263 a millionair discussion.docx

 ESL 263 “Millionaire…” 

Part 1: Discussion Questions

1. What are “progressive fines?”

2. How do most Finns feel about progressive fines?

3. How do most Finns feel about Mr. Kuisla?

4. How does Mr. Kuisla feel about the fine?

5. What are some benefits of progressive fines/taxation?

6. What are some problems with progressive fines/taxation?

7.  Is the fine that Mr. Kuisla got fair? Why or why not?

8. What details show the author’s attitude toward Mr. Kuisla? (extra credit)

Part 2: Paraphrase the following passages. Use an explanation sentence before it. Then use an introduction phrase that mentions the title and author:

1. While there is general agreement that the fine in this case might be excessive, there is also acceptance that fines and taxes should continue to be assessed in a progressive manner based on income.  

2. The fines are calculated based on half an offender’s daily net income, with some consideration for the number of children under his or her roof and a deduction deemed to be enough to cover basic living expenses, currently 255 euros per month. 

3. They pay nothing for education at any level, including medical school or law school. Their medical care, which contributes to an infant mortality rate that is half of ours and a life expectancy greater than ours, costs relatively little. (Finns devote 7 percent of gross domestic product to health care; we spend 15 percent.)

Part 3: Vocabulary practice:

The following collocations and patterns can be found in the article. Use them to write your own example sentences.

1. The medical care, which contributes to an infant mortality…

sth/sb contributes to sth/sb

2.  There is acceptance that fines and taxes should continue…

acceptance that s + v.

3.  with some consideration for the number of children…

consideration for sth/sb

4.  He said he was seriously considering leaving Finland…

be seriously considering doing sth.

5.  the system works wonders for the vast majority…

sth works wonders for sth

6.  This explains why Mr. Kuisla’s …has largely been met…

Sth explains why s + v.

7. Mr. Kuisla did not take the news well…

Sb. takes the news well…    

Part 4: Topic Sentence Practice:

Write four topic sentences in response to the following prompt:

“Are progressive fines and taxes a good idea for a country?”

Write two positive topic sentences and two negative topic sentences.

Part 5: Grammar Review:

1. Find five passive sentences in the article and change them to active.

2. Find five active sentences in the article and change them to passive.