Staying in Touch with Friends

1. READ and LISTEN to the dialogue below and answer the following questions:

Maggie: Hi, I haven’t seen you in ages! How have you been?

Joanna: Hey, Maggie! Yeah, it’s been a while. I’ve been alright, thanks for asking.

Maggie: That’s good to hear. Have you made any new friends recently?

Joanna: Not really. I prefer spending time with my lifelong friend, Sarah. We have such a strong relationship of trust and support.

Maggie: That’s great. Speaking of friends, do you want to arrange a dinner date sometime soon? Just the two of us catching up?

Joanna: I’d love that, Maggie! You’re always there for me, like a shoulder to cry on.

Maggie: Of course. That’s what close-knit family is for, right? And speaking of family, how’s your immediate family doing?

Joanna: They’re doing well. And my extended family is also dear to my heart, even though we only see each other once or twice a year at family gatherings.

Maggie: It’s always nice to catch up with distant cousins and others in our family circle. But let’s focus on getting to know each other better over dinner first.

Joanna: Sounds like a plan, Maggie. Can’t wait!

2. Read the dialogue once again and answer the following questions:

• 1. Who initiates the conversation?
  • A. Maggie
  • B. Joanna
  • C. Sarah
  • D. It is not mentioned.
• 2. Who does Joanna prefer to spend time with?
  • A. New friends
  • B. Old friends
  • C. Family members
  • D. No one in particular.
• 3. What do Maggie and Joanna plan to do?
  • A. Go shopping together.
  • B. Have a dinner date.
  • C. Attend a family gathering.
  • D. Watch a movie.
• 4. How often does Joanna see her extended family?
  • A. Once a week.
  • B. Once a month.
  • C. Once or twice a year.
  • D. Never.
• 5. What does Maggie say about close-knit family?
  • A. They are always there for each other.
  • B. They are not as important as friends.
  • C. They can be a burden sometimes.
  • D. They should not interfere in personal matters.
• 6. What is the tone of the conversation?
  • A. Formal.
  • B. Informal.
  • C. Hostile.
  • D. Sarcastic.
• 7. What is the main topic of the conversation?
  • A. Catching up with old friends.
  • B. Spending time with family.
  • C. Making new friends.
  • D. None of the above.

3. Based on the dialogue, match the expressions on the left with their definitions on the right:

Word/ phrase	Definition
1. Immediate family	a. A group of relatives who are emotionally bonded and have strong relationships with each other.
2. Distant cousins	b. Something or someone that is cherished and valued deeply.
3. Relationship of trust	c. Someone who provides emotional support and comfort during difficult times.
4. Get to know each other	d. A person who has been a close companion for many years and is expected to remain so in the future.
5. Arrange a dinner date	e. Relatives who share a common ancestor but are not closely related and may not know each other well.
6. Close-knit family	f. The process of becoming familiar with someone by spending time together and learning about their interests, personality, and background.
7. Shoulder to cry on	g. One’s closest relatives, such as parents, siblings, spouse, and children.
8. Extended family	h. A connection between two people or entities built on mutual confidence, reliability, and honesty.
9. Dear to my heart	i. A large group of relatives beyond one’s immediate family, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
10. Lifelong friend	j. To plan and schedule a meeting with someone over a meal, usually in a restaurant.

4. Fill in the blanks using the words from Exercise 3:

1. My childhood best friend whom I’ve known for over two decades is _(1) with whom I’ve shared countless memories.
2. Building a relationship of trust with your colleagues is crucial to creating a positive and productive work environment.
3. I’m trying to _(2) with my partner this weekend so that we can spend some quality time together.
4. When I was going through a tough time, my cousin was the shoulder to cry on that helped me get through it all.
5. In our _(3), Sunday brunches are a cherished tradition that we always make sure to prioritize.
6. The antique necklace that belonged to my grandmother is particularly _(4) because it symbolizes my family’s legacy.
7. Although we may be _(5), we still make an effort to stay in touch and maintain a sense of familial connection.
8. Growing up with a large _(6) meant that holidays and celebrations were always lively and full of laughter.
9. I recently met a new colleague at work, and we’re making an effort to _(7) outside of the office as well.
10. Despite the challenges that come with being part of an _(8), I treasure the bond that I share with my parents and siblings.

5. Practice applying the vocabulary in Speaking Parts 1-2-3:

Record yourself – listen to your answers – make necessary corrections.

Part 1 (4-5 minutes):

• Do you come from a large family?
• When was the last time you had a family function?
• Would you take a friend on a family holiday?

Part 2 (3-4 minutes):

• You have one minute to take notes if you wish.
• You have to speak for two full minutes.

Describe an old friend you got in contact with again.

You should say:

• Who he or she is?
• What he or she is like?
• How you got in contact?
• And explain how you felt about it.

Part 3 (4-5 minutes):

First, let’s consider childhood friendship.

1. Do you think childhood friendship can last for long?
2. Do you stay in touch with the friends you made in school? why or why not?
3. Is it more difficult to make friends now than in the past?

Now, let’s discuss the importance of friendship.

1. Generally, are friends or family more important for the people of your age?
2. Do you think that friendship is important for happiness?
3. Do you think it is better to have a few friends or many friends? why?

7. Practice applying the vocabulary in Writing Part 2 Essay:

Some people think it is better to have friends who share similar opinions, while others think that it is better to have friends who sometimes disagree with their opinions. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

You have 40 minutes to plan – write – proofread your task. 

8. Practice Phrasal Verbs on the topic of FRIENDS and CONNECTIONS:

• Hey, do you want to hang out this weekend?
• Sure, what do you want to do?

• Hi, it’s been a while! Let’s catch up over coffee.
• That sounds great! When are you free?

• I’m sorry, but we have to call off the meeting for today.
• Oh, that’s too bad. When can we reschedule?

• Hey, can I drop by your office later to pick up the files?
• Sure, no problem. I’ll be here until 5 pm.

• I’m really looking forward to the concert next week!
• Me too! It’s going to be so much fun.

• I don’t think I can put up with this noise anymore.
• I understand. Maybe we can talk to the neighbors about it.

• Mark and I fell out last week, but we’re trying to work things out.
• I hope you can reconcile your differences.

• My sister and I get along really well.
• That’s great to hear! It’s important to have a good relationship with family.

• We had an argument, but we made up afterwards.
• That’s good to hear. It’s important to resolve conflicts.

• Let’s make sure to keep in touch after the conference.
• Definitely! Let’s exchange contact information.

• Would you like to go out for pizza tonight?
• I’m sorry, I can’t. I have plans already.

• We decided to break up last month, but we’re still friends.
• That’s good to hear. It’s important to end a relationship on good terms.

• I turned down the job offer because the salary was too low.
• That’s understandable. You deserve to be fairly compensated.

• I’m feeling down today. Can you cheer me up?
• Sure! Let’s watch a funny movie together.

• I give up. I can’t solve this math problem.
• Don’t worry, we can ask the teacher for help.

9.Use the phrasal verbs in discussion questions:

Remember to speak out loud hen practising.

1. Have you ever had a falling out with a friend? How did you resolve it?
2. Do you prefer to hang out with friends in person or keep in touch through social media?
3. When was the last time you caught up with an old friend? What did you talk about?
4. Have you ever had to call off plans with a friend at the last minute? Why?
5. Is there someone you would like to drop by and visit soon? Who is it?
6. Have you ever had to put up with a difficult friend? How did you handle the situation?
7. Do you get along better with friends who have similar interests or different ones?
8. Have you ever had to make up with a friend after a disagreement? How did you do it?
9. How often do you go out with your friends? Where do you usually go?
10. Have you ever turned down an invitation from a friend? Why? Did you regret it later?

ANSWERS:

• EXERCISE 2:
  • a 2. b 3. b 4. c 5. a 6. b 7. A
• EXERCISE 3:
  • g 2. e 3. h 4. f 5. j 6. a 7. c 8. i 9. b 10. d
• EXERCISE 4:
  • 1. a lifelong friend
  • 2. arrange a dinner date
  • 3. close-knit family
  • 4. dear to my heart
  • 5. distant cousins
  • 6. extended family
  • 7. get to know each other
  • 8. immediate family