| Level: | Topic: | Speakers: | Length: |
| intermediate | marriage preparation | man – woman | 02:39 |
Pre-Listening Exercise
Marriage customs and traditions are different around the world, but developing good communication skills and expectations before marriage can help you resolve problems you encounter in a relationship. So, what are three problems or issues that can come up in a relationship and what are the keys to working through them in a positive way? In what way can a marriage preparation class help in some cases?
Idioms
“tie the knot” = get married
“Ryan and Ashley are going to tie the knot this summer.”
“be on the rocks” = have serious problems in a relationship
“Their relationship has been on the rocks for a long time.“
Listening Exercise
A. Listen to the recording and answer the questions.
The woman realizes that her brother is getting married ___.
Woman: No. Why didn't you tell me about it? (It) says you're getting married next week.
According to the conversation, what is his girlfriend like?
Man: Ah, she’s so, well, so sensitive and caring.
Jasmine, the man's girlfriend, _____
Woman: She's got, like a lot her tattoos and a nose ring, and uh, I'm sorry. The family is going to be really surprised.
The man probably isn't ready for marriage because he _____.
Woman: Yeah. Right, like . . . . What have you had? Like ten girlfriends in the last six months?
The man and Jasmine agree on the number of children they want.
Woman: Oh, boy. Right. Um, well, what about children? Are you guys going to have any kids? Man: Well, I want a large family, so eight kids would be just about right. Woman: Wow! What does Jasmine say about that? Man: Ah, well, she doesn't want any kids, but I'll change her mind once we get married. ( Right. ) No problem.
According to the man, _________.
Woman: Okay, what about housework? How are you going to handle that? Man: Well, Jasmine won't mind doing it.
Vocabulary Practice
Do the vocabulary quizzes with the words from the conversation for more practice:
Post-Listening Exercise
Think of a couple you know (your friends, parents, grandparents). Describe their relationship. How do (or don’t they) show compassion and understand towards one another? What experiences in life have tested their relationship? How did they deal with these challenges?
Online Investigation
Use the Internet to learn about the marriage customs in these countries. In what ways are these customs similar or different from those you find in your own country or family?
- India
- Japan
- Saudi Arabia
- Italy
- Mexico
- Sweden
- Morocco
- Scotland
- Thailand
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