Talking about Family Relationships
Two university students, Cindy, and Kate are working together on a thesis about family relationships. They are discussing some ideas...
Cindy: The modernisation and growth of technology has affected a lot of things in our lives, especially our family relationships – Don’t you think, Kate?
Kate: Yes, I completely agree. Nowadays, I think that everyone is so busy doing things for themselves and spending time using technology that we don’t have much time for each other…
Cindy: Exactly! We spend so much time on our computers and smartphones which means that we don’t have time for having conversations and sharing our feelings with our families. What do you think a family home should be like, Kate?
Kate: I think that our family home should be a happy place for us, and a port in a storm.
Cindy: That’s completely true. And, if you feel confident and happy at home with your family, your life outside is more likely to be positive too!
Kate: Exactly. Research shows that children who grow up in a happy and peaceful family home are more likely to be successful and optimistic individuals in the future.
Cindy: Also, I think that a family must be cultivated like a garden, with time, effort, and imagination to keep the relationships flourishing and growing...
Kate: I agree, that’s a great way of thinking about it. Let’s write down our ideas…
PHRASAL VERBS
Phrasal verb | Meaning | Example sentence | Categories |
|---|---|---|---|
To let down someone | To make someone disappointed when you have not fulfilled a promise. | She promised that she would be there but she let me down. | Feelings |
To break down | 1. To become very upset. 2. When something stops working | 1. She broke down when she opened her results. 2. The lift broke down. | Feelings |
To bring somebody/something down | 1. To make someone lose their powerful position. 2. To make something end. | 1. He brought his boss down by exposing personal emails. 2. The rise in export prices could bring the hospitality industry down. | Feelings |
To bottle something up | To refuse to talk about things when someone is worried or upset. | After his father passed away, he bottled his emotions up and wouldn’t talk to anyone. | Feelings |
To get something across | To make someone believe or understand something | He tried to get his point across but his manager wouldn’t listen. | Feelings |