Family Matters
We are an average Russian family, which consists of … members. I suppose, our family is very united. I have never felt a stranger in my family. We have much in common. We share our interests. Ours is not a quiet disciplined house, you know! Of course, we have arguments from time to time but we usually arrive at the truth, which I find normal. But generally speaking we get on well with each other and agree on most things.
I am happy to say that I take after ... (my Mum) in character and I see … (her) as my best friend. To be frank, I (don’t) come to my parents first if I have problems because (sometimes) I am (not) sure they understand me correctly. I feel confide in my … about my friends and feelings because he / she is sensitive and generous in dealings with me. Sometimes my parents tell me off, but the good thing is that they never do that in front of my friends. Though I feel offended and even don’t talk to my parents, I realize that I am not an easy person to get on with. I’m often self-centered and a little bit vain. At home I usually keep myself to myself but my friends consider me to be easy-going.
Sometimes my parents are too thoughtful and it gets on my nerves and annoys me. When I am in bad mood, it seems that my parents and me are totally different, like chalk and cheese. However, as the popular saying goes, ‘blood is thicker than water’. I am old enough to realize that my parents are not saints and may make mistakes, so I am ready to compromise and meet them halfway, take part in all sorts of activities that can unite the family. I can boast a little, though, that we have some family traditions, for instance, ….
I hope one day I would tell my children that my relationship with my parents (and my siblings) was not at all tense. My father is never bully; my mum can’t be described as aloof and uncaring. They respect my opinion and we feel tenderness towards each other. Raising a family isn’t easy for the couple nowadays. It’s quite difficult for my parents to juggle their job and the family. Father is a bread-winner in the family, he is the head of our small clan but he never does anything to aggravate our mutual understanding or to make my life full of limits.
I can’t say that my wishes always coincide with my parents’ ones. I know that there are many conflicts between teenagers and their parents because of the so-called generation gap. It is usually the result of different life experience and the teenagers’ desire to learn about life from that of their own, which often leads to making mistakes. It might be better to tell our parents about our problems, they could be angry, but, nevertheless, they will give a helping hand. If they are ready to share my joys and sorrows, I am sure to find understanding and support in the family. I feel great affection to my family. I think I will bring up my children similarly to the way my parents brought me up. I also have an opinion that people living in the family are much happier than those living alone.
Monologues and Dialogues to Topic 7:
Speak about family matters. Remember to say:
whether your family is united,
if you feel a complete stranger in your family,
what things make you quarrel with your parents.
Speak about family matters. Remember to mention:
the role a family plays in our life;
the importance of a good family atmosphere;
whether you would bring up your children the same way your parents do.
One of you is a parent. He/she asks his/her child for advice to get on better with the sibling. The problems are schooling and the choice of friends. The child thinks there are too many limits from the parent’s side. Discuss your points of view and find some way out.
You’ve come to your friend after a quarrel with your parents. Tell him / her about your problems. Discuss the role of family in our life. Ask your partner for advice how to settle the conflict down.