B. Write a paragraph about advantages and disadvantages of a big/small family.

Ex.6. A. Look at the photographs below. Is there anything in common?

B. Read the following passages and match them with the photos. Comment on your choice.

1) I enjoy the honest and open relations in my family – but I think discipline must be used when necessary. There’s never been a division between us, the children, and them, parents. Freedom has made us close.

2) I knew a girl whose parents were very strict and it made her a liar. I wouldn’t like to do anything to upset my parents.

3) As for me, although I’m an only child, I don’t feel lonely because my parents always love and take care of me. What is more, we often discuss my problems together. Of course, sometimes I have arguments with my family but despite all our disagreements we always help each other. Everyone in my family is my best friend and I love my family very much.

4) From an early age, I have always had issues with my brother. He is two years younger than me. I’m not too sure myself where these issues came from but from as far back as I remember I have been very jealous of the attention he gets from my parents.

C. Speak about the relations in your family. Here are some expressions to help you.

To help in hard times; to mean the world for smb.; not to get on with smb.; to do anything for smb.; to be incredibly annoying; the most important people in the world; to be attached to smb.; to get on one’s nerves; to find support and understanding; mutual respect; to damage a relationship;  to bear responsibility; to get no support.

Ex.7. Work in pairs. Discuss with your friend what family means to you. The following table will help you.

We care for; help each other; spend a lot of time together

the cradle of life and love

The family is

the place where

we feel special secure

we learn to make the most of our time together

we can express ourselves openly

we got the strength and support for reaching our full potential in life

Ex.8. Work in pairs. Compose dialogues using the situations given below.

1. Two friends are looking at an old photograph. It’s a photo of one of their grandmother's family.

2. You talk to a distant relative trying to find out in what relationship you stand to each other. You have met only once at the wedding of your brother (Student A) and your niece (Student B).

3. Your father tells you about his brother you’ve never seen. You want to know all the details of his life in that distant city.

4. You are visiting your cousin whom you haven’t seen for a long time. Catch up on all the news from your two families, as well as from your own lives.