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Exercise 1

Listen to the conversation and choose the right answers to the questions you hear. 1. How many articles are probably in Tom and Linda’s marriage agreement? a. 12. b. 13. c. 14. d. 15.

2. How do Tom and Linda feel about their marriage agreement? a. Linda is not very happy with some of the articles in the agreement. b. Tom thinks some of the articles in the agreement are too strict. c. Both Tom and Linda are satisfied with it.

d. Both Tom and Linda are not satisfied with it and they want to make a lot of changes to it.

3. What will happen to their marriage agreement in a year’s time? a. They will review the articles and make changes to update them. b. They will sit down and write out a new agreement. c. They will not make any changes to the agreement.

d. They will not need it anymore, as they are both familiar with its contents.

Exercise 2

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Listen to the conversation again and complete the answers to the following questions. 1.What is stated in the rule of driving?

It is stated that if they get lost for more than five minutes when they are driving, they must stop and ask for directions. 2. What is Article 13 about? What does it say?

Article 13 is about breaking rules. The article says, “If you break a rule, you must apologize and do something nice for the other person to make it up.” 3. What is Article 14 about? What is stated in the agreement?

It is about reviewing the contents of the agreement. It states that they must review this agreement once a year and make necessary changes.

Speaking Tasks

Pair Work

Debating — Arguments for or against giving first priority to economic status

in choosing a spouse

A Sample

Nowadays, some young people give first priority to economic status in choosing a spouse. Are you for or against this standard in choosing a spouse? Express and defend your views from the perspectives given in the card below.

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Topic: Is it right to give first priority to economic status in choosing a spouse? Perspectives: 1. From the perspective of a student (positive) 2. From the perspective of a social worker (negative)

Possible Arguments (for reference)

From the perspective of a student (positive)

I think it is very natural for people to give first priority to economic status in choosing a spouse. We all know how important money is. Without money, we can hardly do anything. Lack of money in a marriage will cause problems to the couple. Even though the couple may have married for love, being always hard-pressed for money, love will soon be replaced by quarrels and endless worries over money matters. If this happens, can they live happily together? So I think it is very important to first consider if your future spouse is able to share the responsibility of supporting a family. If not, just wait.

From the perspective of a social worker (negative)

Nowadays, some young people consider economic status the most important factor when they choose a spouse. They think money can bring everything they want, like a big apartment, a car, or a trip abroad. However, can these material

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things really ensure happiness? I don’t think so. A marriage based solely on material wealth will not necessarily be a happy one. Countless examples have shown that rich people often have unsuccessful marriages. A happy marriage is built on a deep love and affection between husband and wife, which cannot be bought by money.

Now use the above sample as your model and carry on similar activities with your partner.

Topic: Is it right to give first priority to a university degree in choosing a spouse? Perspectives: 1. From the perspective of some students (positive) 2. From the perspective of some other students (negative)

Some Ideas for Reference The Argument (positive)

1. A university degree is the first thing I’d consider when I choose my life

companion. I think two people with very different educational backgrounds would have problems in communication.

2. A person with a university degree has been exposed to a wide range of

knowledge / is well-educated.