English Conversation Club
Topic: ‘Family Life’
(Make sure you introduce yourselves as necessary, perhaps joined to the first question. Also remember that are free to talk about anything you like!)
Introduce us to the members of your family. Tell us about them, eg their personalities, what they do, what you most like about them.
What roles do each family member traditionally perform (eg bread-winner, child-raiser, cook, cleaner etc)?
How important is education? Sport?
What activities did your family do together when you were a child? Any special cultural celebrations, festivals etc?
When people get married, do you have to follow any special cultural traditions or ceremonies? What normally happens?
How important is it for you to marry within your own race, culture and/or religion?
Would you like to live with your parents after you are married?
Do you view marriage as a permanent or temporary commitment?
What do you think about the idea of “same sex marriage”? Is it legal in your home country?
What expectations do your parents have of you? Will you have these same expectations of your children?
In your family, did you eat meals together as a family? Do you think this was a good or a bad thing?
"You can pick your friends but you can't pick your family." What do you think?
"Blood is thicker than water." What do you think about this saying?
What is a common saying or proverb in your country about family?
Are there any relatives you never liked visiting? Why?
Are there any relatives you always like visiting? Why?
Do you think much has changed about family life and marriage since you were a little child? What is better? What is worse?
Have you noticed anything differences in how Australians do 'family' and what it is like in your home country?
Do you like working with other family members? Why/why not?
How are elderly members of the wider family treated in your country? Are they given any special respect or privileges?
What do you think (or hope) 'family' will be like for you when you are old?