Idioms & Expressions:
toying with (an expression that means that to “manipulate” someone)
Your boss is toying with you by offering you a raise, but then never actually giving it to you.
spoiled brat (a noun for a kid who is accustomed to getting what they want and is therefore very rude)
She is a bit of a spoiled brat and will not hesitate to shout at you.
helicopter parents (noun that refers to parents who watch their kids very closely)
You can see the helicopter parents with their kids on the playground.
sheltered child (a child who is protected from the outside world by their parents and is not permitted to do many things)
He is a little shy because growing up, he was a sheltered child.
mentor (both a noun and a verb. For example a mentor mentors someone)
My uncle is my mentor and he’s helping me become a better person.
role model (noun used to describe a person who is looked up to and who other people seek to imitate/emulate)
Who is your role model and why?
lead by example (phrase that means a leader should model the behavior he/she wants her followers to display)
He didn’t say much, but he led by example.
look up to (a phrase that means to admire someone and follow their example)
I used to look up to her and try to imitate her.
father figure (noun describing a man who is viewed as a surrogate father for children who may not have one)
The athlete is viewed as a father figure by many children.
call the shots, hold the reins (both noun phrases that refer to someone who is in charge or something)
She is the CEO and she holds the reins for the company.
Part I: Group Discussion
- What was your favorite toy to play with when you were a child?
For my sixth birthday, I got a Batman action figure. I really liked playing with it because it had clip-on armor that you could remove in order to make him look like Bruce Wayne, who is Batman’s secret identity.
- Should parents buy many toys for their children?
I think kids should receive toys, but not too many. If a kid receives too many toys, or is told “yes” too often, I think he will turn into a spoiled brat and be unpleasant to be around.
- What are the benefits of children playing with toys?
Playing with toys, or playing video games, stimulates the imagination. Also, kids playing together when they’re young will give them greater social skills later in life.
- What are the disadvantages of children playing with toys?
I can’t think of too many reasons for kids to not play with toys. I think imagination and creativity are hugely important things, and children should feel free and light and happy when they’re young.
Part II: Individual Presentations
Describe a family member who has had important influence on you. You should say
who the person is
how long you have known him /her
what qualities this person has
and explain why this person has had such an influence on you.
My grandfather is my family member I admire the most. My first memories are hard to identify, since I’ve known him literally my whole life. But as a boy, I loved spending time at my grandparent’s house because I could do whatever I wanted there (they spoiled me, because I was their only grandson). My grandfather would show me how to work on car engines, and take me on canoeing trips on a nearby river, too. I haven’t seen him in a long time, because I live in Vietnam now. But when I lived at home, I would go to his house at least once every two weeks. It’s a soothing, quiet place that I really enjoy.
I admire my grandfather because he’s a responsible, hardworking man, and he always seems to do the right thing. He was a good role model for me growing up.
Part III: Class Discussions
- Who are more important to you, friends or family?
Well right now my friends are pretty much my family. This is because I’m in Vietnam and my family is back in America. Since I don’t have face to face contact with my loved ones, my friends have become the new people that are most important to me.
- What kinds of family activities are popular in Vietnam?
Families here probably have the same activities that people do anywhere. I see families here going out to eat, taking walks, or playing in parks together.
- What are good ways to get along well with family members?
I think quality time is the most important thing when it comes to family relationships. Knowing how to resolve conflicts is healthy as well, since sooner or later you will have a disagreement with your family members.
- What do you usually do with your family during national holidays and festivals?
I don’t live at home anymore, but we’d just hang out, eat a meal, and watch a movie together. Again, just being present with your family is important on special days.
- What are some of the pros and cons of three generations living together?
In my opinion, that would be pretty great, since I’ve always admired and respected my grandparents and wanted to spend time with them. But I can see how some people would dislike that, and come to resent how cramped the house might be.
- Whose responsibility do you think it should be (or is) to (financially) look after old people – the government’s responsibility or the family’s?
I think it should be the responsibility of both parties. The government should help support the elderly in case they need assistance (which they likely will) but families should be there to pick up the rest of the slack, since caring for old people requires a lot of money.
