Conversation practice

1. Discuss the following cross-cultural questions in sec­tion A. Then continue with the questions for discussion in section B. Work in twos and discuss your opinions. Choose someone to report the overall opinion of the group.

Section A. When do people usually begin to date in your country? What are some popular places to go on a date? Are the rules for dating the same for men and women? What are common dating activities? Does a girl or a boy need to ask the permission of his/her parents to go on a date?

Section B. What age do you think is best for getting mar­ried? What characteristics do you look for in a girlfriend or boy­friend? What was the most boring date you've ever been on? What was the most interesting date you've ever been on? Have you ever stood your date up? Have you ever been stood up? How did you feel?

2. Read the following dialogues. Each of them de­scribes a particular situation. Match the dialogues with the situations after them. Act the dialogues out.

I

A: Well I was wondering if you wanted to go out sometime?

B: What did you have in mind?

A: I thought we could check out a movie and maybe go out for coffee after. Would that work for you?

B: Sure I guess... when do you want to go?

II

A: So I wonder how we got into this mess. Which friend set us up, I'm not even sure... they are all ganging up on us or something!

B: Well, we might as well make the best of it,... so tell me about your, I don't know... you major or something?

A: Ok,... I wish this didn't have to be so uncomfortable, but here goes... my major is biology and I am graduating in May – what are you in?

B: I'm taking some courses in education, but I haven't de­cided on my major yet.

III

A: She just stood me up, I don't believe it, I totally thought she was sincere when we talked yesterday.

B: Well, maybe something came up and she couldn't make it.

A: I'm just so bummed though, she could have at least called or something... and to add insult to injury, I got a parking ticket when I was waiting for her to meet me outside the restau­rant.

B: Calm down! You need to relax – you can call her tomor­row when you cool off some more.

IV

A: I don't believe what I just did... I dumped him... I felt like I didn't even care what I was saying.

B: Just breathe, Janice, let's try to think together, ok? What were your reasons before tonight? I remember you told me Bob was just a jerk. He cancelled on you 5 times this month!

A: You're right I guess, I didn't want to hurt him though – he had tears in his eyes when I was talking...

V

A: Ok, so we were at the park last night and I finally popped the question.

B: You did? Wow... that sure is fast – haven't you guys just been dating for 5 months?

A: It's been 6 1/2 months actually, but I really feel deep down that we're meant for each other. Sometimes though, I have doubts, even though I've been thinking about this for a long time. Last night though, when she said yes, I felt like a mil­lion bucks. Her face was just glowing – it was so amazing, but sometimes I wonder about us. Our families are very different and we have some different hopes and dreams, but at the same time, our love is strong.

VI

A: Do you think you'd ever consider hanging out with me, just the two of us? I was thinking we could go to the zoo or something... don't worry about my little sister, she won't be there this time!

B: That sounds good, I have a lot of homework tonight, but does tomorrow work?

A: Sure,... how about 7pm... and I can pick you up, ok?

Situations.

1) One boy was stood up by his date. He is talking to his friend.

2) A boy is asking a girl out for a date. (2 dialogues)

3) A girl broke up with her boyfriend and her friend tries to calm her down.

4) Two people are on a blind date.

5) Bob has popped the question at last, but he is still iffy about his decision, and he talks to his friend.

3. Work in small groups. Discuss the questions given below. Choose a person to sum up the discussion and to present your group's view on the following problems.

Is attraction the same as love, or are they different? Will romantic attraction before marriage guarantee its success? Do people usually fall in love gradually, or does it happen all at once? How does one know when he (she) is really in love? Do romantic love and sexual desire always go together? Can a computer solve the problem of finding an unmistakable choice of a future matrimonial mate?

How soon should one get married? Should a young couple live together a while before getting married, in order to test their love, their compatibility, and their commitment?

Should young people be completely free to select their own marriage partners, even when their choice may be contrary to the wishes of their parents, and may mean a mixed religious or racial marriage?

4. The most unforgettable event in every person's life is his/her wedding. Study the list of key phrases below and with the help of the Longman Dictionary of English Lan­guage and Culture, speak about "A Traditional White Wed­ding in a Church."

a registry office BrE / office of the Justice and peace AmE; wedding chapel; to walk up the aisle; wedding ceremony; wedding reception; best man; wedding breakfast; bridesmaid; wedding cake; matron of honor; just married; "to give her away";