Conversation questions :

 Do you think there should be a maximum age for parents to have a new child?
 Does biological parenthood necessarily mean that the parents are also qualified enough for bringing the
child up?
 Do you think it is preferable to adopt or to use artificial reproduction technology?
 What are the most important responsibilities of parents?
 Should children take care of their parents when they grow old?

 Do you have a good relationship with your parents?

 Is it always enviable to be the eldest of the family?
 In your opinion, what role do grandparents have to play in the life and upbringing of grandchildren?
 Should adults try to teach young people lessons, such as the dangers of drinking too much, taking drugs or
catching the AIDS virus, or should they leave them alone to find out about these things themselves?
 Should parents continue to finance their children after the children are 18?
 Do you often argue with your mother or father? What about?
 Do your parents let you stay out late? What time do you have to be home?
 Should parents give their children an allowance?
 Do you think boys are easier to take care of than girls or vice versa? Why?
 What are some things that you would not allow your children to do?
 What do you think are some of the most difficult problems faced by parents?
 Do you think teenagers today should show more respect for adults? (teachers, parents etc)
 Did you have a good relationship with your parents? Why or why not?
 Do you think it's a good idea to give teenagers a lot of freedom? (example: come home when you like)
 Do you think you can be a better parent than your own parents in future?
VOCABULARY SHEET:

Topic: “ the family “

 Nouns Verbs Adjectives
- a single-parent family - grow up - (well-)-disciplined
- an only child - be under age ± to come of age - loving
- the elder - quarrel / have an argument with sb. - narrow-minded ± open-minded
- a relative - reproach / blame sb. for sth. - respectful ± disrespectful
- upbringing / education - get along with sb. - old-enough to V
- teenager - depend on sb. - self-reliant
- party - protect sb. (from) - mature ± immature
- take drugs - spoil sb. - strict ± permissive
- the generation gap - look after / take care of sb. - understanding
- obey ± disobey

Phrases:
- Teenagers often have arguments with their parents.
- I think parents will never understand their children.
- When you are the eldest, parents tend to spoil you.
- To my mind parents shouldn't interfere with the life of their children.
- In the USA you come of age at 21. From then on you are allowed to smoke.
- When they grow up, teenagers want to be independent and make their own choices.
- I hate it when my parents forbid me to go out.

Essay topics:

1) Is it always enviable to be the eldest of the family?

Being the eldest offers both advantages and drawbacks.

On the one hand, being the eldest can be enviable.
When you are the eldest, parents tend to spoil you.
You may even get the impression that you're the favourite.
On the other hand, it can also be a burden…
You have to set a good example for your brothers and sisters.
The eldest has too much responsibility.
Parents learn to be parents with the eldest, therefore they are more lenient and easygoing with the youngest.

2) In your opinion, what role do grandparents have to play in the life and upbringing of grandchildren?

I believe that grandparents have to play an important part in the upbringing of grandchildren.
They can share their valuable experience of life with their grandchildren and give them priceless advice.
Grandparents have the advantages of being older without the drawbacks: they can be affectionate and loving
without being strict. That's the parents' role!
I think parents only are in charge of the upbringing of children.
Grandparents should only be asked for advice when necessary.
They shouldn't interfere with the life of grandchildren.