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SelfoTopics

An AI-integrated Language Course

Mega Topic: Talking about Family

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ربات پیشرفته دستیار هوش مصنوعی

چرا دوره ترکیبی (استاد + هوش مصنوعی) را انتخاب کنید؟

یک تجربه یادگیری را تصور کنید که گرما، راهنمایی و توجه انسانی یک معلم را با دانش، منابع و سازگاری بی‌نظیر GPT-3.5 ترکیب می‌کند. در این دوره ترکیبی، شما از بهترین های هر دو طرف بهره مند خواهید شد که محیطی پویا و همه جانبه را برای شما ایجاد می کند و مهارت های زبانی شما را پرورش می دهد و به شما قدرت می دهد تا به پیشرفت چشمگیری دست یابید. یک معلم فوق هوشمند در خانه:
منابع نامحدود
مواد تمرینی گسترده
محتوای قابل تنظیم

1

1. How many people are there in your family?
2. Do you have any siblings? If yes, how many?
3. Do you get along well with your siblings?

  • Siblings = brothers and sisters
  • get along well = have good relationship

2

4. How important is family to you?
5. What do you think is the ideal family size?

  • “How important is something? is nearly the same as “Is something important?”

3

6. Who do you think you are most similar to in your family?
7. Whom do you look more like? Your father or your mother?
8. What type of person is your father?

  • be similar = look like = take after.
  • type = kind = sort

4

9. How often do you see your extended family?
10. What do you like to do with your family in your free time?
11. What is your favorite family tradition?

  • extended family = all your relatives
  • favorite = pleasant
  • tradition = customs

5

Speaking part two: Cue card Section

Talk about a family friend who has had a significant influence on you. You should say:

  • Who this person is
  • How you got to know them
  • What kind of person they are
  • And say how they influenced you.
  • you have 1 minute to think and take notes and 1-2 minutes to talk!

6

1. How does the concept of family differ in your country compared to other countries?

Sample Answer:   – “In my country, family ties are highly valued, and multi-generational living arrangements are common. This differs from some Western countries where independence and individualism are emphasized.”

7

2. What role do grandparents play in the family structure in your culture?

Sample Answer  – “In my culture, grandparents often serve as caregivers, passing down traditions, values, and wisdom to younger generations. They are highly respected and play a significant role in shaping family dynamics.”

8

3. How do you think modern technology has affected family relationships?

Sample answer   – “Modern technology has both connected and disconnected families. While it allows for easier communication and facilitates long-distance relationships, it can also lead to decreased face-to-face interaction and quality time spent together.

9

  1. In what ways can family conflicts be resolved effectively?

Sample Answer – “Open communication, active listening, empathy, and compromise are key in resolving family conflicts. Seeking professional guidance, if necessary, can also be beneficial.”

10

  1. What impact does the family unit have on an individual’s personal development?

Sample Answer – “The family unit can significantly influence an individual’s values, beliefs, and behaviors. It provides emotional support, nurtures social skills, and shapes one’s identity and self-confidence.”

واژگان / Vocabulary

01 Vocabulary

Main Vocabulary used in this lesson:

1. Family

2. People

3. Siblings

4. Parents

5. Younger sister

6. Free time

7. Hikes

8. Watching movies

9. Trying out new recipes

10. Extended family

11. Family gatherings

12. Celebrations

13. Family tradition

14. Annual holiday trip

15. Similar to

16. Interests

17. Sense of humor

18. Support

19. Love

20. Guidance

21. Family values

22. Changing lifestyles

23. Technology

24. Societal norms

25. Ideal family size

26. Intimate family

27. Extended family setting

28. Family relationships

29. Globalization

30. Gender roles

02 Vocabulary

Pre-intermediate to intermediate level:

Family: a group of people who are related to each other by blood, marriage, or adoption.

Relationship: the way in which two or more people or groups are connected, or the state of being connected.

Parent: a person who is the father or mother of a child, or who acts as one.

Child: a person who is not yet an adult, or who is the son or daughter of someone.

Sibling: a brother or sister, or a person who has the same parents as another person.

Spouse: a husband or wife, or a person who is married to another person.

Partner: a person who is in a romantic or sexual relationship with another person, or who shares a business or activity with another person.

Relative: a person who is part of the same family as another person, or who is connected to another person by blood or marriage.

Ancestor: a person who was in someone’s family in past times, or who is related to someone who was in someone’s family in past times.

Descendant: a person who is related to someone who lived in the past, or who comes from a particular family or group of people.

Cousin: a child of one’s uncle or aunt, or a person who is related to another person by a common ancestor.

Nephew: a son of one’s brother or sister, or of one’s brother-in-law or sister-in-law.

Niece: a daughter of one’s brother or sister, or of one’s brother-in-law or sister-in-law.

Grandparent: a parent of one’s father or mother, or a person who acts as one.

Grandchild: a child of one’s son or daughter, or a person who acts as one.

Uncle: a brother of one’s father or mother, or a husband of one’s aunt.

Aunt: a sister of one’s father or mother, or a wife of one’s uncle.

In-law: a relative of one’s spouse, or a spouse of one’s relative.

Step-: a prefix used to indicate that a person is related to another person by a previous marriage of one’s parent or spouse, such as stepfather, stepmother, stepson, stepdaughter, etc.

Half-: a prefix used to indicate that a person shares only one parent with another person, such as half-brother, half-sister, etc.

Adopt-: a prefix used to indicate that a person is legally taken as a child by another person who is not their biological parent, such as adoptive parent, adopted child, etc.

Foster-: a prefix used to indicate that a person is temporarily taken care of by another person who is not their biological or legal parent, such as foster parent, foster child, etc.

Friend: a person who one knows and likes, and who is not a relative or a partner.

Acquaintance: a person who one knows but who is not a close friend.

Colleague: a person who works with another person in the same organization or profession.

Classmate: a person who is in the same class or course as another person at school or college.

Roommate: a person who shares a room or an apartment with another person.

Neighbor: a person who lives near another person, or who is next to another person in a row or a group.

Love: a strong feeling of affection or attraction for another person, or a person who one loves.

Like: a feeling of enjoyment or interest in something or someone, or a person who one likes.

Hate: a strong feeling of dislike or hostility for something or someone, or a person who one hates.

Respect: a feeling of admiration or appreciation for someone or something, or a person who one respects.

Trust: a feeling of confidence or reliance on someone or something, or a person who one trusts.

Break up: to end a romantic or sexual relationship with someone, or a person who one breaks up with.

Make up: to become friendly again after a disagreement or a break up, or a person who one makes up with.

Date: to have a romantic or sexual relationship with someone, or a person who one dates.

03 Vocabulary

upper-intermediate to Advanced level:

Kin: one’s relatives or family members.

Kinship: the state or fact of being related to someone by blood or marriage.

Lineage: the line of ancestors from whom one is descended, or the group of people who share a common ancestor.

Clan: a large group of people who are related to each other, or who claim to be descended from a common ancestor.

Tribe: a group of people who share a common culture, language, history, or ancestry, and who live together in a specific area.

Nuclear family: a family that consists of a father, a mother, and their children.

Extended family: a family that includes not only the parents and children, but also other relatives such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.

Blended family: a family that is formed when two people who have children from previous relationships marry or live together.

Single-parent family: a family that is headed by one parent who is responsible for raising the children.

Childless family: a family that consists of a married or unmarried couple who do not have any children.

Adoptive family: a family that is formed when one or more children are legally adopted by one or more parents who are not their biological parents.

Foster family: a family that is formed when one or more children are temporarily placed in the care of one or more parents who are not their biological or legal parents.

Surrogate family: a family that is formed when a woman agrees to carry and give birth to a child for another person or couple who cannot have children of their own.

Same-sex family: a family that consists of a couple who are of the same sex and their children, if any.

Co-parenting: the act or practice of sharing the responsibilities and duties of raising a child with another person who is not one’s partner or spouse, such as an ex-partner, a friend, a relative, etc.

Sole custody: the legal right and responsibility of one parent to make all the decisions and provide all the care for a child, without the involvement of the other parent.

Joint custody: the legal right and responsibility of both parents to make decisions and provide care for a child, even if they are divorced or separated.

Visitation rights: the legal right of a parent who does not have custody of a child to see and spend time with the child on a regular basis.

Child support: the money that one parent pays to the other parent who has custody of a child, to help cover the costs of raising the child.

Alimony: the money that one spouse pays to the other spouse after a divorce or separation, to help maintain the standard of living that they had during the marriage.

Prenuptial agreement: a legal contract that a couple signs before they get married, which specifies how their assets and debts will be divided in case of a divorce or separation.

Annulment: the legal process of declaring that a marriage is invalid and never existed, usually for reasons such as fraud, coercion, or incapacity.

Divorce: the legal process of ending a marriage and dissolving the legal bonds between a couple.

Separation: the situation in which a married couple lives apart from each other, either temporarily or permanently, but without getting a divorce.

Reconciliation: the act or process of restoring a friendly or harmonious relationship between a couple who were separated or divorced.

Remarriage: the act or process of getting married again after a divorce or the death of a spouse.

Widow: a woman whose husband has died and who has not remarried.

Widower: a man whose wife has died and who has not remarried.

Orphan: a child whose parents are dead or have abandoned them.

Affair: a sexual or romantic relationship that one has with someone who is not one’s partner or spouse, usually in secret.

Flirt: to behave in a way that shows a sexual or romantic interest in someone, usually in a playful or teasing manner.

Crush: a strong but usually temporary or unrequited feeling of attraction or admiration for someone, usually of the opposite sex.

Propose: to ask someone to marry one, usually by giving them a ring or kneeling down.

Engage: to agree to marry someone, or to enter into a formal agreement to marry someone.

Marry: to become the husband or wife of someone, or to perform the ceremony of joining two people as husband and wife.

Elope: to run away with someone to get married without the consent or knowledge of one’s parents or family.

ساختارها / Grammar

01 Grammar

Grammatical structures used in this lesson:

  • Present simple tense
    • We usually visit our grandparents at weekends.
    • They never leave home on holidays.
  • Present continuous tense
    • I’m living with my parents these days.
    • My brother and I are helping with house chores today.
02 Grammar

Grammatical structures used in this lesson:

  • Interrogative sentences (asking questions)
    • Do you look like your father?
    • How many brothers or sisters do you have?
    • Where do you come from?
  • Comparative structures (e.g., “more intimate”)
    • bigger than
    • as old as
    • the most important
    • less expensive
03 Grammar

منابع / Resources

01 Resources

Here are some sample answers to the questions for Speaking Part 1:

  1. How many people are there in your family?

   – “There are five people in my family, including my parents, my younger sister, and myself.”

  1. Do you have any siblings? If yes, how many?

   – “Yes, I have one sibling. I have a younger brother who is two years younger than me.”

  1. What do you like to do with your family in your free time?

   – “In our free time, my family and I enjoy going on hikes, watching movies together, and trying out new recipes in the kitchen.”

  1. How often do you see your extended family?

   – “We try to see our extended family at least once a month for family gatherings and celebrations.”

  1. What is your favorite family tradition?

   – “My favorite family tradition is our annual holiday trip to the beach. It’s a time when we all come together and create wonderful memories.”

  1. Who do you think you are most similar to in your family?

   – “I believe I am most similar to my mother. We share similar interests and have a similar sense of humor.”

  1. How important is family to you?

   – “Family is incredibly important to me. They provide support, love, and guidance, and I cherish the time we spend together.”

  1. Do you think family values are changing in today’s society?

   – “Yes, I think family values are evolving in today’s society due to various factors such as changing lifestyles, technology, and shifting societal norms.”

  1. What do you think is the ideal family size?

   – “I believe the ideal family size varies for each individual and family. Some may prefer a smaller, more intimate family, while others may thrive in a larger, extended family setting.”

  1. In what ways do you think family relationships have changed in recent years?

   – “I think family relationships have changed in recent years due to factors such as increased globalization, technological advancements, and changing gender roles, which have altered the dynamics and interactions within families.”

02 Resources

Here are sample answers to the part 3 questions:

  1. How does the concept of family differ in your country compared to other countries?

   – “In my country, family ties are highly valued, and multi-generational living arrangements are common. This differs from some Western countries where independence and individualism are emphasized.”

  1. What role do grandparents play in the family structure in your culture?

   – “In my culture, grandparents often serve as caregivers, passing down traditions, values, and wisdom to younger generations. They are highly respected and play a significant role in shaping family dynamics.”

  1. How do you think modern technology has affected family relationships?

   – “Modern technology has both connected and disconnected families. While it allows for easier communication and facilitates long-distance relationships, it can also lead to decreased face-to-face interaction and quality time spent together.”

  1. In what ways can family conflicts be resolved effectively?

   – “Open communication, active listening, empathy, and compromise are key in resolving family conflicts. Seeking professional guidance, if necessary, can also be beneficial.”

  1. What impact does the family unit have on an individual’s personal development?

   – “The family unit can significantly influence an individual’s values, beliefs, and behaviors. It provides emotional support, nurtures social skills, and shapes one’s identity and self-confidence.”

  1. How do cultural differences influence family dynamics?

   – “Cultural differences can impact family roles, traditions, and communication styles. They can influence decision-making processes, expectations, and the overall structure of the family unit.”

  1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in a multi-generational family?

   – “Living in a multi-generational family provides a strong support system and the opportunity for shared wisdom and resources. However, it may also lead to conflicts due to differing perspectives and generational gaps.”

  1. How important is it for children to have a close relationship with their extended family members?

   – “Having a close relationship with extended family members can provide children with a sense of belonging, diverse perspectives, and additional emotional support, contributing to their overall well-being and personal growth.”

  1. How does the concept of family support differ in urban and rural areas?

   – “In urban areas, family support may rely more on emotional and financial assistance, whereas in rural areas, it may encompass practical support, community involvement, and a stronger emphasis on collective well-being.”

  1. What are the challenges faced by families in today’s society?

   – “Families today face challenges such as work-life balance, economic pressures, digital distractions, mental health issues, and changing societal norms, all of which can impact family dynamics and relationships.”

03 Resources

Here is a sample answer to the  cue card:

One family friend who has had a significant influence on me is my neighbor, Mrs. Smith. I got to know her when my family moved into the neighborhood about 10 years ago. Mrs. Smith is a kind and compassionate person who always goes out of her way to help others. She is also very knowledgeable and has a great sense of humor.

Mrs. Smith has influenced me in many ways. She has taught me the importance of kindness and empathy towards others. She has also been a great mentor to me, offering valuable advice and guidance whenever I needed it. Her positive outlook on life has inspired me to always look for the good in every situation and to never give up on my dreams.

Overall, Mrs. Smith has been a wonderful role model and friend to me, and I am grateful for the significant influence she has had on my life.

Teacher's Resources 01

TR 11

To the teacher 01

  • Here are some strategies and ideas for effectively answering these types of questions:

    1. Structure your responses: Consider structuring your answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for providing specific examples or experiences related to the question.

    2. Personalize your answers: Share personal anecdotes or experiences to make your responses more engaging and relatable.

    3. Use descriptive language: Incorporate descriptive language to paint a vivid picture of your family dynamics, traditions, and cultural influences.

    4. Provide balanced perspectives: When discussing advantages and disadvantages or cultural differences, strive to provide a balanced view to showcase a comprehensive understanding of the topic.

    5. Be open-minded: Acknowledge that family dynamics and cultural influences vary widely and be open to discussing different perspectives and experiences.

    6. Consider societal trends: Reflect on how societal trends, technology, and economic developments may have impacted family relationships and values.

    7. Reflect on personal beliefs: Share your views on the role of family in personal development, the importance of family support, and how you believe family conflicts can be effectively resolved.

    8. Demonstrate cultural awareness: If discussing cultural differences, demonstrate an understanding of how cultural norms and traditions influence family dynamics and relationships.

    By incorporating these strategies and approaches, you can provide thoughtful and comprehensive answers to the questions, showcasing your English-speaking skills and cultural awareness.

Teacher's Resources 02

TR 21

To the teacher 02

  • Here are 10 IELTS speaking part 1 sample questions about family:

    1. How many people are there in your family?

    2. Do you have any siblings? If yes, how many?

    3. What do you like to do with your family in your free time?

    4. How often do you see your extended family?

    5. What is your favorite family tradition?

    6. Who do you think you are most similar to in your family?

    7. How important is family to you?

    8. Do you think family values are changing in today’s society?

    9. What do you think is the ideal family size?

    10. In what ways do you think family relationships have changed in recent years?

    And here are 10 IELTS speaking part 3 sample questions about family:

    1. How does the concept of family differ in your country compared to other countries?

    2. What role do grandparents play in the family structure in your culture?

    3. How do you think modern technology has affected family relationships?

    4. In what ways can family conflicts be resolved effectively?

    5. What impact does the family unit have on an individual’s personal development?

    6. How do cultural differences influence family dynamics?

    7. What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in a multi-generational family?

    8. How important is it for children to have a close relationship with their extended family members?

    9. How does the concept of family support differ in urban and rural areas?

    10. What are the challenges faced by families in today’s society?

Teacher's Resources 03

TR 31

To the teacher 03

  • Here are 5 IELTS speaking part 2 (cue card) questions with the keyword of “family”:

    1. Describe a memorable family celebration you have attended.

    2. Talk about a family member who has had a significant influence on you.

    3. Describe a family tradition that is important to you.

    4. Discuss a happy childhood memory with your family.

    5. Describe a family outing or trip that you enjoyed.

    These questions are designed to prompt you to speak for 1-2 minutes on a given topic, so make sure to elaborate on your answers and provide specific details and examples.