Lesson 6: Museum Admission
If museums have to charge, why not charge on a sliding scale?

I can listen to and understand someone’s opinion about admission prices.

INTRODUCE

Many museums in Japan charge admission fees. Some people feel that museums should be free for everyone to enjoy, but others say that the fees are necessary to fund exhibitions and proper preservation of artwork.

PRESENT

STEP A EXPRESSIONS

Go over the first two expressions with your tutor and choose T for true or F for false. Then, guess the meaning of the third expression based on the clues provided.

    1. Use the phrase To do something or not to do something: That is the question. when you’re trying to decide between two difficult choices.

    To study abroad or not to study abroad: That is the question. What do you think I should do?

    I know it’s not cheap, but I think the experience of long-term living in another country would be worth it!

    The thought ‘To study abroad or not to study abroad: That is the question’ has crossed my mind before. ( T / F)

     

     

    2. When a fee is calculated on a sliding scale, it changes depending on what a person can afford.

    I want to go see the new play that just started, but admission is $50! That’s too expensive for a student like me.

    Don’t worry, that fee is for adults. They charge on a sliding scale, so you should be able to get in for only $10 or so.

    I think it’s fair to price things on a sliding scale. ( T / F )

     

     

    3.                                                                .

    Leo is facing a dilemma. He’s moving to a smaller apartment in the city next month. He wants to take his dog with him, of course, but he’s not sure if his dog will be happy in such a tiny apartment.

    Poor Leo. That’s going to be a tough decision to make.

    Q: What do you think a dilemma means?

STEP B SPEAK YOUR MIND

Sometimes you want to share how you feel about a topic.

    Ryan Davis’ drinking problem cost him his career. Too bad–he used to be my favorite actor!

    Yeah. He really is one of the best actors of his generation, but I’m of the opinion that he should quit acting and get serious help for his problem.

UNDERSTAND

LISTENING

Susan is talking to her Japanese friend Keita about a museum they want to visit.

TRIVIA

Did you know that general admission to some of the top museums in the world is free? The National Gallery in London, the Smithsonian Museums in Washington, D.C., and the Museo del Prado in Madrid have huge artwork collections, and you can see them all without paying anything!

PRACTICE

Rephrase the underlined sentences using the expressions in the box. Some expressions may be used more than once and the form of some expressions may need to be changed.

To do something or not to do something: That is the question.
on a sliding scale
a dilemma
  1. I think we should start charging our customers based on their income. More people will be able to afford going to our exhibits if we do so.
  2. The local government is torn between commercializing the island to earn more money and keeping it as isolated and peaceful. It’s a difficult choice.
  3. I’m still not sure if I should buy a car or not.
  4. I have a problem. I like my job here in Australia, but I want to be closer to my family in New Zealand.
  5. The fees for attending the state university are calculated depending on each student’s economic situation.

CHALLENGE

Challenge 1

Your foreign friend wants to visit the Origins Museum. Listen to a podcast about the Origins Museum. Then, talk to your friend about it.

Today's Expressions

  • To do something or not to do something: That is the question.
  • on a sliding scale
  • a dilemma

Speak Your Mind

  • I’m of the opinion that…

Challenge 2

What do you think? What does your tutor think? Discuss.

If Time
Allows
1

ADMISSION FEES
2

DILEMMAS
1

ADMISSION FEES

  1. What would you consider a reasonable admission fee for a concert? How about for a sports event?
  2. Do you think the government should help pay the admission fees for cultural events?
  3. Other than museums, what places or events do you wish had no admission fees?

2DILEMMAS

  1. What was the last dilemma you had?
  2. What’s the best way to solve a dilemma?
  3. What are some of the most common dilemmas that people face?

FEEDBACK

I can listen to and understand someone’s opinion about admission prices.

LESSON GOAL ACHIEVEMENT

  • 4
    Very Good

    Could complete the task with ease

  • 3
    Good

    Could complete the task with some clarifications

  • 2
    Fair

    Could complete the task with additional instructions

  • 1
    Poor

    Could somehow complete the task with difficulty

PERSONALIZED FEEDBACK