having this kind of open conversation is itself a step toward addressing the (18)____________ (ADEQUATE) of how we typically discuss holiday stress—which is to say, we usually don't discuss it at all.

Maria: Exactly! We should normalize these conversations. There's too much pressure to maintain the perfect holiday facade when, in reality, most people are struggling with similar issues.

James: Couldn't have put it better myself.

KEY

1. viability

2. inadequacy

3. failure

4. contention

5. commitment

6. prevalence

7. disappointment

8. ramifications

9. disapproval

10. proliferation

11. compatibility

12. dissatisfaction

13. negligence

14. fluctuation

15. simplicity

16. assertion

17. consensus

18. inadequacy

Ready for C1 p 23. Information and New Technologies. High-level Nouns. Speaking

C1 Discussion Questions: Information & New Technologies

Digital Privacy & Data Protection

Do you express your strong disapproval of how tech companies handle personal data, or do you accept it as the consequence of using free services? What assurances should companies provide to users?
Is there a notable discrepancy between what users think they're sharing online and what companies actually collect? Who should take responsibility for educating the public about digital privacy?
What's your contention regarding government surveillance programmes? Can we reach a consensus on balancing national security with individual privacy rights?

Social Media & Online Communication

Has there been a downturn in the quality of public discourse since the proliferation of social media platforms? What represents the biggest impediment to constructive online dialogue?
Do you think the inadequacy of content moderation policies has serious ramifications for democracy? What would be your proposal for addressing misinformation without compromising free speech?
Some people conceal their disappointment about how social media has affected their relationships. Is there the viability of returning to more meaningful, offline connections in our digital age?

Artificial Intelligence & Automation

What's the importance of establishing ethical guidelines for AI development now, before the technology becomes more advanced? Is our current adherence to responsible innovation principles sufficient?
Do you believe companies' failure to consider the social impact of automation represents negligence? Should there be greater commitment to retraining displaced workers?
Is there a lack of compatibility between rapid AI advancement and existing legal frameworks? How can we address the consequence of technology outpacing regulation?

Digital Literacy & Education

Has there been a considerable improvement in digital literacy education, or are we still failing to prepare people adequately? What's your suggestion for integrating technology skills into curricula?
Do you express your dissatisfaction with the current state of online education? Is there a notable discrepancy between the promise of e-learning and its actual effectiveness?
What are the ramifications of the digital divide for social equality? Should internet access be considered a basic right, and who should take responsibility for ensuring universal access?

Misinformation & News Credibility

Given the prevalence of fake news, how can individuals develop better critical thinking skills? Is the simplicity of fact-checking tools enough to combat misinformation?
Do you think there's been a reduction in trust in traditional media outlets? What's the consequence of this erosion of institutional credibility for society?
Some argue that platform negligence in addressing misinformation has contributed to political polarisation. Do you agree with this assertion? What's the prospect of effectively regulating content without censorship?

Technology Addiction & Mental Health

Is there sufficient awareness of how technology affects mental health, particularly amongst young people? What would be your request to tech companies regarding addictive design features?
Do you express your strong disapproval of social media algorithms that prioritise engagement over wellbeing? What are the ramifications of the attention economy for human psychology?
Has there been a considerable improvement in how we discuss technology addiction, or is there still stigma preventing people from expressing their inability to disconnect?

Cybersecurity & Digital Threats

What's the importance of cybersecurity literacy in the modern world? Should individuals take responsibility for their own online security, or is this primarily a corporate and governmental duty?
Is there a notable discrepancy between the sophistication of cyber threats and the average person's ability to protect themselves? What represents the biggest impediment to better security practices?
Do you think the proliferation of connected devices (IoT) creates unacceptable security risks? Can we reach a consensus on minimum security standards for smart devices?

Remote Work & Digital Transformation

Has the shift to remote work resulted in a considerable improvement in work-life balance, or has it created new problems? Is there the viability of fully remote work for most industries long-term?
What's the consequence of the fluctuation in remote work policies post-pandemic? Should employees have a legal right to work from home, or should this remain an employer's decision?
Do you express your dissatisfaction with how companies have handled digital transformation? Is there a lack of compatibility between traditional corporate culture and modern technology?

Big Tech & Market Power

Should we express our strong disapproval of tech monopolies, or are they the consequence of natural market forces? What's your proposal for addressing concerns about market concentration?
Is there a notable discrepancy between Big Tech's stated values and their actual business practices? Who should take responsibility for holding these companies accountable?
What are the ramifications of a few companies controlling so much of our digital infrastructure? Is there the prospect of meaningful antitrust action, or is regulation futile?

Innovation & Technological Progress

Do you think there's been a downturn in truly innovative technology recently, with companies focusing on incremental improvements rather than breakthrough innovations? What represents the biggest impediment to revolutionary advances?
Is our cultural commitment to technological solutionism—believing technology can solve all problems—misguided? Should we express our dissatisfaction with this mindset?
What's your contention regarding the pace of technological change? Is humanity's inability to adapt quickly enough a serious concern, or are worries about technological disruption overblown?

Digital Rights & Internet Governance

Can we reach a consensus on what constitutes acceptable internet governance? Is there a lack of compatibility between different nations' approaches to regulating the digital sphere?
What assurances should governments provide regarding their adherence to protecting digital rights? How can citizens hold authorities accountable for overreach?
Do you believe the inadequacy of current internet governance models will have serious ramifications for future generations? What's the importance of establishing international digital rights standards now?

Sample Answer

Question: There's ongoing contention about whether artificial intelligence represents the prospect of unprecedented progress or poses existential risks. Where do you stand on this debate?

Sample Answer:

I believe this debate suffers from a lack of compatibility between the two extremes being presented. Rather than viewing AI as purely beneficial or catastrophic, I think we need to reach a consensus on a more nuanced position that acknowledges both the viability of transformative benefits and the legitimate concerns about potential harms.

On one hand, I can't express my strong disapproval of the optimistic view entirely, because there's already been a considerable improvement in healthcare diagnostics, scientific research, and accessibility tools thanks to AI. The importance of these advances shouldn't be understated—they represent genuine progress in addressing human challenges. However, my main contention with unbridled techno-optimism is its failure to adequately address the immediate risks we're already witnessing, such as the proliferation of deepfakes and misinformation.

What truly causes me to express my dissatisfaction with the current trajectory is the inadequacy of existing regulatory frameworks. There's a notable discrepancy between the pace of AI development and our governmental adherence to safety protocols. This represents a significant impediment to responsible innovation. The negligence shown by some tech companies in rushing products to market without sufficient testing has serious ramifications—we're already seeing consequences of biased algorithms in hiring, lending, and criminal justice.

My proposal would be to establish international standards that ensure commitment to ethical AI development without stifling innovation entirely. This isn't just a suggestion; it's an urgent request for coordinated action. We need assurances from developers that they're taking responsibility for the systems they create, including their inability to predict all outcomes.

Rather than conceal our disappointment about AI's shortcomings or deny the prospect of its benefits, we should maintain awareness of both possibilities. The simplicity of framing this as a binary choice—progress versus doom—lacks originality and prevents productive dialogue. The real challenge is managing the fluctuation in public opinion while building robust safeguards that don't result in a downturn in innovation. Ultimately, the prevalence of fear-mongering on both sides only creates embarrassment for serious researchers trying to navigate this complex terrain responsibly.

Ready for C1 p 23. Lego. Listening

The LEGO® Story: How it all started | Mini Movie

The Improbable Rise of LEGO

Ready for C1 p 24. If You Want to Be a Good Lover, Be a Great Hater. Verb Form Gap Fill

Read the following text and fill in the gaps with the verb that best fits each space using the correct verb form of the verbs below. There are TWO extra verbs you will not need. The activity begins with an example (0).

be, take, say, call, persuade, turn out, entertain, have, offer, indulge, strike, feel, look, revolt, find, date

A new app (0) offers to help single people (1) a partner by uniting them not with others who like the same things, such as opera, vegan sausages and pedigree cats, but with people who share their dislikes.

It (2) Hater and (3) me as quite brilliant. ‘Likes’ tell you nothing about anyone. ‘Good food, great music, and lively conversation…’. ‘Laughter, red wine, and French movies…’. Ugh. The idea that a romantic life together is about sharing your stupid hobbies is deluded and childish. Love is about making something completely new out of two separate individuals, not finding activities those two individuals can do together (4) their minds off how boring and unsexy the other one (5).

My wife and I have absolutely no interests in common. None. But we do love hating things together. From the moment she (6) in my eyes, she could sense that I (7) by theatre, motorcyclists, tall people, and (8) at home. Just as I knew from the first kiss that this was a woman who (9) no time for sandals on men, skiing, supermarket own-brand loo paper, or poached fish. Indeed, it later (10) that the main thing she liked about me was that I laughed when she was rude about our friends, whereas all her previous boyfriends (11), ‘Why can’t you just be nice?’

But being nice is meaningless. Liking things is weak. Our natural human hatred of things should (12) every day. Hating is natural and fine and people want to do it. Celebrate the things you dislike every day and you (13) much better – and probably find love.

KEY

1. find/ to find

2. ’s called

3. strikes

4. to take

5. is

6. looked

7. was revolted

8. entertaining

9. had

10. turned out

11. had said

12. be indulged

13. ’ll feel

EXTRA VERBS: date, persuade

Ready for C1 p 24. KPop Demon Hunters Smash of the Summer. Verb Form Gap Fill

VERB FORM GAP FILL. Read the following text and fill in the gaps with the verb that best fits each space using the correct verb form affirmative or negative. There are TWO extra verbs you will not need. The activity begins with an example (0).

be,come across, occupy, defeat, release, become, stream, lead, struggle, do, harm

KPop Demon Hunters Smash of the Summer

School is out, young audiences (0) are available, and yet still, Hollywood animation is having a bad summer at the box office. In contrast to last year, when Inside Out 2 and Despicable Me 4 (1) two of the season’s top three, it seems entirely possible that not a single fully animated movie will hit the top 10. To make things worse, the Disney-Pixar original Elio (2) by “live-action” remakes of Lilo & Stitch and How to Train Your Dragon.

With younger audiences guided toward those movies, Netflix has somehow managed to have its biggest animated movie ever: KPop Demon Hunters. This movie is about three women who form a pop group while moonlighting as, yes, demon hunters. It (3) in June – on the same weekend as Elio, no less – and it (4) a major phenomenon.

Animation seems like a safe bet. On a per-person basis, (5) a new cartoon is the most affordable option. But even after hiring film-makers from major animation studios, the streamers (6) with original material. So why did KPop Demon Hunters break through?

KPop uses bright, shifting animation inspired by comic books and anime. But though KPop Demon Hunters has some adult themes and scary monsters, it’s also aimed at young people. The movie repackages K-pop for an even-broader audience of native English speakers (something K-pop itself (7) for years at this point).

As with many superhero hits, probably the movie’s success (8) to numerous sequels and renewed enthusiasm for streaming animation. In the wake of so many sequels, KPop Demon Hunters is a reminder that kids in particular hunger for novelty, probably more so than their nostalgic adult counterparts.

KEY

0 ARE

1 OCCUPIED

2 HAS BEEN DEFEATED/WAS DEFEATED

3 WAS RELEASED

4 HAS BECOME/BECAME

5 STREAMING

6 HAVE STRUGGLED / ARE STRUGGLING

7 HAS BEEN DOING

8 WILL LEAD

Ready for C1 p 105. Health. Phrasal Verbs

BREAK OUT

Start suddenly

“Her skin broke out in a rash after eating strawberries.”

CLEAR UP

Disappear; go away (illness, infection)

“The doctor prescribed an ointment to clear up the rash.”

COME TO / ROUND

Regain consciousness

“When Emily came to / came round, she was in hospital.”

COME / GO DOWN (with)

Contract or catch an illness (cold, flu, etc.)

“You’re sneezing. Are you coming down with a cold?”

FIGHT OFF

Struggle to resist an illness

“I’ve been fighting off a cold all week.”

FLARE UP

Suddenly start again or become worse

“My arthritis has flared up again. It’s very painful.”

GET OVER

Start feeling well again after an illness

“My son caught a stomach virus but he got over it.”

HOLD / KEEP DOWN

Retain (food); not vomit

“The worst is over. He’s starting to hold down his food.”

PASS AWAY / PASS ON

Die (a less harsh way of talking about death)

“The Queen passed away / on peacefully at her home.”

PASS ON (something)

Transmit an illness or virus

“I hope Jack doesn’t pass on his cold to the whole team!”

PASS OUT

Faint; lose consciousness for a short time

“The intern passed out when he saw all the blood!”

PICK UP

Get or contract an illness from someone or something

“Laura picked up a virus during a business trip.”

PULL THROUGH

Recover from an illness or injuries

“Paul is badly injured but he’ll pull through.”

SHAKE OFF

Get rid of an infection or illness

“I’ve had a headache all day that I just can’t shake off.”

SWELL UP

Increase in volume or size

“His wrist started to swell up; it was probably broken.”

THROW UP

Vomit; retch; be sick

“I don’t feel well; I think I’m going to throw up!”

COME AROUND / COME ROUND

Feel better; recover from illness or bad mood
"She was really ill yesterday, but she's coming around now."

BRING UP

Vomit; regurgitate food
"The baby brought up his milk after feeding."

WEAR OFF

Gradually disappear or stop (effects of medicine/anesthesia)
"The painkiller is starting to wear off; I need another dose."

PASS (something) TO

Infect someone else with an illness
"Make sure you wash your hands so you don't pass the flu to others."

BUILD UP

Increase gradually (strength, immunity, resistance)
"You need to build up your strength after surgery."

COME OUT IN

Develop spots, rash, etc. on skin
"The child came out in spots—it might be chickenpox."

WARD OFF

Prevent or keep away (illness)
"Vitamin C helps ward off colds."

LAY UP

Force to stay in bed due to illness/injury (usually passive)
"He was laid up with a broken leg for six weeks."

TAKE TO

Be confined to (bed, wheelchair)
"My grandmother has taken to her bed with the flu."

LOOK AFTER

Take care of (oneself or others)
"You need to look after yourself and get some rest."

DIALOGUE PROMPTS

1. Have you or someone you know ever had a serious health scare? What happened?

2. What do you do to stay healthy and prevent illness?

3. How do healthcare systems in different countries compare in your experience?

DIALOGUE: At a Coffee Shop

Sarah: Hey Tom! I haven't seen you in ages. How have you been?

Tom: Hi Sarah! Well, to be honest, I've been better. I actually came down with a nasty virus about three weeks ago, and I'm only just starting to get over it now.

Sarah: Oh no, that sounds awful! What symptoms did you have?

Tom: It started with a high fever, and then my whole body began swelling up—especially my joints. I couldn't even hold a cup properly! At one point, I actually passed out in my kitchen.

Sarah: You passed out? That must have been terrifying! Did someone find you?

Tom: Thankfully, yes. My flatmate heard the crash when I fell. When I came round, I was lying on the floor with him calling an ambulance. I don't remember much about it, honestly.

Sarah: I can't even imagine how scary that must have been for both of you. Were you hospitalized?

Tom: Just overnight for observation. The doctors were worried I might not pull through at first because my fever was dangerously high, but the antibiotics kicked in quickly. The worst part was that I couldn't keep anything down for days—every time I tried to eat, I'd throw up within minutes.

Sarah: That's dreadful. You must have felt so weak. How are you managing now?

Tom: Much better, thanks. Though I have to admit, this whole experience has really made me rethink how I look after myself. I used to think I could just fight off any illness without much trouble, but this one really knocked me down.

Sarah: I completely understand. Sometimes it takes a health scare to make us take things seriously. Are you doing anything differently now?

Tom: Absolutely. I've been trying to build up my immunity—eating better, taking vitamins, that sort of thing. My doctor said I need to ward off future infections by strengthening my immune system. She also mentioned that stress might have made me more vulnerable to picking up the virus in the first place.

Sarah: That makes sense. Stress can really compromise your health, can't it? Actually, speaking of stress, do you remember my colleague Jenny? She broke out in hives last month from work pressure.

Tom: Really? How did that happen?

Sarah: She'd been working 12-hour days for weeks, barely sleeping. One morning, she woke up and her face and arms had come out in these red, itchy welts. She was mortified because she had an important presentation that day.

Tom: Poor thing! Did the rash clear up quickly?

Sarah: It took about a week with antihistamines and steroid cream. But here's the thing—her doctor warned her that if she didn't reduce her stress levels, the condition would keep flaring up. Stress-related conditions can be so stubborn to shake off, apparently.

Tom: I believe it. My aunt has eczema that flares up whenever she's anxious. She's been trying to manage it for years.

Sarah: It's such a vicious cycle, isn't it? You're stressed, which makes you ill, which makes you more stressed. By the way, how's your family doing? Is everyone healthy?

Tom: Well, actually, my father came down with COVID again last week. Third time now! We're all worried because at his age, these things are more serious.

Sarah: Oh dear, I'm so sorry to hear that. Is he doing alright?

Tom: He's stable, thank goodness. The doctor says he should get over it within a week or so. But we're being extra careful because we don't want him to pass it on to my mum—she's immunocompromised after her cancer treatment last year.

Sarah: Of course. That must be incredibly stressful for all of you. How's your mum's recovery going, if you don't mind me asking?

Tom: No, not at all. She's been doing remarkably well, actually. The chemotherapy was brutal—she was laid up for months and lost all her hair. But she's a fighter. The doctors weren't sure if she'd pull through at first, but she proved them wrong.

Sarah: She sounds like an incredibly strong woman. I'm so glad she's recovering.

Tom: Thank you. It's been a difficult year for our family. Actually, we lost my uncle in February. He passed away quite suddenly from a heart attack.

Sarah: I'm so sorry for your loss, Tom. That must have been devastating.

Tom: It was. He was only 58. It really makes you think about your own health, you know? I've started exercising regularly and eating better because I don't want to end up in the same situation. Prevention is so much better than cure.

Sarah: Absolutely. I couldn't agree more. I've been trying to do the same thing. Ever since I picked up that terrible stomach bug on holiday in Thailand two years ago, I've been much more careful about what I eat and drink when traveling.

Tom: Oh, I remember you telling me about that! You were really ill, weren't you?

Sarah: I was in bed for a week, unable to hold down even water. The hotel doctor had to give me IV fluids because I was so dehydrated. It took me nearly a month to fully get over it and feel like myself again.

Tom: Travel illnesses can be so unpredictable. Did they ever figure out what caused it?

Sarah: They think it was contaminated water. The thing is, I was being careful, or so I thought! But these things can happen anywhere. You just have to hope your body can fight off whatever you're exposed to.

Tom: True. Though I must say, having been through my recent health crisis, I have a newfound appreciation for modern medicine. The medication they gave me really helped clear up the infection quickly.

Sarah: Modern medicine is incredible, isn't it? Though I do think the effects of painkillers wear off too quickly sometimes. When I had my wisdom teeth removed, I was constantly watching the clock for my next dose.

Tom: I know what you mean. The anesthesia wore off so fast after my procedure that I was in agony within an hour.

Sarah: Anyway, Tom, I'm just really glad you're feeling better now. You gave us all quite a scare!

Tom: Thanks, Sarah. I appreciate your concern. I'm definitely taking better care of myself these days. How about we grab lunch sometime next week? I'd love to catch up properly when I'm feeling completely back to normal.

Sarah: That sounds perfect! Just promise me you won't pass on any viruses!

Tom: Ha! I promise. I wouldn't wish this experience on anyone.