goldsmith

A Goldsmith in London

 
 
Stan talks about jewellery and globalization.

Vocabulary

mount diamond competition
crunch trade (2) at the moment
credit thing (2) credit crunch
hope Far East produce (2)
far fair price the likes of
fair (3) hopefully Middle East
like (2) as long as market (2)
decent high end with regards
goods improve volume (2)
quite basically worry/worried/worried
carry carry on little things
curry survive country (2)
leisure nowadays leisure time
golf think (2) keeping working
active fascinate environment
go on cricket (2) work environment
history as it is as long as possible

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Video

 

 
 
 
 

Transcript

My name is Stan Somerford, I’m 52 years of age and I live in England.

What do you do for a living

I’m a diamond mounter. I’ve been in the trade for 35 years.

Things are very difficult at the moment with the credit crunch, but hopefully things will improve in the future.

What does globalization mean to you?

The fact that we’re competing with the likes of the far east, and China, it makes our life very difficult as regard to producing volume.

But as long as we can stay in the high end of the market with decent goods for a fair price then we will always survive.

What worries you?

Basically I’m not really a worrier. If things carry on as they are at the moment, I will be more than happy.

What makes you happy?

What makes me happy? I think it’s the little things in life that make me happy. Spending more time at home with my family. Enjoying sports at the weekend.

What’s your favorite food?

One of my favorite foods nowadays is Indian curries, which is quite popular in this country.

How do you spend your leisure time?

Most of my leisure time now is used up playing sport. I still actively play cricket and golf.

Which country would you like to visit?

I think it’s China. Basically the history fascinates me. The country the people fascinates me. And I’d like to see the Chinese in their work environment as I work in England.

What do you expect for your future?

I’ll go on as long as possible. Enjoying life as it is and working as long as I can.

And playing sport as long as I can.

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Questions

1. What is Stan’s job? What does he do? How long has he been a goldsmith?

2. Business is booming at the moment. True or false? Why?

3. Is there is lots of competition? What is his business strategy?

4. Stan doesn’t feel worried. Is this right or wrong?

5. The little things in life makes him happy. Give examples.

6. Is his favorite food fish and chips?

7. How does he spend his free time?

8. He would like to visit . . . . . . because . . . . . .

9. Does Stan plan on retiring?

 
 
A. I like gold jewelry. Yes or no? Do your friend have lots of gold items?

B. Are there things you or your friends like to make (e.g. jewelry, decorations, artwork)?

C. Do you live in London? Are you from England? Have you ever been to England?

D. Have you met anyone from England? Who were they? What were they doing?

E. Describe the climate and geography of England.

F. Describe the economy of England. What does England import and export?

G. Does England have any problems or challenges?

H. What is English food like? Describe English cuisine.

I. What are some tourist attractions (cultural, historic, natural)?

J. What comes to mind when you think of England? What do you associate with England?

 
 
 
 

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