Unit 7 Time for Work
Lesson 4 Understand how different cultures think about time
Read and speak
- Read the questionnaire and the answers from two students.
What differences do you notice in the answers?
Questionnaire about time
Josh, USA Answer
- What time do you start school? 45
- What time do you have lunch? 30
How long is lunchtime? 30 minutes
- Do stores close at lunchtime? No
- When do you finish school? 45
- What time do you have dinner? 30
- You’re meeting a friend at home or in a café,
or visit friends or family for dinner.
When do you arrive? On time
- How do you feel when you have to wait? I hate waiting
Luiza, Brazil Answer
- What time do you start school? 00
- What time do you have lunch? 00
How long is lunchtime? 45 minutes
- Do stores close at lunchtime? No
- When do you finish school? 00 pm
- What time do you have dinner? 00 pm
- You’re meeting a friend at home or in a café,
or visit friends or family for dinner. 30-60 minutes late
When do you arrive?
- How do you feel when you have to wait? It’s not a problem
- Complete the questionnaire for you. Compare your answers with a partner. Then
compare your answers with Josh and Luiza’s answers. What’s the same and different?
It’s mine Answer
- What time do you start school? __________
- What time do you have lunch? __________
How long is lunchtime? __________
- Do stores close at lunchtime? __________
- When do you finish school? __________
- What time do you have dinner? __________
- You’re meeting a friend at home or in a café,
or visit friends or family for dinner.
When do you arrive? __________
- How do you feel when you have to wait? __________
- Read what Josh said to a friend.
Why do you think both families were a little unhappy?
Last night Dad’s friend and his wife came to our house. He’s from Brazil. Dad said seven o’clock and the food was all ready. They were a little surprised when we ate soon after. We finished very quickly. And they didn’t seem very happy when Mom went to bed after dessert.
- Reflection point
In different cultures, people do things at different times and think about time in different ways. When you’re in a different country or meet people from different countries, try to understand their system.
- Reflect Discuss the questions with your class.
Do you agree with the reflection point?
- How much true do you spend at the table at mealtimes?
- Which is more important for you: spending time with family and friends or
doing homework and chores?
- In what situations is it ok or not ok to be late in your country?
Phrases
In my country, people usually
It’s important to (spend a lot of time on?
It isn’t important to …
You should / have to …
You shouldn’t / mustn’t …
- Extend Work in pairs or a small group.
Write tips for visitors to your country. Include tips about time: when things happen and what visitors should or shouldn’t do.
Phrases
In my country, people usually
It’s important to (spend a lot of time on?
It isn’t important to …
You should / have to …
You shouldn’t / mustn’t …
