Lesson 9. Happiest People in the World

Lesson 9. Happiest People in the World

Learning ObjectivesAfter this lesson, students will be able to:

• Define what happiness is.• Define types of happiness vocabularies.• Infer information from the provided text.• Discuss what makes one happy and how it affects quality of life.• Modify sentences with the use of sentence connectors showing cause and

effect• Use idiomatic expressions to talk about happiness.• Practice pronunciation words of similar spelling but of different function

through syllable stress.

Learning Objectives 2


Warm up 3

Why do you think they are happy?

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8


Introduction 4

Happiness is an emotional state characterized by feelings of joy, satisfaction, contentment, and fulfillment. While happiness has many different definitions, it is often described as involving positive emotions and life satisfaction.

Because happiness tends to be such a broadly defined term, psychologists and other social scientists typically use the term 'subjective well-being' when they talk about this emotional state.

What is happiness?

Is happiness a goal? Why or why not?


1. I'm generally a happy person.2. People in my country generally live long,

prosperous, and happy lives.3. Happiness is a good measure of a country's success.4. Countries need to work harder to make their

citizens happier.5. Money and success is more important than

happiness.

Reflection – Speak Up 5


Reading Exercise 6

The World Happiness Report measures happiness in countries around the world,and is based on six key criteria. These are GDP per capita, social support, healthylife expectancy, freedom to make life decisions, generosity, and the level of crimepeople believe exists.

In general, Scandinavian countries were at the top of the report. They havestrong economies, a good social support system for their citizens,and trustworthy governments. Most sub-Saharan countries in Africa were at the bottomof the happiness scale. Countries with wars were also at the bottom.

People who answered the questionnaire imagined a ladder with stepsnumbered from zero at the bottom to ten at the top. The top of the ladder wasan ideal life, and the bottom of the ladder was a terrible life. People who answered thequestions had to imagine on which step of the ladder they currently stood.

The report shows that happiness must be viewed as an important measure ofsocial progress. It should be the goal of various public policies. As a result, moregovernments have begun to use this information when they make new policieswhich enable their citizens to live better lives.


Reading Comprehension 7

1. The Happiness Report is based on five important points.2. Scandinavian countries have enough social support for their citizens.3. People who answered the questions first imagined ideal situations.4. According to the article, social happiness is very important.5. The report hasn't been used to make policies by governments.

1. Where on the scale do you think your country falls? Why do you think so?2. What could your country likely do to increase its rank? Please explain.3. If you could make any change in your country, what would it be? Why?4. Of the six key factors, which do you think is the most important? Why?5. Would you consider moving to any of the top-ranking countries? Why/not?


Vocabulary Building 8

a.Eudaimonia

b.Optimism

c.Excitement

d.Pride

e.Joy

f. Hedonia

g.Contentment

h.Gratitude

1. An often relatively brief feeling that is felt in the present moment2. A happy feeling that involves looking forward to something with

positive anticipation3. A positive emotion that involves being thankful and appreciative4. A feeling of satisfaction in something that you have accomplished5. This is a way of looking at life with a positive, upbeat outlook6. This type of happiness involves a sense of satisfaction7. This type of happiness is derived from pleasure. It is most often

associated with doing what feels good, self-care, fulfilling desires, experiencing enjoyment, and feeling a sense of satisfaction.

8. This type of happiness is derived from seeking virtue and meaning. It is associated more with fulfilling responsibilities, investing in long-term goals, concern for the welfare of other people, and living up to personal ideals.


Grammar Bits 9

Sentence connectors showing cause and effectIn English, we use several different words to show cause and effect.Examples are: for, because, as, since, therefore, hence, as a result,consequently, due to, because of, as a result of etc.

Cause/Reason Effect

She had no other options Consequently, she married at thirteen.

She married at thirteen because she had no other options.

She was not protected. As a result, she had a baby at thirteen.

She had no access to health education or medical clinics

Therefore, she was more likely to get HIV.

She was more likely to get HIV since she had no access to health education or clinics.

There was poor sanitation in the village.

As a consequence, she had health problems.

She had health problems because of poor sanitation in the village.

Cause/Reason Effect

The water was impure in her village. For this reason, she suffered from parasites.

She suffered from parasites on account of¹ the impure water in her village.

She had no shoes, warm clothes or blankets

For all these reason, she was often cold.

She had no shoes, warm clothes or blankets

For all these reason, she was often cold.

She had no resources to grow food. Thus, she was hungry.

She was hungry for the reason that she had no resources to grow food.

She had not been given a chance, so² she was fighting for survival.

She was fighting for survival since she had not been given a chance.


Grammar Exercise 10

Identify the cause and effect then connect the sentences with appropriate connectors.

1. Scandinavian countries were at the top of the World Happiness Report. They have a strong economy andtrustworthy governments.

2. Interracial marriages have been legalized. George and Mary started fixing their papers immediately.3. Each year, more girls die of diseases than boys. They are not vaccinated.4. Some pregnant women do not receive health care during their pregnancies. They are more likely to die in

childbirth.5. Medical clinics were very far away from some villages. Patients walked long distances for help.6. More schools are being built. Kids have more chance to learn about health and life skills.7. More establishments are being built. More jobs are available for the citizens.8. Teenagers are no longer afraid to talk about their sanity. People have a healthier attitude towards mental

health.9. More governments have begun to use this information when they make new policies. Their citizens are able

to live better lives.10. The level of crime rate have significantly decreased. The war on drugs has been tightened.


Happiness Scale 11

1

2

3

4

5

6…….

Look at the items on the left and rank them

in order of what makes you most happy. Tell

how each affects your quality of life


Idiomatic Expressions 12

Lesson 8. All Things Remembered

Use the idioms in a sentence.

1

Happy camper:very content with their life and has no complaint

Paint the town red:go out and enjoy oneself flamboyantly.

2

Happy hour:a period of the day when drinks are sold at reduced prices in a bar or restaurant.

On cloud nine:very happy because something wonderful has happened.

Happy accident:A mistake or unplanned event that results in a beneficial outcome.

Happy medium:A healthy balance between two extremes.

3

4

5

6

Speaking Activity 13


1.Do you think that happiness lies within you? Or does it depend upon other people and external things?

2.Would you be happier with a soul mate or single?

3.When was the happiest time of your childhood?

4.What do you think is the color for happiness?

5.What do you think of the idea of a government Happiness Minister who is responsible for the happiness of the

population?

6.Does your happiness change during different times of the day, week, month or year?

7.What is missing in your life that would make you very happy?

8.Do you think some nations are happier than others?

9.Are the people in your country generally very happy?

10.How can you become happy again when you are sad?

11.Are you very happy most of the time?

12.What is or was the happiest time of your life?

13.Do you need money to be happy?

Express Yourself

Pronunciation Drill 14

Noun: CONduct "The conduct of the student was unacceptable."Verb: conDUCT "They're conducting an enquiry.“Noun: INsert "Put a couple of inserts in this text."Verb: inSERT "He inserted a few words into her paragraph."Noun: REfuse "The refuse collectors are on strike."Verb: reFUSE "He refused permission."Noun: CONtest "She entered a beauty contest."Verb: conTEST "They contested the results."Noun: REfund "I'd like a refund please."Verb: reFUND "We'll refund you 50%.“Noun: PERmit "Do you need a permit to fish here?"Verb: perMIT "They won't permit her to leave the country.“Noun: CONflict "They're reporting armed conflict in the area."Verb: conFLICT "His opinion conflicted with hers."

Noun and verb syllable stress


The End

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Lesson 9. Happiest People in the World

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