B1 Dialog #69 Talking about Europe

Today we are going to talk about Europe. As always you can read the text in the PDF which you can find in the description. Follow our podcasts on iTunes and Yandex Music. For more new dialogs subscribe to our channel.

How to work with the dialog?

  1. Listen to the dialog and read the PDF transcript. Turn on subtitles if necessary.
  2. Listen to the dialog again, repeating the questions and answers aloud (!!!).
  3. Come up with your own answers to the questions. Use PDF vocabulary if needed.
  4. Listen to the questions and answer them aloud (!!!), with a correct intonation, pronunciation and rhythm.
  5. Go back to the video from time to time and repeat the exercise.

Talking about Europe

(1) What makes Europe so European?

History, architecture, religion and their philosophy. And the European Union (EU) of course!

(2) How are Europeans different from each other?

Europe includes 65 countries.That’s why Europeans are more or less different from each other. For example in appearance, religions, traditions, languages and so on.

(3) What do you know about the European Union?

Not much. The European Union was created in 1992 and includes 27 countries.

(4) What are your favourite European companies and why do you like them?

I like IKEA, because they make good furniture and have a lot of ideas for designs. 

(5) Do you think Europe has the world’s most interesting history?

I don’t think so. The history of Europe is interesting of course. But I can’t say that it’s the most interesting. 

(6) Do you think English should be the official language of Europe?

English is a world language. I think it would be convenient.

(7) What are the differences between Europe and the USA?

They have a different history, population, and number of states. The economy and social standards are also different.

(8) Do you think Europe is a superpower, or has the potential to become one?

No, I don’t think so. And maybe it’s for the best.

(9) What is the most important European country?

Germany has the strongest economy and it’s quite a big country. So I think Germany is the most important.

(10) Movie producer Quentin Tarantino said the “funniest thing about Europe…is the little differences”. What do you think he means?

I think he was comparing Europe with the USA. And some small differences in European lifestyle look funny for an american. 

Anya —-> Rinat

(1) Is Europe great?

Yeah I think so. Europe is old and it had a lot of different things in the past. Not all of them were great of course, but in general Europe has given a lot to the World. 

(2) How are Europeans different from people from other continents?

It depends. The main difference is a language in comparison with Asia or Russia for example. 

(3) What does it mean to be European?

It means to be a citizen of some European country that belongs to the European Union. 

(4) Is Europe really a continent – it isn’t surrounded by water?

Europe is considered to be a separate continent from Asia because of its distinct historical, cultural, and political identity.

(5) Is Russia a part of Europe? What do you think?

The European part of Russia has definitely some things in common with Europe. But in general Russia is not a part of Europe of course. Russia is a country with a different language, history and culture. 

(6) Do you think there is a European culture?

Yes, of course. The culture of Europe is rooted in its art, architecture, film, different types of music, literature and so on. There is so-called “common cultural heritage” in Europe.

(7) What countries do you think have the strongest competition in Europe?

In the past Germany and France competed a lot. Now I think the whole of Europe is quited united. 

(8) Former French leader Charles de Gaulle said “it is the whole of Europe that will decide the fate of the world”. What do you think?

As far as I know Charles de Gaulle believed in having independent and strong Europe. I don’t think he was right. Countries with nuclear weapons will decide the fate of the world. Not Europe. 

(9) What does Europe do better than the rest of the world?

Europe is trading successfully with others. It still has a strong economy and produces a lot of things. 

(10) How do you think Europe will do in the next 100 years?

I am quite pessimistic about that. I think Europe will not play a big role in the world. Asia will be getting stronger and stronger.