Intermediate150 min
Describing past and present habits
Used to and Would: Talking About Past Habits
We use used to and would to talk about past habits. These are repeated past actions and events that took place in the past but don’t happen now.
We used to meet up on Saturdays and cycle into town.
Joe would stop by on his way home from work.
We also use used to to talk about past states, but NOT would.
I used to have longer hair.
To sum up, "Used to" can describe both past habits and repeated actions, as well as past states. "Would" can only describe past habits/repeated actions, NOT past states. For example: "I used to have longer hair" (correct), not "I would have longer hair" (incorrect for past states).
"Would" for past habits is slightly more formal than "used to" and is often used in storytelling. We don't normally use the negative or question forms of "would" for past habits. Remember that "would" cannot be used to talk about past states.
We use get used to to indicate that we are becoming accustomed to something. We use be used to to say we are already familiar with something and it is no longer new to us.
I’ve got used to working the night shift.
I’m used to having just six hours’ sleep a night.
Will for Present Habits
We use will to describe present habits.
He’ll get up early every morning and go for a run.
When we stress the word will, it expresses our annoyance with the habit. We can do the same with would.
She will go to bed late and then moan about being tired.
Past and Present Continuous for Habits
We can use the past and present continuous to talk about past and present habits. The meaning is usually one of annoyance. We often use these tenses with adverbs of frequency, e.g. always, often, frequently, constantly.
They were constantly competing against each other.
She’s always calling me.
Tend to and Have a Tendency to
We use tend to (+ infinitive) and have/have got a tendency to (+ infinitive) to describe present and past habits.
Jess tends to be quite quiet in the mornings.
He’s got a tendency to stay out quite late in the evenings.
We had a tendency to fight about the silliest of things.
Keep on / Kept on for Repeated Actions
We use keep (on) (+ -ing form) to describe present habits and kept (on) (+ -ing form) to describe past habits. These forms often describe annoyance.
You keep on calling me by my sister’s name!
We kept on making the same mistakes over and over again!
Other Useful Phrases
We use be prone to (+ -ing form) and be inclined to (+ infinitive) to describe likely negative past or present behaviour.
I was prone to accidents when I was a kid.
He’s inclined to act now and think later.
We use As a rule or Nine times out of ten with the past or present simple to describe past or present typical behaviour.
As a rule, I don’t socialise much during the week.
Nine times out of ten, we lost our matches.
We use used to and would to talk about past habits. These are repeated past actions and events that took place in the past but don’t happen now.
We used to meet up on Saturdays and cycle into town.
Joe would stop by on his way home from work.
We also use used to to talk about past states, but NOT would.
I used to have longer hair.
To sum up, "Used to" can describe both past habits and repeated actions, as well as past states. "Would" can only describe past habits/repeated actions, NOT past states. For example: "I used to have longer hair" (correct), not "I would have longer hair" (incorrect for past states).
"Would" for past habits is slightly more formal than "used to" and is often used in storytelling. We don't normally use the negative or question forms of "would" for past habits. Remember that "would" cannot be used to talk about past states.
We use get used to to indicate that we are becoming accustomed to something. We use be used to to say we are already familiar with something and it is no longer new to us.
I’ve got used to working the night shift.
I’m used to having just six hours’ sleep a night.
Will for Present Habits
We use will to describe present habits.
He’ll get up early every morning and go for a run.
When we stress the word will, it expresses our annoyance with the habit. We can do the same with would.
She will go to bed late and then moan about being tired.
Past and Present Continuous for Habits
We can use the past and present continuous to talk about past and present habits. The meaning is usually one of annoyance. We often use these tenses with adverbs of frequency, e.g. always, often, frequently, constantly.
They were constantly competing against each other.
She’s always calling me.
Tend to and Have a Tendency to
We use tend to (+ infinitive) and have/have got a tendency to (+ infinitive) to describe present and past habits.
Jess tends to be quite quiet in the mornings.
He’s got a tendency to stay out quite late in the evenings.
We had a tendency to fight about the silliest of things.
Keep on / Kept on for Repeated Actions
We use keep (on) (+ -ing form) to describe present habits and kept (on) (+ -ing form) to describe past habits. These forms often describe annoyance.
You keep on calling me by my sister’s name!
We kept on making the same mistakes over and over again!
Other Useful Phrases
We use be prone to (+ -ing form) and be inclined to (+ infinitive) to describe likely negative past or present behaviour.
I was prone to accidents when I was a kid.
He’s inclined to act now and think later.
We use As a rule or Nine times out of ten with the past or present simple to describe past or present typical behaviour.
As a rule, I don’t socialise much during the week.
Nine times out of ten, we lost our matches.
Quiz
Question 1 of 10
Choose the correct sentence for past habits:
I used to play basketball every weekend.
I use to play basketball every weekend.
I am used to play basketball every weekend.
A World Without Violence: An Idealistic Dream or Achievable Reality?
Wouldn't it be nice if we lived in a world of non-violence? This question has been weighing on the minds of philosophers, activists, and ordinary citizens for centuries. While some might brush it off as wishful thinking, others argue that such a world isn't just pie in the sky – it's a goal worth striving for, even if we fall short of perfection.
The concept of non-violence goes far beyond simply putting down weapons and calling it a day. True non-violence encompasses a complete overhaul of how we interact with one another, from the playground to the boardroom, from family disputes to international relations. It means breaking the cycle of aggression that has plagued humanity since time immemorial and finding ways to resolve conflicts without resorting to force.
Throughout history, we've seen glimpses of what such a world might look like. Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of non-violent resistance didn't just talk the talk – it walked the walk, proving that even the mightiest empires could be brought to their knees without firing a single shot. Martin Luther King Jr. picked up the torch and carried it forward, showing that civil rights could be won through peaceful means rather than through violence that would only fuel more hatred.
But let's not beat around the bush – creating a truly non-violent world is easier said than done. Violence often stems from deep-rooted issues that run much deeper than surface-level disagreements. Poverty, inequality, lack of education, and historical grievances all play their part in keeping the flames of conflict burning bright. When people are backed into a corner with no way out, they may lash out simply because they feel they have no other choice.
One of the key stumbling blocks is that violence has become so ingrained in our culture that we often don't even recognize it anymore. We're surrounded by it in movies, video games, and news reports. Children grow up thinking that might makes right, and adults carry these beliefs into their relationships, workplaces, and political views. Breaking free from this mindset requires a complete shift in perspective – one that doesn't happen overnight.
Education holds the key to unlocking this transformation. When we teach children to think outside the box and approach problems with creativity rather than aggression, we're laying the groundwork for a more peaceful future. Conflict resolution skills, empathy training, and emotional intelligence should be given top priority in schools worldwide. After all, you can't teach an old dog new tricks as easily as you can shape young minds.
The role of leadership cannot be overstated either. When those in positions of power choose to take the high road rather than stooping to violence, they set the tone for entire societies. Political leaders who refuse to rattle their sabers and instead focus on diplomatic solutions send a powerful message that disputes can be settled without bloodshed. Corporate executives who prioritize fair treatment of workers over maximizing profits at any cost demonstrate that business success doesn't have to come at the expense of human dignity.
However, we must acknowledge that there are times when the line between self-defense and aggression becomes blurred. When faced with immediate threats to life and limb, the instinct to fight back is only natural. The challenge lies in distinguishing between genuine self-defense and using violence as a first resort when other options haven't been exhausted.
Technology offers both hope and cause for concern in this regard. On one hand, social media and global communication have made it easier than ever to spread messages of peace and understanding across borders. Grassroots movements can gain momentum faster than ever before, and ordinary people can make their voices heard on a global scale. On the other hand, the same technologies can be used to spread hatred, misinformation, and incite violence with unprecedented speed and reach.
The economic dimension cannot be swept under the rug either. In a world where resources are limited and competition is fierce, the temptation to use force to secure advantages is always present. Creating more equitable distribution of wealth and opportunities would go a long way toward reducing the incentives for violence.
Perhaps the most important realization is that building a non-violent world isn't a destination but a journey. It's not about achieving perfection but about making steady progress toward a more peaceful existence. Every small act of kindness, every conflict resolved through dialogue rather than force, every child taught to value cooperation over competition – these all add up to create ripple effects that can transform communities and, eventually, the world.
Wouldn't it be nice if we lived in a world of non-violence? Absolutely. Is it possible? The jury's still out, but the evidence suggests that with enough dedication, creativity, and collective will, we can at least get closer to this ideal than we are today.
The concept of non-violence goes far beyond simply putting down weapons and calling it a day. True non-violence encompasses a complete overhaul of how we interact with one another, from the playground to the boardroom, from family disputes to international relations. It means breaking the cycle of aggression that has plagued humanity since time immemorial and finding ways to resolve conflicts without resorting to force.
Throughout history, we've seen glimpses of what such a world might look like. Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of non-violent resistance didn't just talk the talk – it walked the walk, proving that even the mightiest empires could be brought to their knees without firing a single shot. Martin Luther King Jr. picked up the torch and carried it forward, showing that civil rights could be won through peaceful means rather than through violence that would only fuel more hatred.
But let's not beat around the bush – creating a truly non-violent world is easier said than done. Violence often stems from deep-rooted issues that run much deeper than surface-level disagreements. Poverty, inequality, lack of education, and historical grievances all play their part in keeping the flames of conflict burning bright. When people are backed into a corner with no way out, they may lash out simply because they feel they have no other choice.
One of the key stumbling blocks is that violence has become so ingrained in our culture that we often don't even recognize it anymore. We're surrounded by it in movies, video games, and news reports. Children grow up thinking that might makes right, and adults carry these beliefs into their relationships, workplaces, and political views. Breaking free from this mindset requires a complete shift in perspective – one that doesn't happen overnight.
Education holds the key to unlocking this transformation. When we teach children to think outside the box and approach problems with creativity rather than aggression, we're laying the groundwork for a more peaceful future. Conflict resolution skills, empathy training, and emotional intelligence should be given top priority in schools worldwide. After all, you can't teach an old dog new tricks as easily as you can shape young minds.
The role of leadership cannot be overstated either. When those in positions of power choose to take the high road rather than stooping to violence, they set the tone for entire societies. Political leaders who refuse to rattle their sabers and instead focus on diplomatic solutions send a powerful message that disputes can be settled without bloodshed. Corporate executives who prioritize fair treatment of workers over maximizing profits at any cost demonstrate that business success doesn't have to come at the expense of human dignity.
However, we must acknowledge that there are times when the line between self-defense and aggression becomes blurred. When faced with immediate threats to life and limb, the instinct to fight back is only natural. The challenge lies in distinguishing between genuine self-defense and using violence as a first resort when other options haven't been exhausted.
Technology offers both hope and cause for concern in this regard. On one hand, social media and global communication have made it easier than ever to spread messages of peace and understanding across borders. Grassroots movements can gain momentum faster than ever before, and ordinary people can make their voices heard on a global scale. On the other hand, the same technologies can be used to spread hatred, misinformation, and incite violence with unprecedented speed and reach.
The economic dimension cannot be swept under the rug either. In a world where resources are limited and competition is fierce, the temptation to use force to secure advantages is always present. Creating more equitable distribution of wealth and opportunities would go a long way toward reducing the incentives for violence.
Perhaps the most important realization is that building a non-violent world isn't a destination but a journey. It's not about achieving perfection but about making steady progress toward a more peaceful existence. Every small act of kindness, every conflict resolved through dialogue rather than force, every child taught to value cooperation over competition – these all add up to create ripple effects that can transform communities and, eventually, the world.
Wouldn't it be nice if we lived in a world of non-violence? Absolutely. Is it possible? The jury's still out, but the evidence suggests that with enough dedication, creativity, and collective will, we can at least get closer to this ideal than we are today.
IDIOMS
Pie in the sky
Meaning: An unrealistic or impractical idea; something that will never happen
Example: "Some people think world peace is just pie in the sky, but others believe it's achievable."
Talk the talk, walk the walk
Meaning: To not only speak about something but also act on it; to practice what you preach
Example: "The new manager doesn't just talk about work-life balance – she walks the walk by leaving early on Fridays."
Beat around the bush
Meaning: To avoid talking directly about a topic; to speak evasively
Example: "Stop beating around the bush and tell me what really happened."
Easier said than done
Meaning: Something that sounds simple but is actually difficult to accomplish
Example: "Learning a new language is easier said than done – it requires years of practice."
Backed into a corner
Meaning: In a difficult situation with limited options; feeling trapped
Example: "With mounting debts, he felt backed into a corner with no way out."
Might makes right
Meaning: The belief that whoever is strongest or most powerful is correct
Example: "In some organizations, might makes right, and the loudest voices get heard."
Think outside the box
Meaning: To think creatively; to approach problems in innovative ways
Example: "We need to think outside the box to solve this budget crisis."
You can't teach an old dog new tricks
Meaning: Older people or those set in their ways are resistant to change
Example: "My grandfather refuses to use smartphones – you can't teach an old dog new tricks."
Take the high road
Meaning: To choose the more ethical or morally superior option
Example: "Despite the criticism, she took the high road and responded with grace."
Rattle their sabers
Meaning: To threaten war or violence; to make aggressive threats
Example: "The two countries have been rattling their sabers over the border dispute."
Swept under the rug
Meaning: To hide or ignore a problem instead of dealing with it
Example: "The scandal was swept under the rug until journalists exposed it."
The jury's still out
Meaning: No decision has been made yet; the outcome is still uncertain
Example: "The jury's still out on whether remote work increases productivity."
PHRASAL VERBS
Brush off
Meaning: To dismiss or ignore something; to treat as unimportant
Example: "She brushed off his concerns about the project timeline."
Put down (weapons)
Meaning: To stop holding or using something; to surrender weapons
Example: "The rebels agreed to put down their weapons after peace negotiations."
Bring to their knees
Meaning: To defeat completely; to force into submission
Example: "The economic sanctions brought the regime to its knees."
Pick up the torch
Meaning: To continue someone else's work or mission
Example: "After the founder retired, his daughter picked up the torch and led the company."
Carry forward
Meaning: To continue or advance something
Example: "We need to carry forward the momentum from last quarter's success."
Lash out
Meaning: To suddenly attack or criticize angrily
Example: "When stressed, he tends to lash out at his colleagues."
Break free
Meaning: To escape from restrictions or constraints
Example: "The young artist broke free from traditional painting techniques."
Lay the groundwork
Meaning: To create the foundation for future work
Example: "These initial meetings will lay the groundwork for the merger."
Stoop to
Meaning: To lower oneself to do something unworthy or beneath one's dignity
Example: "I won't stoop to their level by responding to personal attacks."
Add up
Meaning: To accumulate; to make sense when combined
Example: "Small changes in daily habits can add up to significant improvements."
ADVANCED EXPRESSIONS
Weigh on someone's mind
Meaning: To cause worry or concern; to be constantly thought about
Example: "The upcoming presentation has been weighing on my mind all week."
Complete overhaul
Meaning: A thorough examination and major changes to improve something
Example: "The education system needs a complete overhaul to meet modern needs."
Since time immemorial
Meaning: For an extremely long time; since ancient times
Example: "Humans have been fascinated by the stars since time immemorial."
Breaking the cycle
Meaning: Stopping a recurring pattern, especially a negative one
Example: "Education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty."
Fuel the flames
Meaning: To make a bad situation worse; to intensify conflict
Example: "His angry comments only fueled the flames of the argument."
Stumbling block
Meaning: An obstacle or difficulty that prevents progress
Example: "Lack of funding remains the main stumbling block for the project."
Run deeper
Meaning: To be more serious or complex than it appears on the surface
Example: "Their disagreement runs deeper than just professional differences."
Hold the key
Meaning: To have the solution or means to achieve something
Example: "Technology holds the key to solving many environmental problems."
Set the tone
Meaning: To establish the mood, attitude, or approach for something
Example: "The CEO's opening remarks set the tone for the entire conference."
Line becomes blurred
Meaning: When the distinction between two things becomes unclear
Example: "In modern warfare, the line between civilian and military targets has become blurred."
Ripple effects
Meaning: Consequences that spread outward from an initial action
Example: "The factory closure had ripple effects throughout the entire community."
ADVANCED VOCABULARY
Encompass
Meaning: To include or contain completely
Example: "The new policy encompasses all aspects of employee welfare."
Ingrained
Meaning: Firmly established; deeply rooted
Example: "Respect for elders is ingrained in their culture."
Incentive
Meaning: Something that motivates or encourages action
Example: "The bonus system provides an incentive for better performance."
Momentum
Meaning: The force that keeps something moving or growing stronger
Example: "The campaign gained momentum after the celebrity endorsement."
Equitable
Meaning: Fair and just; treating everyone equally
Example: "We need more equitable distribution of resources."
Pie in the sky
Meaning: An unrealistic or impractical idea; something that will never happen
Example: "Some people think world peace is just pie in the sky, but others believe it's achievable."
Talk the talk, walk the walk
Meaning: To not only speak about something but also act on it; to practice what you preach
Example: "The new manager doesn't just talk about work-life balance – she walks the walk by leaving early on Fridays."
Beat around the bush
Meaning: To avoid talking directly about a topic; to speak evasively
Example: "Stop beating around the bush and tell me what really happened."
Easier said than done
Meaning: Something that sounds simple but is actually difficult to accomplish
Example: "Learning a new language is easier said than done – it requires years of practice."
Backed into a corner
Meaning: In a difficult situation with limited options; feeling trapped
Example: "With mounting debts, he felt backed into a corner with no way out."
Might makes right
Meaning: The belief that whoever is strongest or most powerful is correct
Example: "In some organizations, might makes right, and the loudest voices get heard."
Think outside the box
Meaning: To think creatively; to approach problems in innovative ways
Example: "We need to think outside the box to solve this budget crisis."
You can't teach an old dog new tricks
Meaning: Older people or those set in their ways are resistant to change
Example: "My grandfather refuses to use smartphones – you can't teach an old dog new tricks."
Take the high road
Meaning: To choose the more ethical or morally superior option
Example: "Despite the criticism, she took the high road and responded with grace."
Rattle their sabers
Meaning: To threaten war or violence; to make aggressive threats
Example: "The two countries have been rattling their sabers over the border dispute."
Swept under the rug
Meaning: To hide or ignore a problem instead of dealing with it
Example: "The scandal was swept under the rug until journalists exposed it."
The jury's still out
Meaning: No decision has been made yet; the outcome is still uncertain
Example: "The jury's still out on whether remote work increases productivity."
PHRASAL VERBS
Brush off
Meaning: To dismiss or ignore something; to treat as unimportant
Example: "She brushed off his concerns about the project timeline."
Put down (weapons)
Meaning: To stop holding or using something; to surrender weapons
Example: "The rebels agreed to put down their weapons after peace negotiations."
Bring to their knees
Meaning: To defeat completely; to force into submission
Example: "The economic sanctions brought the regime to its knees."
Pick up the torch
Meaning: To continue someone else's work or mission
Example: "After the founder retired, his daughter picked up the torch and led the company."
Carry forward
Meaning: To continue or advance something
Example: "We need to carry forward the momentum from last quarter's success."
Lash out
Meaning: To suddenly attack or criticize angrily
Example: "When stressed, he tends to lash out at his colleagues."
Break free
Meaning: To escape from restrictions or constraints
Example: "The young artist broke free from traditional painting techniques."
Lay the groundwork
Meaning: To create the foundation for future work
Example: "These initial meetings will lay the groundwork for the merger."
Stoop to
Meaning: To lower oneself to do something unworthy or beneath one's dignity
Example: "I won't stoop to their level by responding to personal attacks."
Add up
Meaning: To accumulate; to make sense when combined
Example: "Small changes in daily habits can add up to significant improvements."
ADVANCED EXPRESSIONS
Weigh on someone's mind
Meaning: To cause worry or concern; to be constantly thought about
Example: "The upcoming presentation has been weighing on my mind all week."
Complete overhaul
Meaning: A thorough examination and major changes to improve something
Example: "The education system needs a complete overhaul to meet modern needs."
Since time immemorial
Meaning: For an extremely long time; since ancient times
Example: "Humans have been fascinated by the stars since time immemorial."
Breaking the cycle
Meaning: Stopping a recurring pattern, especially a negative one
Example: "Education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty."
Fuel the flames
Meaning: To make a bad situation worse; to intensify conflict
Example: "His angry comments only fueled the flames of the argument."
Stumbling block
Meaning: An obstacle or difficulty that prevents progress
Example: "Lack of funding remains the main stumbling block for the project."
Run deeper
Meaning: To be more serious or complex than it appears on the surface
Example: "Their disagreement runs deeper than just professional differences."
Hold the key
Meaning: To have the solution or means to achieve something
Example: "Technology holds the key to solving many environmental problems."
Set the tone
Meaning: To establish the mood, attitude, or approach for something
Example: "The CEO's opening remarks set the tone for the entire conference."
Line becomes blurred
Meaning: When the distinction between two things becomes unclear
Example: "In modern warfare, the line between civilian and military targets has become blurred."
Ripple effects
Meaning: Consequences that spread outward from an initial action
Example: "The factory closure had ripple effects throughout the entire community."
ADVANCED VOCABULARY
Encompass
Meaning: To include or contain completely
Example: "The new policy encompasses all aspects of employee welfare."
Ingrained
Meaning: Firmly established; deeply rooted
Example: "Respect for elders is ingrained in their culture."
Incentive
Meaning: Something that motivates or encourages action
Example: "The bonus system provides an incentive for better performance."
Momentum
Meaning: The force that keeps something moving or growing stronger
Example: "The campaign gained momentum after the celebrity endorsement."
Equitable
Meaning: Fair and just; treating everyone equally
Example: "We need more equitable distribution of resources."
Understanding the Contractions: ’ll and ’d
In spoken English, contractions play a big role in making speech more natural and fluid. Two common contractions are ’ll and ’d. These often cause confusion, but once you get the hang of them, you'll find they add clarity and efficiency to your communication.
’ll is short for "will" or "shall." It's used to express a future action or intention. For example:
- I ’ll call you tomorrow. (I will call you tomorrow.)
- She ’ll be here soon. (She will be here soon.)
’d can stand for "would" or "had," depending on context. When it means "would," it's often used to express conditional or habitual actions in the past:
- I ’d love to visit Paris someday. (I would love to visit Paris someday.)
- When we were kids, we ’d play outside every day. (would play)
When it means "had," it often appears in past perfect tense:
- I ’d finished my homework before dinner. (I had finished my homework before dinner.)
Listening for context is essential to understand which meaning applies. Misinterpreting these can lead to confusion, but with practice, the differences become clear.
FUTURE SKILLS: Self-Management in Learning and Understanding Spoken English
Self-management is a crucial skill when mastering spoken English. It involves taking control of your own learning process by planning, setting goals, monitoring progress, and reflecting on outcomes.
For understanding spoken English, self-management means:
- Active listening: Focus intently on what is being said, recognizing different accents, and paying attention to tone and intonation.
- Using context clues: If some words or phrases are unclear, use the context of the conversation to infer meaning.
- Practice regularly: Consistent exposure to spoken English through podcasts, movies, or conversations helps train your ear.
- Seek feedback: Engage with teachers or peers to identify areas where you might struggle and work on improving them.
- Reflect on progress: After listening exercises, think about what you understood well and what was challenging.
By developing strong self-management skills, learners become more independent and confident in their ability to comprehend and interact in spoken English settings, especially in real-life situations where language is fast and informal.
’ll is short for "will" or "shall." It's used to express a future action or intention. For example:
- I ’ll call you tomorrow. (I will call you tomorrow.)
- She ’ll be here soon. (She will be here soon.)
’d can stand for "would" or "had," depending on context. When it means "would," it's often used to express conditional or habitual actions in the past:
- I ’d love to visit Paris someday. (I would love to visit Paris someday.)
- When we were kids, we ’d play outside every day. (would play)
When it means "had," it often appears in past perfect tense:
- I ’d finished my homework before dinner. (I had finished my homework before dinner.)
Listening for context is essential to understand which meaning applies. Misinterpreting these can lead to confusion, but with practice, the differences become clear.
FUTURE SKILLS: Self-Management in Learning and Understanding Spoken English
Self-management is a crucial skill when mastering spoken English. It involves taking control of your own learning process by planning, setting goals, monitoring progress, and reflecting on outcomes.
For understanding spoken English, self-management means:
- Active listening: Focus intently on what is being said, recognizing different accents, and paying attention to tone and intonation.
- Using context clues: If some words or phrases are unclear, use the context of the conversation to infer meaning.
- Practice regularly: Consistent exposure to spoken English through podcasts, movies, or conversations helps train your ear.
- Seek feedback: Engage with teachers or peers to identify areas where you might struggle and work on improving them.
- Reflect on progress: After listening exercises, think about what you understood well and what was challenging.
By developing strong self-management skills, learners become more independent and confident in their ability to comprehend and interact in spoken English settings, especially in real-life situations where language is fast and informal.
- Do you believe a world without violence is an idealistic dream or an achievable reality? Why?
- What steps can governments and communities take to reduce violence globally?
- How do cultural attitudes influence the prevalence of violence in different societies?
- Can education play a role in creating a non-violent world? How?
- What personal habits or attitudes contribute to either perpetuating or preventing violence?