LIST A: INTENSIFIERS AND MODIFIERS ROLES IN THE FAMILY Some people are absolutely convinced that a child should have a mother and a father COMMUNICATION People are increasingly uncomfortable about speaking to each other face to face THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM If I hadn’t been able to study some fun subjects like art and music my school days would have been utterly miserable Studies have shown that subjects like PE and music greatly improve brain function YOUTH BEHAVIOUR We always used to respect our elders If a teacher told me off I was absolutely terrified When I see what young people get up to nowadays, I’m utterly shocked A boy I know got caught committing a crime and his mum was utterly devastated USE OF THE INTERNET It’s becoming extremely difficult to keep your private life private Nowadays, if a company doesn’t have a website it’s virtually invisible to the public DESIGNER GOODS Designer goods are an absolute rip off The prices some shops charge are absolutely extortionate A lot of the high street clothes are complete tat You’d have to be totally stupid to pay €5000 for a bag DEBATING I firmly believe that… I think it’s absolutely ridiculous that… I completely agree, I’m not completely sure about that I’m not entirely convinced LIST B: INTENSIFIERS AND MODIFIERS INTERNATIONAL EVENTS Some international events have proven to be a complete waste of money EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES I don’t think discrimination has been completely eradicated yet Opportunities for men and women are basically the same nowadays SOCIAL ISSUES Some people seem determined to make life utterly miserable for everyone else When I see the vandalism and the amount of rubbish in my area it’s absolutely infuriating Inequality is a big issue It seems wrong that some people are absurdly rich while others haven’t got two pennies to rub together THE FUTURE OF THE PLANET Our government seem alarmingly indifferent to environmental issues (unemployment, poverty,) SCIENTIFIC DEVELOPMENTS Technology progresses frighteningly fast It’s easy to get left behind I’m completely ignorant about how 3D printing works Modern weapons are absolutely terrifying STRESS MANAGEMENT By the time I finish my degree I’ll be absolutely exhausted My career leaves me feeling completely burnt out I feel completely relaxed after an hour in the gym After a walk in the country with the dogs I’m totally chilled out DEBATING I firmly believe that… I think it’s absolutely ridiculous that… I completely agree, I’m not completely sure about that I’m not entirely convinced