Part 1: Introduction & Interview (2-3 Minutes)

1. How important is family to you?
   Sample Answer:
   “Family is extremely important to me; they are my main source of support and comfort. I believe that having close relationships with family members provides a sense of security and belonging, which is fundamental to one's emotional well-being. Family is where I turn to for advice, encouragement, and unconditional love.”

2. What kinds of activities do you like to do with your family?
   Sample Answer:
   “I enjoy doing a variety of activities with my family, such as going on weekend trips, having meals together, or even just watching movies at home. We also like to engage in outdoor activities, like hiking or playing sports, which helps us spend quality time together and strengthen our bond.”

3. Do you think it is easy to balance family responsibilities with work or school?
   Sample Answer:
   “Balancing family responsibilities with work or school can be quite challenging. It requires good time management and the ability to prioritize different aspects of life. While it is sometimes difficult to be fully present for both, I think having an understanding family and support from them makes it more manageable. It’s all about finding the right balance and ensuring that both areas get enough attention.”

Part 2: Long Turn (4 Minutes)

Prompt:
Describe a family tradition that is important to you.

• You should say:
  • What the tradition is
  • How long your family has followed it
  • What activities are involved
• And explain why this tradition is meaningful to your family.

Sample Answer:
“One family tradition that is particularly important to me is our annual holiday reunion. Every year during the holidays, my extended family gathers at my grandparents' house for a few days to celebrate together. We have been following this tradition for as long as I can remember, and it’s one of the few times when the entire family comes together. During the reunion, we share meals, play games, exchange gifts, and spend time catching up with one another. It’s meaningful because it strengthens our family ties, allows us to reconnect, and creates beautiful memories. This tradition reminds me of the importance of family and spending time with loved ones, no matter how busy life gets.”

Follow-up Question:
Do you think family traditions are still relevant in today's modern society?
Sample Answer:
“I think family traditions are definitely still relevant today. In fact, they may be more important now than ever because life has become so fast-paced. Traditions provide a sense of stability and continuity, helping to pass down values and create lasting memories. Even if they need to be adapted to fit modern lifestyles, I believe keeping family traditions alive helps maintain a sense of unity and connection.”

Part 3: Collaborative Task (4 Minutes)

Task Prompt:
Here are some qualities that people think are important for parents to have. Talk together about how important each quality is and decide which one is the most important for parents to have.

• Patience
• Discipline
• Empathy
• Consistency
• Supportiveness

Sample Discussion Points:
“I think patience is a crucial quality for parents to have, especially when raising young children. Kids often need time to understand things, and having patience helps in teaching them effectively. However, empathy is also important because it allows parents to understand their child's emotions and point of view, which is essential for building a strong parent-child relationship. What do you think?”
“I agree that patience and empathy are vital, but I also think that consistency is key. Children need clear rules and routines to feel secure, and being consistent helps establish boundaries and expectations. And then there’s supportiveness—children need to feel that their parents are always there for them. If you had to choose the most important quality for a parent, which one would you pick?”

Extended Answer:
“It’s really hard to choose just one quality, but I would probably say supportiveness is the most important. A supportive parent helps a child develop confidence and resilience, knowing that they have someone to rely on. However, all these qualities are interconnected; a balance of patience, discipline, empathy, and consistency makes for a well-rounded approach to parenting.”

Part 4: Discussion (5 Minutes)

1. How do you think parenting styles have changed over the years?
   Sample Answer:
   “Parenting styles have definitely evolved. In the past, parenting was often more authoritarian, with strict rules and expectations. However, today’s parenting tends to be more democratic, with parents encouraging open communication and considering their children’s opinions. There’s also a greater emphasis on positive reinforcement and fostering a child's individuality rather than just discipline. While each style has its pros and cons, modern parenting seems to focus more on the child’s emotional well-being and development.”

2. Do you think it's more difficult to be a parent today than it was in the past?
   Sample Answer:
   “In some ways, yes. Today’s parents face unique challenges that previous generations didn’t have to deal with, such as technology, social media, and the pressure of trying to balance work and family life. With so much information available online, parents can also feel overwhelmed by different parenting philosophies and expectations. On the other hand, modern parents have access to a wealth of resources and support networks, which can make parenting easier in some aspects. It’s a different set of challenges, but each era of parenting comes with its own difficulties.”

3. How important is it for parents to set rules for their children?
   Sample Answer:
   “It’s very important for parents to set rules for their children, as it provides them with a sense of structure and security. Rules help children understand boundaries and the difference between right and wrong. However, it’s equally important for rules to be reasonable and for parents to explain the purpose behind them. This helps children learn the value of the rules, rather than just following them blindly. A balance between rules and freedom is crucial for raising responsible and independent individuals.”

Follow-up Question:
How do you think parents can encourage open communication with their children?
Sample Answer:
“Parents can encourage open communication by being approachable and non-judgmental. It’s important to make children feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings without fear of being criticized. Parents should actively listen, ask questions to show interest, and create a safe space where children feel understood. Also, spending quality time together, like during family meals or outings, can foster deeper connections and encourage more open conversations.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

1. Quality time: Time spent giving someone your full attention in order to strengthen a relationship.

   • "Spending quality time with family helps build stronger bonds."

2. Parenting styles: The different ways in which parents raise their children, such as authoritarian, permissive, or democratic styles.

   • "Parenting styles have changed significantly over the years."

3. Positive reinforcement: Encouraging desired behavior through rewards or praise.

   • "Using positive reinforcement can help motivate children to behave well."

4. Discipline: The practice of training someone to behave in accordance with rules or a code of behavior.

   • "Setting boundaries and discipline are important aspects of parenting."

5. Structure and security: The sense of order and safety that children need to develop healthily.

   • "Children thrive in an environment that provides structure and security."

6. Support networks: Groups or systems that provide emotional, practical, or financial help to people.

   • "Support networks like family and friends are important for parents."

7. Work-life balance: The ability to maintain a healthy balance between work responsibilities and family life.

   • "Achieving work-life balance is a common challenge for parents."

8. Boundaries: Limits or rules that are set to define acceptable behavior.

   • "Setting clear boundaries helps children understand expectations."

9. Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

   • "Empathy is a crucial quality for parents to connect with their children."

10. Unconditional love: Love without conditions or limitations.

    • "Parents' unconditional love provides children with confidence and support."

11. Authoritarian: A strict parenting style characterized by high demands and low responsiveness.

    • "An authoritarian approach to parenting often emphasizes rules over freedom."

12. Democratic parenting: A parenting style where parents value their child's opinions and involve them in decision-making.

    • "Democratic parenting encourages open communication and respect."

13. Individuality: The quality that makes one person or thing different from all others.

    • "Modern parenting often focuses on nurturing a child's individuality."

14. Life skills: Essential skills that help people navigate daily life, such as communication, time management, and decision-making.

    • "Parents play a key role in teaching their children important life skills."

15. Resilience: The ability to recover quickly from difficulties or adapt to challenging situations.

    • "Supportive parenting helps children develop resilience."

16. Hands-on parenting: A proactive approach to parenting, where parents are actively involved in their child's life and development.

    • "Hands-on parenting includes guiding children through real-life experiences."

17. Non-judgmental: Not judging others based on their actions or decisions.

    • "Creating a non-judgmental environment encourages children to open up."

18. Family ties: Strong connections or bonds between family members.

    • "Family traditions help strengthen family ties."