Americans Would Rather Live in Past over Future
LIFESTYLE
1/6/2026
WARM-UP
Answer quickly. No right or wrong answers.
Do you ever imagine living in a different time?
Would you like to travel to the past or the future?
Do you feel hopeful about what is coming next?
VOCABULARY
Essential (A1–B1)
imagine – to form an idea or picture in your mind
Example: I can’t imagine life without the internet.
time machine – a machine that allows travel to the past or future (science fiction)
Example: In movies, a time machine lets people change history.
option – something that can be chosen
Example: Staying home is one option.
recent – happening not long ago
Example: In recent years, technology has changed fast.
scared – afraid or nervous
Example: Some people feel scared about the future.
Developed (B2–C2)
hopeful – feeling optimistic about what may happen
Example: Many people are hopeful despite their fears.
present – the time happening now
Example: Living in the present can reduce stress.
pessimistic – expecting bad things to happen
Example: Some respondents feel pessimistic about the future.
respondent – a person who answers a survey
Example: Each respondent chose only one option.
preference – what someone likes more than other choices
Example: The survey shows a preference for the present.
READING
Introduction
This article explores how Americans feel about time — the past, the present, and the future. It explains which time period people prefer to live in and how they feel about what lies ahead.
(Read at your level. Do not translate every word.)
Article (All Levels)
Imagine having a time machine. You could travel to the past, the future, or stay where you are.
In a survey, many people chose to live in the present. Fewer people wanted to live in the future, even though many said they feel hopeful about it.
Developed Article (B1–C2)
The Pew Research Center asked Americans to choose only one option: live in the past, the present, or the future. The most popular choice was staying in the present.
While many people preferred the recent or distant past, very few wanted to move forward in time. Interestingly, even though many respondents said they feel scared about the future, most are still hopeful, showing that people can hold mixed emotions at the same time.
COMPREHENSION CHECK
Answer based on your level.
A1–A2
What is a time machine?
Which time period did most people choose?
Do many people want to live in the future?
B1–B2
What choices did respondents have in the survey?
Why is the present the most popular option?
How do people feel about the future?
C1–C2
Why might people prefer the present over the future?
How can people feel both hopeful and scared?
What do these preferences suggest about modern life?
SPEAKING
A1–A2 — Foundation
Tip: Use sentence starters for all personal questions.
(Answer + 1 reason)
“I think ___ because ___.”
“I usually ___.”
“I feel ___ about this.”
Personal Questions
Do you think about the future often?
Would you like a time machine?
Are you scared of the future?
Do you like your life now?
Do you talk about the past?
Is the present comfortable for you?
Do you feel hopeful today?
Do changes make you nervous?
Do you like planning ahead?
Do you miss the past?
Do you trust the future?
Do you enjoy today?
Do you think life is better now?
Do you avoid thinking about the future?
Do you prefer stability?
B1–B2 — Expansion
Tip: Use sentence starters for all personal questions.
(Answer + reason + 2 details)
“I believe ___ because ___; for example, ___ and ___.”
“One reason is ___.”
“This leads to ___.”
Personal Questions
Why do people prefer the present?
How does fear affect future planning?
Why might the past feel safer?
How do emotions influence big decisions?
Is the future more uncertain today?
How does technology affect time perception?
Do surveys reflect real feelings?
Why do people avoid long-term thinking?
Is hope stronger than fear?
How does uncertainty shape behavior?
Why do people feel mixed emotions?
Does comfort reduce ambition?
How do life experiences affect preferences?
Is change harder for adults?
Should people think more about the future?
C1–C2 — Depth & Reflection
Tip: Use sentence starters for all personal questions.
(Reason + multiple details + consequence or reflection)
“I believe ___ because ___; for instance, ___, ___, and ___; as a result, ___.”
“One major concern is ___.”
“In the long term, this could ___.”
Personal Questions
Why does modern society value the present so strongly?
How does uncertainty influence collective behavior?
Is fear of the future rational or emotional?
Can comfort limit progress?
How do economic pressures affect time preferences?
Does constant change reduce future confidence?
How do media narratives shape fear?
Is optimism declining globally?
How do past experiences shape expectations?
Should education focus more on future thinking?
Can hope exist without clarity?
How does risk tolerance affect progress?
Is living in the present a strength or weakness?
How do generational differences affect outlook?
What responsibility do individuals have toward the future?
