Parents and Their Children

Match two parts of the sentences.

1. Spare the rod …                                               a) big children – heartache.

2. A busy mother …                                             b) one of nature’s masterpieces.

3. It’s a wise father …                                          c) and spoil the child.

4. The family is …                                               d) makes a lazy daughter.

5. The mother is to the child …                           e) what the king is to the nation.

6. Parents can provide everything …                   f) big children don’t let you rest.

7. Small children don’t let you sleep, …              g) that knows his own child.

8. Small children give you headache, …               h) except good luck.

Answer the following questions.

1. Are you pressured by your family to act in a certain way? 

2. Do you get along well with your family? 

3. Do you often argue with your mother or father? What about?

4. Are your parents strict?

5. Do you think you can be a better parent than your own parents in future?

6. Is it possible for parents and children to be friends?

Read the text. Choose from (A—H) the one which best fits each space (1—5). There are three choices you do not need to use.

RESPECT YOUR PARENTS – AND THEY’LL RESPECT YOU

Having a good relationship with your parents is a two-way thing. If you do your part, your relationship with your parents will improve and you will have fewer arguments with them. You will then notice that your parents are more understanding towards you. You should all work together 1) __ relationship.

As a teenager, you’re always taught to share anything with your parents. Even though you’ve a right to say anything, bear in mind 2) __ make your saying in a respectable manner and in a softened tone. Parents usually can’t tolerate the child 3) ___ or shouts at them, or talks down to them, as this will definitely hurt their feelings. Never say bad things towards your parents as this will hurt them drastically.

Spend at least 30 minutes chatting with your parents. This way, you may strengthen good relationships with them.

Often you can say «I feel like» (which certainly hardly accuses anyone of anything, but just simply states how you feel) because often parents don’t realize 4) _ . Normally, a wise parent wants to know what troubles their children and what they actually think. If you know that your parents are doing wrong things, do not shout or scold them. Explain to them in a soft tone. I am sure they are willing to accept your point of view. In any case, 5) _, we must show our respect to our parents. No matter what mistakes they have made or are making, they are parents and I am sure they love their children.

A as a son or a daughter

B who yells

C to build better teenager-parents

D that a child’s social skills suffer

E that you must

F how their child feels

G that could have been used

H is far better for improving

Read the dialogue and do the task.

Ed. Hey Rocky! You’ve been sitting around all night. Get out and dance with someone like that woman over there.

Rocky. No way! She looks like the intellectual type.

Ed. Oh come on man! What kind of woman do you like?

Rocky. I want a woman who’s affectionate and fulfills my every need, and that woman over there is just not the right type.

Ed. Hey. Where have you been? Times are changing, and you’re never going to find a woman who will shine your shoes and pick up after you all the time. Wake up.

Rocky. Oh really? I meet a lot of women like that, but not at this party. I also prefer a woman who’ll stay home, cook, clean, and watch the kids.

Ed. Okay, but what are your household responsibilities once you get home from work?

Rocky. Hmm. Eat, watch TV, and throw out the garbage.

Ed. Wait, wait, wait. I can’t believe I’m hearing this. In fact, you’re never going to get married. I recently read a news report that said 40 percent of women don’t think their husbands do their share around the house, and you seem to be that type.

Rocky. Well, that’s the way I am, but what’s YOUR idea of the perfect woman?

Ed. Well, I like a woman who’s outgoing, caring, and non-judgmental about people’s differences, and it bothers me when people think them the center of the universe … like someone I know.

Rocky. Well, that’s nice for you, but that doesn’t change my point of view. I guess I’ll have to go home to a TV dinner and my dog, Rusty.

Ed. Hey, and if I stick with you, this is going to be a long, lonely night. Say hello to Rusty for me.

1) What was Rocky doing at the beginning of the conversation?

A) eating and drinking

B) dancing to the music

C) standing around at the party

D) talking with his girlfriend, Babe

2) Rocky likes women who:

A) serve him hand and foot.

B) stimulate his intellect.

C) pursue their own careers.

D) enjoy reading novels.

3) In addition to eating, Rocky feels his household chores include:

A) fixing the appliances like the TV and throwing out the trash.

B) washing the car and collecting the trash.

C) watching television and taking out the garbage.

D) fixing things around the house.

4) Rocky acknowledges that his views on women:

A) were shaped by his own family life.

B) are quite progressive for the times.

C) reflect the views of earlier generations.

D) are in line with the prevailing views.

5) From the conversation, what is the most likely scenario of events for the rest of the evening for Rocky?

A) He returns home alone and spends the night with his dog.

B) He remains at the party to try to make new friends.

C) He decides to visit his friend, Rusty, and they have TV dinners.

D) He meets a woman who shares his mutual interest in archeology.