Global addictions What is this unit about? It discusses two types of addiction-personal addictions to substances such as caffeine and societal addiction to fuels such as oil. Traffic gridlock in Bangkok The city developed before people used motor vehicles, so early city planners did not know to allocate a lot of space for them on the roads. What other problems can traffic jams cause? The large number of vehicles emit fumes that cause air pollution. What can be done about the situation? One solution is legislation for tighter emission standards. Another is providing more affordable and more efficient public transportation.

p.105 If you are addicted to something, you cannot stop consuming it. What things can people become addicted? Sugar, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, drugs, gambling, shopping, computer games. 2. Is it ok to be addicted to certain things? If so, what kinds of things? Addiction to positive things and healthy things like exercise, eating a balanced diet or work can be considered if not excessive. Some people say that humans are addicted to fossil fuels like coal and oil. Do you agree? Think of it as worldwide addiction. At least 80 percent of the energy people use to drive, heat their homes, and power gadgets comes from fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas, and the consumption of all of the above contributes to global warming.

p. 106 Look at the information below. How many milligrams (mg) of caffeine do you think is in each item? Match a letter from the chart (a–h) to each item. Caffeine is a naturally occurring substance that can affect a person’s nervous system. Most people associate caffeine with coffee, but it can also be found in many other familiar items. Do you think caffeine is good for you? Current research indicates that moderate level of caffeine may have health benefits although caffeine might affect sleep negatively. Regular caffeine use causes physical dependence Moods fluctuate from high to low; mild to severe headaches, feel tired or sad when they are without caffeine

Caffeine: The World’s Favorite Drug This passage describes caffeine’s effect on the body.

consume v. consumption n. caffeine n. caffeinated adj. stimulant n. sometimes called “uppers,” temporarily increase alertness and energy. The most commonly used street drugs that fall into this category are cocaine and amphetamines. counter v. 1. to produce an effect that is opposite of what is being experienced 2. to take action in order to oppose or stop something or reduce its negative effects fatigue n. a term used to describe an overall feeling of tiredness or a lack of energy. alertness n. alert adj. able to think clearly; paying attention to what is happening ritual n. sth. you do regularly and always in the same way

exhibit v. to show or put something in a place where people can see it fluctuate v. to change level, strength or value frequently contradict v. to disagree with what someone says caffeinated adj. decaffeinated=decaf facilitate v. make sth. easier to happen moderation n. in moderation, moderately, avoiding extremes If you do in you do than what is reasonable. abuse v. to treat cruelly or violently, to misuse abuse n. unfair treatment child abuse the use of something in a bad way drug abuse abuse, misuse, excessive use addictive adj. something that is physically habit-forming

p. 107 to burn the midnight oil: to stay up very late in order to study or do some other work to stay awake and focused a popular energy drink– one that has two to three times the amount of caffeine as a small sized can of soda counter v. produce an effect that is opposite of what is being experienced alertness n. the state of being watchful to rank as: to have a particular rank; to serve in a particular rank. She ranks as a fine pianist in my book. Don ranks as the top economist of the day. mood-altering drug: drugs or substances which have the effect of changing the mood of the individual which takes them by usually affecting the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain.

diet pills, pain relievers (aspirin) and chocolate bars create entire rituals around the use of caffeine: afternoon tea in the UK, the tea in café:coffee shop tea ceremony: also called the Way of Tea, is a Japanese cultural activity involving the ceremonial preparation and presentation of matcha (抹茶), powdered green tea. mark(=show that sth. Is happening) the start of the day caffeine: causes us to lose sleep (sleeplessness) caffeine is not dangerous when (it is) consumed moderately (not extremely) 300 milligrams of caffeine per day(=each day) attribute to: to believe that someone or something is the source of something. We attribute our success to your good advice. I attribute all these ill-mannered memos to Andrew. to date: up to the present time

Current research contradicts (disagrees with) long-held negative beliefs Current research suggests (say that sth. is likely to be true) it may have health benefits health benefits: help ease muscle pain, and improve one’s mood Some caffeinated drinks—specifically certain teas— have disease-fighting chemicals against a number of diseases, including cancer Caffeine increases alertness, memory, and reaction speed Because it fights fatigue, it facilitates performance on tasks like driving, flying, and solving simple math problems. Caffeine’s behavioral effects are real, but most often mild (not serious). Caffeine has rarely (hardly) been abused With caffeine, overuse tends to stop itself

Getting that burst of energy is why many of the most popular drinks contain caffeine. burst: a sudden strong emotion that you feel for a short time Humankind’s favorite stimulant is at work (working) every day caffeine intake (consumption) Both sides of an argument or an issue For (pros) and against (cons): advantages and disadvantages, risk and benefit