General Listening Quiz
“Dating Violence”
Content Warning: This conversation deals with domestic violence.
| Level | Topic | Speakers | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Difficult | Dating | Man – Woman | 01:54 |
Pre-Listening Exercise
What types of problems can come up in a relationship, including any kind of emotional, physical, or psychological abuse?
Agree or Disagree? Let’s Spark Some Conversation!
Do you agree or disagree with these statements. Talk together and share your opinions.
- Good communication is the most important part of a relationship.
- Long-distance relationships rarely work.
- It’s okay to end a relationship if your goals don’t match.
- People often try to change their partner instead of accepting them.
- Dating apps make it harder to build real connections.
- Arguments in a relationship mean something is wrong.
- Trust takes time to build but can be lost quickly.
- People should talk about money early in a relationship.
- Having different interests makes a relationship more interesting.
- Social media causes more problems than benefits in relationships.
Idioms
“dump someone” = end a relationship
“John’s girlfriend dumped him because he treated her so badly, physically and emotionally.”
“fall for someone” = to begin to love or have feelings for someone
“My sister often falls for the worst guys without getting to really know them.”
Listening Exercise
Listen to the recording and answer the questions. (See transcript)
Vocabulary and Sample Sentences
Here are some words and expressions that appear in the recording:
- groin (noun): the top of your inner thigh where your legs come together
– I got kicked in the groin accidentally during the soccer game, and I couldn’t move for a few minutes. - aggressive (adjective): showing feelings of anger and being ready to fight
– Richards sometimes gets really upset at little things and becomes somewhat aggressive. - let go of something (verb): stop holding on to a feeling or idea
– Amber apologized to her boyfriend about forgetting his birthday, but he won’t let it go. He’s been angry for two weeks. - press charges (verb): take legal action against someone
– Brandon’s ex-girlfriend smashed his car window, and now he is going to press charges against her. - frightened (adjective): afraid or scared
– Maria felt very frightened when her boyfriend demanded that she not hang out with her friends after school. - backlash (noun): a strong reaction to something
– Michael knew his old girlfriend would be angry at him when they broke up, but when she stole his cell phone and posted terrible messages on Facebook, he said he never expected such a negative backlash like that. - inflict (verb): cause someone to feel something harmful or painful
– Why do you want to inflict such terrible emotional pain on your old girlfriend? You were using drugs, and she couldn’t stand your abuse, so I don’t blame her for leaving you. - keep someone updated (verb): give or provide the latest information on something
– I’m worried that Sarah’s boyfriend is selling drugs, and Sarah is feeling pressure to do it, too. I’m going to talk to her tonight. I’ll keep you updated if I find out anything.
Post-Listening Exercise
Describe relationships you are in or have been involved in (with friends, partners, even parents). What activities and attitudes create a positive environment in a friendship and marriage?
Online Investigation
Search the internet for information on how to prevent dating violence. What suggestions can you find? What laws exist in your country or area that protect people from such abuse?