Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What is your understanding of the term “no-buy challenge”?
- Have you ever attempted a similar challenge yourself? If so, what motivated you to do it? If not, what do you think would be the biggest challenge if you were to try it?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- popularity /pop-yuh-LAR-i-tee /
- purchase /PUR-chuhs /
- debt /det/
- graduate /GRAJ-oo-it/
- reduction /ri-DUHK-shuhn/
[noun] – the state or condition of being liked, admired, or supported by many people
The band’s new album gained immense popularity within days of its release, topping the charts worldwide.
[noun] – something that you buy
Her latest purchase of a stylish handbag added a touch of elegance to her wardrobe.
[noun] – something, especially money, that is owed to someone else, or the state of owing something
After maxing out his credit card, he found himself in significant debt, struggling to make even the minimum payments.
[noun] – a person who has successfully completed a course of study or training
She proudly walked across the stage to receive her diploma, officially becoming a graduate of the university.
[noun] – the action or process of making something smaller or less in amount, size, or importance
The reduction in air pollution levels was attributed to the city’s strict emission control policies.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
The “no-buy challenge” is gaining popularity across various ages and locations, encouraging people to spend money only on essentials for a year, and avoiding non-essential purchases like fashion and beauty products. This trend is thriving on social media platforms. A Brooklyn participant joined to address her credit card debt from buying vintage designer clothes, finding it tough but necessary for financial stability. Despite occasional slip-ups, she managed to reduce spending and live within her means. A recent college graduate from San Diego joined to save money and reduce environmental waste, influenced by her job at a sustainability app. She tracked her spending monthly to assess needs versus wants. An English PhD student cut back on dining and drinking to save for rent, even pausing dating. A Detroit resident embraced minimalism by decluttering and sharing tips online. Participants face personal challenges but promote mindful spending and financial discipline through the no-buy challenge.
The no-buy challenge effectively promotes financial control, reduces excess consumption, and supports sustainability. Participants’ stories reveal its transformative effects, including debt reduction, increased savings, minimalism, and reduced environmental waste. These narratives emphasize the importance of conscious spending and financial discipline for personal goals and a sustainable lifestyle. As the trend spreads through social media and community involvement, it highlights how individual choices can influence broader views on consumption and sustainability.
The no-buy challenge effectively promotes financial control, reduces excess consumption, and supports sustainability. Participants’ stories reveal its transformative effects, including debt reduction, increased savings, minimalism, and reduced environmental waste. These narratives emphasize the importance of conscious spending and financial discipline for personal goals and a sustainable lifestyle. As the trend spreads through social media and community involvement, it highlights how individual choices can influence broader views on consumption and sustainability.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What is the “no-buy challenge” and where is it gaining popularity?
- How did the Brooklyn participant benefit from joining the no-buy challenge?
- Why did the recent college graduate from San Diego decide to participate in the no-buy challenge?
- What sacrifices did the English PhD student make to participate in the no-buy challenge?
- How does the no-buy challenge promote sustainability, according to the article?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever tried to spend less or live a more minimalist lifestyle? If yes, what challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them? If not, do you think everyone can try challenges like not buying anything new, regardless of their financial situation?
- Did you ever feel like you needed to change your spending habits or consume less? If yes, what made you think that way, and did it change how you spend money? If not, what could make you think about changing your habits in the future?
- Do you think being mindful about spending and being disciplined with money are important for reaching personal goals and living sustainably like the no-buy challenge suggests?
- How could society benefit if more people tried challenges like the no-buy challenge?
- What are some criticisms or potential problems with trends like the no-buy challenge, considering different situations and the economy as a whole?