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Lesson 04

Family and Children

Small Talk

Learning Objectives

 By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:​

​​

  • Identify the main point in a message.

  • Organize ideas in a logical order (main idea → supporting points → example).

  • Communicate clearly using structured examples.

Exercise 1
Useful Expressions

Direction: Read the useful expressions with your tutor. 

Exercise 2

Vocabulary

Direction:  Listen and repeat after your teacher

On your toes

/ɒn jɔːr toʊz/
Meaning:

Alert and ready for anything

    Parenting keeps me on my toes all day long.

The apple of one’s eye

/ði ˈæp.əl əv wʌnz aɪ/
Meaning:

Someone cherished very much

    My daughter is the apple of my eye.

Runs in the family

/rʌnz ɪn ðə ˈfæm.ə.li/
Meaning:

A characteristic shared by family members

    Musical talent runs in our family.

Like two peas in a pod

/laɪk tuː piːz ɪn ə pɒd/
Meaning:

Very similar, especially siblings

    My twins are like two peas in a pod.
Exercise 3
Practice

Exercise 4

Business Dialogue

Direction:  Read the conversation aloud with your teacher and fill in the blanks. 

Word Bank:

Like two peas in a pod

The apple of one’s eye

Runs in the family

On your toes

Situation: Two parents talk about their children.

Student 1

Anna

How are your ________ doing?

Hello! (2)_edited.png

Ben

They’re great! They’re growing fast and full of energy.

Student 1

Anna

That’s wonderful. My youngest is definitely the ________ of my eye.

Student 2

Ben

I know what you mean! Parenting really keeps me on my ________.

Student 1

Anna

Do your children have any special ________?

Student 2

Ben

Yes, musical ability runs in the ________.

Student 1

Anna

My twins are like two ________ in a pod—they do everything together.

Student 2

Ben

Siblings like that are lucky to have each other.

Exercise 5

Study Guide

Direction:  Read the study manual aloud 

How to Talk About Family and Children

1. Ask Polite Questions

Begin with warm, respectful questions like “How are your kids doing?” or “Do you have any fun plans with your family this weekend?” to show interest and encourage sharing.

2. Share Your Experiences

Use idioms to make your stories more relatable, for example, “Parenting really keeps me on my toes” or “My kids are the apple of my eye.”

3. Practice Speaking Aloud

Say these idioms and expressions out loud to become more comfortable and natural when talking about family topics.

4. Listen to Real Conversations

Watch interviews, podcasts, or casual talks where people discuss family life to hear how idioms and expressions are used naturally.

Listening Practice 
00:00 / 01:04
Exercise 6
Discussion

Discuss these questions to practice speaking and share experiences.

    <p class="font_8"><br></p>
    <p class="font_8">1. How’s your family doing these days?</p>
    <p class="font_8"><br></p>
    <p class="font_8">2. What kind of activities did you enjoy most as a child?</p>
    <p class="font_8"><br></p>
    <p class="font_8">3. Life gets busy! How do you stay connected with loved ones?</p>
    <p class="font_8"><br></p>
    <p class="font_8">4. Do you think talents or hobbies can be passed down in a family?</p>
    <p class="font_8"><br></p>
    <p class="font_8">5. Do you and your siblings (or close family) have similar personalities or total opposites?</p>
    <p class="font_8"><br></p>
    <p class="font_8">6. What do you think is the most rewarding part of caring for someone ?</p>
    <p class="font_8"><br></p>
    <p class="font_8">7. When was the last time you had real, <em>quality</em> time with people you love? What did you do?</p>
    <p class="font_8"><br></p>
    <p class="font_8">8. What’s a hilarious or unforgettable moment from your childhood or family gatherings?</p>
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