B1 Dialog #70 Talking about quality of life

Today we are going to talk about quality of life. 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 quality of life in English

(1) What comes to mind when you hear the term ‘quality of life’?

I think that quality of life is the standard of health, comfort, and happiness experienced by an individual or group.

(2) How is your quality of life on a scale of one to ten?

I think it’s eight points out of ten. I would like to travel more, but can’t do this because of the virus. 

(3) What’s the difference between quality of life and standard of living?

The basic difference between the standard of living and quality of life lies in the individual preferences. I mean the standard of living is equal for all people, whereas the quality of life depends mostly on personal preferences.

(4) What quality of life does a goldfish in a bowl have?

I think a goldfish has a low quality of life, because it can’t live in a bowl!

(5) What are the indicators of quality life?

Standard indicators of the quality of life include wealth, employment, the environment, physical and mental health, education, recreation and leisure time, social belonging, religious beliefs, safety, security and freedom.

(6) How much does it cost to live a quality, happy life?

It depends. People are different, that’s why their preferences are different too. For one person  50 thousand rubles will be enough, for another even one milion won’t be enough!

(7) How does the environment in your town affect your quality of life?

I live in a good city. There is an amazing forest where I am walking all the time. So the environment affects my quality of life in a good way.

(8) Would you have a better quality of life if you were more attractive?

No, I don’t think so. But if I was smarter, I could have a better quality of life I think.

(9) Does your country’s leader have a good quality of life?

Yes, he does. I have no doubts about that!

(10) Does technology change your quality of life?

Technology makes our life easier. That’s for sure!

Anya —> Rinat

(1) Do you always try to increase and improve your quality of life?

Yes, I think so. It’s important not to stay and keep improving yourself and the quality of your life every time.

(2) What single thing could you do to increase the quality of your life?

It depends on the situation. I think I could take on new responsibilities at work and get a bigger salary for example. I don’t need a lot of money, but money is definitely important if you want to increase the quality of life. 

(3) Can money buy quality of life?

As I said, money is an essential part of our life. There is a good saying “I don’t want to have a lot of money, I just want to have enough”. I think it’s true. 

(4) What do you think is more important, quality or longevity of life?

I think both are important. I can’t say which one is more important. I would like to have a good quality of life and live long enough. 

(5) How would you describe your quality of life compared to your parents?

Now my parents and I have a good quality of life. It’s hard to compare, because quality of life depends quite a lot on personal preferences. We have different visions of life. 

(6) How does crime and urban decay affect the quality of life?

They make it worse. That’s why sometimes people move to other cities or even to other countries in order to increase the quality of life.

(7) What does having children do to the quality of life?

If people desire to have children and are ready for them, it is always for the best! 

(8) Who has a better quality of life, a student or a worker?

Students don’t usually earn enough, because they still study. So from this point of view, a worker has a better quality of life. 

(9) Will your quality of life get better or worse over the next few decades?

It’s a good question. Who knows what can happen in the future. So I don’t know.

(10) Does your state of mind affect your quality of life?

Absolutely! We are more happy when we think positive and don’t get nervous too much. So state of mind is definitely important!