1 In pairs, look at the infographic. Do these statistics surprise you? Say why.
Students’ own answers
2 Listen to three students talking. What projects are they involved in?
• recycling and customising denim clothes
• designing a shop window display using only recycled clothes and textiles
• educating other students about sustainable fabrics
3 Listen again. Why are denim and cotton bad for the environment? How is Heba planning to sell her denim? How is Lama hoping to change people’s opinions?
Because of all the chemicals involved in making it dark blue. Heba will sell the items online. Lama wants to design a shop window display using only recycled clothes and textiles for people to see how great recycled clothes can look so that people would think twice before they throw old clothes away.
► Future forms for plans and hopes
4 Match the examples of future forms from the recording with explanations a–e.
1 c I’m going to turn them into shorts.
2 e Send me the details … I’ll take a look.
3 a She’ll be explaining how to understand the labels on clothes.
4 d I’m meeting her next week to finalise the plans.
5 b It starts at 7 p.m. in the auditorium.
a an action that is expected to happen in the normal course of events
b a timetabled or scheduled future event
c something that has already been decided
d a future arrangement with another person
e a future action decided now
5 In pairs, discuss the pair of sentences. Explain the difference in meaning, if any.
a Sorry about breaking your favourite mug. I’ll buy you a new one, I promise.
b I’m going to buy a new coat today.
Will is used to describe a decision at the moment of speaking (the speaker didn’t know beforehand that they would break the mug); be going to describes an action which has already been planned or decided.
6 Read the rules a–d below and complete the sentences with an appropriate form. Listen and check.
1 So, I am planning / hoping to (a) set up a small business recycling and customising denim.
2 I am planning / hoping to (a) selling them online once I have enough items to sell.
3 I am just about to (b) start working on a project to design a shop window display.
4 It is due to (c) go on display to the public at the beginning of next week.
5 So, I am planning to (a) get an expert to come in and talk to the whole school about the topic.
6 Students are to (d) arrive at 7 p.m. at the
We use these phrases to talk about the future:
a for plans, we can use be planning/hoping to + infinitive or be thinking of + gerund
b for things happening very soon, we can use be about to + infinitive
c for timetabled events, we can use be due to + infinitive
d for formal or official arrangements, instructions, or commands, we can use be to + infinitive
7 SPEAKING In groups, discuss these ideas.
1 Something you’re doing this weekend.
2 Something you’re going to do when you have enough money
Students’ own answers