Are we less polite with members of our families than with people we don’t know? I suppose it's normal to be a bit more relaxed about politeness with family
members. Most people tend to speak in a more informal way at home; in the
UK, we still say "please" and "thanks", but it's fine to use colloquial language
and things like nicknames that you would never use with someone you didn't
know.
Talking about status symbols In your country, what possessions show a higher status or position in society? In my country, people who are wealthy tend to buy big houses and cars.
Certain makes of car such as Mercedes or Ferrari are status symbols. They let
other people know that you are important or powerful. People who want to
give this impression often wear expensive designer clothes, or watches by
brands like Rolex.
Do you think we place too much importance on possessions? Probably, yes. Some people are obsessed with showing off their new mobile
phone or wearing the latest fashions. I think it's a problem for teenagers
because there's a lot of peer pressure to follow fashion or buy the latest
gadget that their friends have got.
