IXP
Conversation / EVERYDAY ENGLISH /
Unit 09
Comparing Only Children and Those With Siblings
Pre B1- Intermediate
Learning Objectives
In this lesson, you will learn to use descriptive vocabulary to compare different family structures and personal life experiences.
Exercise 1
New Words & Expressions
Direction: Listen and repeat after your tutor.
noun
Only child
Similar:
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—
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/ˈoʊnli tʃaɪld/
Meaning:
A child without brothers or sisters
- Being an only child, I spent a lot of time reading alone.
Real Life Tip:
In American culture, being an only child is common, and people often discuss social skills or independence.
adjective
Independent
Similar:
free
autonomous
individual
mugwump
/ˌɪndɪˈpɛndənt/
Meaning:
Able to do things on your own
- Only children often become very independent.
Real Life Tip:
Independence is a quality commonly attributed to both only children and older siblings in American culture.
phrasal verb
Look after
Similar:
—
—
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/lʊk ˈæftər/
Meaning:
Take care of someone
- Older siblings often look after their younger brothers or sisters.
Real Life Tip:
Taking care of younger siblings is seen as a normal responsibility in many U.S. families.
Grow up
phrasal verb
Similar:
similarvocab4.1
similarvocab4.2
similarvocab4.3
similarvocab4.4
/ɡroʊ ʌp/
Meaning:
Develop from a child to an adult
- I grew up with three siblings, so I learned teamwork early.
Real Life Tip:
Growing up in a family with siblings often emphasises teamwork and sharing in American culture.
Exercise 2
Role-Play
Direction: First, read the conversation aloud. Then, practice by role-playing it with your tutor.
Situation: Two friends are discussing their childhood and family experiences in a café.
Hey, Emily! Did you grow up with siblings?
Jake
No, I’m an only child. What about you?
Emily
I have two younger brothers. Growing up, I learned to look after them.
Jake
That sounds like a lot of responsibility! I had to be independent since I was alone at home.
Emily
True, but having siblings can be fun too. We always played games together.
Jake
I guess only children have more quiet time and personal space.
Emily
Definitely. Each has advantages.
Jake
Yeah, both experiences shape us differently.
Emily
Exercise 3
Role-Play Q&A
Direction: Answer the questions based on the conversation.
1. Is Emily an only child or does she have siblings?
2. What responsibility did Jake have with his siblings?
3. What is one advantage Emily mentions about being an only child?
Exercise 3
Practice Time
Direction: Complete the exercise by choosing the correct answer.
Fill in the blank
I like ________ at the park after school.
Direction: Complete the exercise by choosing the correct answer.
Exercise 3
Practice Time
Direction: Complete the exercise by choosing the correct answer.
1. Being an ___, she learned to enjoy spending time alone.
A) sibling
B) only child
C) cousin
D) parent
2. I have one brother and one sister, so I have two ___.
A) parents
B) cousins
C) siblings
D) children
3. Only children often become very ___ because they do many things on their own.
A) shy
B) dependent
C) independent
D) careless
4. Older siblings often ___ their younger brothers or sisters.
A) look after
B) look up
C) look for
D) look back
5. I ___ up with two siblings, so I learned how to share.
A) grew
B) grow
C) growing
D) grown
6. An only child may not have to ___ toys with others at home.
A) share
B) shares
C) sharing
D) shared
7. Having siblings can help children learn how to ___ together.
A) argue
B) compete
C) cooperate
D) separate
8. Choose the correct sentence.
A) She grow up as an only child.
B) She grew up as an only child.
C) She growing up as an only child.
D) She grown up as an only child.
9. He learned responsibility ___ looking after his younger sibling.
A) by
B) for
C) at
D) with
10. I remember ___ my little sister when my parents were busy.
A) to look after
B) look after
C) looking after
D) looked after
11. Which word describes someone who can do things alone?
A) dependent
B) independent
C) playful
D) social
12. A brother or sister is called a ___.
A) neighbor
B) sibling
C) parent
D) relative
Exercise 4
Ask Your Tutor
Direction: Ask your tutor these questions. Listen carefully and learn
1. Do you think only children are more independent than children with siblings? Why or why not?
2. What responsibilities do older siblings usually have in a family?
3. How do you think having siblings affects personality and social skills?
Exercise 5
Discussion
Direction: Use the new words and expression you learnt in this lesson to have a conversation with your tutor.
1. Are you an only child or do you have siblings?
2. What is better, being an only child or having siblings? Why?
3. Did you ever want a brother or sister growing up?
4. How do siblings usually help each other?
5. What challenges do only children face?
6. Who is the most responsible in your family?
7. Did siblings ever fight in your family?
8. What fun activities did or do you do with siblings or cousins?
9. Do you have a great social life ?
10. Would you want your children to have siblings or be only children?
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I has a ball
