Questions for discussion:
How long should a couple date before they move in together?
Why is the divorce rate so high in many countries?
Generally speaking, how do you think the men and women of you country are viewed by foreigners?
What is chivalry? Is it dead?
Do opposites attract? Or do similar people tend to fall in love? –How has the idea of marriage changed throughout history?
What do people commonly do on dates in your country?
Do fairy tales create unrealistic expectations for people?
What do you think about meeting someone through a dating agency or dating website?
Do you think it is okay to date a co-worker?
Jealousy: is it possible to control this emotion?
Do you believe in "the one" (does everyone have a 'perfect match')?
What are the pros and cons of going out with an older woman (or man)?
Are you for or against trial marriages i.e. living together outside marriage to test your compatibility?
Do you think that marriage should be for life? Should divorce be made easier or more difficult?
Family matters
E
x.1.
Lead-in:
Read
the following sayings and discuss them in pairs. Which one do you
like most of all and why?
All happy families resemble each other, each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way. LEV TOLSTOY, Anna Karenina
If the family were a boat, it would be a canoe that makes no progress unless everyone paddles. LETTY COTTIN POGREBIN, Family and Politics
Every father should remember that one day his son will follow his example instead of his advice
The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.
^ Ex. 2a) What does family mean to you?
Put down your answers and then compare them with answers from the article.
Yahoo visitors’ opinions
Family means that no matter how many times you may argue with your parents, sisters, or brothers, deep down you still have that unconditional love for them and if any one tries to step on any of them, you'll be the first to stand up and defend them. It means that you are getting unconditional love and that there's someone out there who knows when you are hurt, and feel your mood when you haven't said a single word.
What family means to me is love and someone that will always be there for you through the good times and the bad. It is about encouragement, understanding, hope, comfort, advice, values, morals, ideals, and faith. These things are all important to me because it makes me feel secure and happy inside regardless of what is going on in my life.
My family is EVERYTHING to me... they've been with me through everything, they've stuck with me more than any 'best friend' or anyone could ever do. I know they're the people that will ALWAYS be there for me for love and support and I can trust them with anything in the world
Which of the yahoo visitors’ opinion do you like the most/the least? Why?
Ex. 2b) Match the words with their definitions and give synonyms to them
roommate |
unable to get rid of |
stuck with |
without limits or reservations |
trust |
protected |
abusive |
firm belief in the reliability, truth or strength of someone or smth. |
secure |
extremely offensive and insulting |
encouragement |
words or actions that assist or inspire someone or something |
unconditional |
unquestioning belief that does not require proof or evidence |
faith |
a person occupying the same room as another |
¯ Ex. 3a) Listen and share your opinion.