2.

Match the words with their definitions

1 an adolescent a to say or think that someone or something is responsible for something bad
2 negotiation b to do what someone in a position of authority tells you to do
3 to assault c to attack someone in a violent way
4 to blame d a young person who is developing into an adult
5 to interfere e a method of doing something or dealing with a problem
6 to obey f to get involved in a situation that does not concern you, and try to influence
what happens in a way that annoys people
7 to prevent g discussions between the representatives of opposing groups

1-d
2-g
3-c
4-a
5-f
6-b
7-e

reason, adults, in love, get angry, intolerance, conflicts,

argument, get along with, violence, decide
There are (1) … everywhere: in the families, between neighbours or between the boys and their girls in your
class. What are the (2) … of these conflicts? Perhaps the neighbours (3) … because your football lands in their
garden, of because your music is too loud. May (4) … say hasty things about your hairstyle or about the way
you dress. Perhaps your mother has a serious (5) … with you because of you boyfriend. Perhaps your brother
and his best friend have become bitter rivals because they are (6) … with the same girl. Or a friend in your class
cannot (7) … which classmates or teacher he/she should invite to a party.
And if you open a newspaper, almost everyday you will find reports about individuals, groups of people or
countries that do not (8) …each other at all. Lies, misunderstanding, prejudice,(9) … and discrimination often
cause serious problems which can lead to (10) ...
1 reasons
2 loud
3 mean
4 argument
5 best
6 severe
7 same
8 decide
9 open
10 cause

4. Write some advice for solving conflicts in the family.

Suggestions include:
1) Try to stay calm.
2) Try to put emotions aside.
3) Don't interrupt the other person while they are speaking.
4) Actively listen to what they are saying and what they mean.
5) Check that you understand them by asking questions.
6) Communicate your side of the story clearly and honestly.