Exercise 8A, page 1 - English File Studetn's book, pre-intermediate, Oxford

1 READING & LISTENING

a If you have a problem that you need to talk about, do you talk to a friend or to a member of your family? Why?

b TV chat show host Graham Norton has an advice column in a British newspaper. Read a problem which was sent to him and three possible options. Then talk to a partner. Which of the three pieces of advice do you agree with? Why?

c 🔊 8.1 Now listen to Tracey reading Graham's advice. Which of the three options does Graham think is right? Why?

Dear Graham,

I'm 24 and my partner is 46. We've been together for two years, and we have a wonderful relationship. I also have a great relationship with his children from his previous marriage. But I feel worried when I think about our future together. He has already lived life. He's been married, he's had children, and he's owned a business. I'm just starting my life. I want to have children, but he's not sure. I love him and I want to be with him, but I also want to share the adventures of life with someone. Should I leave him? Am I making my life more difficult by choosing to be with someone who's more than 20 years older than me?

Tracey

What should Tracey do?

a She should leave him and find somebody who is nearer her age and shares her interests.

b She should think hard about what kind of man she really wants to be with before making a decision.

c She should stay with him if she loves him. Being with an older man has advantages as well as disadvantages.

8.1

Hi Tracey,

You know the answer to your last question, and it's 'yes'. You're making your life more difficult. But it's also true that having a long-term relationship with anyone is difficult, and in your case you can at least see what some of the problems are. I'm sure this man loves you and will support you in all your goals in life, but it's true that he's already done all the things you want to do. It's not his fault, but it means that he'll never get as excited as you about, for example, a wedding or having another child. And everything you experience together, he'll probably compare to the last time he did it. You should think carefully about what kind of partner you really want: someone who can support you and show you the way in life, or someone who will discover life with you. You shouldn't make a decision in a hurry. When you're clearer about what you want, then you can decide if you're going to stay with this man or not.

Good luck!

1a Если у вас есть проблема, о которой нужно поговорить, вы рассказываете о ней другу или члену семьи? Почему?

Ответ: I usually talk to my friends first. They are my age, so they understand what I'm going through better. Sometimes parents worry too much, and it's easier to talk about some things with a friend. / Я обычно сначала разговариваю с друзьями. Они мои ровесники, поэтому лучше понимают, через что я прохожу. Иногда родители слишком сильно беспокоятся, и о некоторых вещах проще поговорить с другом.

1b Ведущий телевизионного ток-шоу Грэм Нортон ведет колонку советов в британской газете. Прочитайте проблему, которую ему прислали, и три возможных варианта. Затем поговорите с партнером. С каким из трех советов вы согласны? Почему?

Ответ: I agree with option b. Tracey should think hard about what she really wants for her future. The main issue isn't the age difference, but their different life goals, especially her desire to have children. She needs to figure out her priorities before making a decision to stay or leave. / Я согласен с вариантом b. Трейси следует хорошо подумать о том, чего она действительно хочет от своего будущего. Главная проблема не в разнице в возрасте, а в их разных жизненных целях, особенно в ее желании иметь детей. Ей нужно разобраться в своих приоритетах, прежде чем принимать решение остаться или уйти.

1c Теперь прослушайте, как Трейси читает совет Грэма. Какой из трех вариантов Грэм считает правильным? Почему?

Ответ: Для ответа на вопрос недостаточно данных.