3. Discuss.

1. Who are the people you feel you have most in common with? Do you always feel on the same wavelength? Why/Why not?

2. What are three important characteristics of a ‘good friend’? Does the text refer to any characteristics you thought of? Which views from the text do you have?

3. Do you think people look for different things in friends as they get older? If so, why and how?

4. Have you ever fallen out with a good friend? What happened? Discuss.

Text 3. A small circle of good friends is better than one best friend

A The Party Partner

There is a time in most children’s lives when they have just one ‘best friend’. This is the only person they are interested in and the only person they need. But as we get older, most people realise that it’s actually much healthier to have a small circle of good friends with different personality types. Firstly, a ‘party partner’ is essential. You need at least one wild friend who encourages you to do spontaneous things like go to a late night party or buy something really expensive. This kind of friend will put interest back in your life. He or she will make you feel more energetic and relieve a lot of stress.

B The Workmate

Secondly, you also need a ‘workmate’. This friend helps you with your schoolwork or your career. He or she advises you and discusses your progress. If you have a friend like this, you’re in luck. This is someone who will help push you, support you and encourage you to do your best. It's a good idea to find someone who is at a similar life stage, or a bit older. But don’t choose someone who is too competitive. You need someone self-confident and generous for this kind of friend.

C The Hobby Sharer

Thirdly, one kind of friend who is fun to have is the ‘hobby sharer’. This is someone who you have absolutely nothing in common with, except that at the moment you share the same interest or hobby. If you start a new hobby, like going to the gym, it is much more motivating to have someone to go with. This friendship could collapse at any time but is very nice while it lasts. The great thing about this kind of friend is that you can start all sorts of new things with different ‘hobby sharer’ friends. He or she can help you move on to a new stage in your life.

D The ‘Tell-anything’ Friend

Finally, almost the opposite of the ‘hobby sharer’ is the kind of friend known as the ‘tell-anything’ friend. He or she could also be known as your ‘three-in-the-morning’ friend. You might never have to wake this friend up because you’re in a panic about something, but you know you could. This is perhaps the only friend who you show your worst side to and with whom you can truly be yourself. The key to being a ‘tell-anything’ friend is that even though you may not agree with your friend, you are always loyal and always on their side. This, after all, is what a true friend should be.

1. Look at the types of friends in each heading. Can you predict what characteristics each kind of friend might have?

2. Find words in the text that mean:

1. extremely important ___________________

2. something has not been planned or organized, but happens by itself ___________________

3. to persuade ___________________

4. to reduce ___________________

5. to try as hard as you can to do something ___________________

6. to agree to help somebody___________________

7. trying very hard to be more successful than others_______________

8. willing to give money, spend time in order to help ______________

9. sure that you can do things well ___________________

10. to use something with other people ___________________

11. to damage or become weak ___________________

12. to leave your present occupation and start doing another one ___________________

13. always supporting your friends ___________________

14. a sudden feeling of fear that makes you unable to think clearly ___________________

15. having a lot of energy and determination___________________