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Conversational / EVERYDAY ENGLISH
Lesson 29
Close Friends vs. Family: Who’s More Important?
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
1. Use vocabulary to describe relationships with family and friends.
2. Express opinions about the importance of close friends versus family.
3. Compare and contrast relationships in English using daily expressions.
Exercise 1
Vocabulary
Direction: Listen and repeat after your teacher
noun
Bond
Similar:
enthralled
attachment
adhere
bind
/bɑːnd/
Meaning:
A strong connection between people.
- I have a strong bond with my best friend.
Real Life Tip:
In the U.S., people often form strong bonds not only with family but also with close friends.
phrasal verb
Count on
Similar:
similarvocab2.1
similarvocab2.2
similarvocab2.3
similarvocab2.4
/kaʊnt ɒn/
Meaning:
To rely on someone for help or support.
- I can always count on my best friend when I have a problem.
Real Life Tip:
This phrase is very common in everyday English and is often used to talk about trust in relationships.
Stick together
phrasal verb
Similar:
similarvocab3.1
similarvocab3.2
similarvocab3.3
similarvocab3.4
/stɪk təˈɡɛð.ər/
Meaning:
To support each other in good and bad times.
- My family always sticks together, no matter what.
Real Life Tip:
“Stick together” is often used to describe strong family values or close friendships during challenges.
Loyalty
noun
Similar:
similarvocab4.1
similarvocab4.2
similarvocab4.3
similarvocab4.4
/ˈlɔɪ.əl.ti/
Meaning:
Being faithful, supportive, and standing by someone.
- True friends show loyalty in difficult times.
Real Life Tip:
Loyalty is respected in friendships, families, teams, and workplaces in many cultures, including the U.S.
Exercise 2
Conversation
Direction: First, read the conversation aloud. Then, practice by role-playing it with your tutor.
Situation: Two friends are discussing whether close friends or family are more important.
Hey Sarah, who do you think is more important; close friends or family?
Liam
That’s a tough question. I love my family, but I can count on my friends for support too.
Sarah
True. I have a strong bond with my best friend, but my parents are always there for me.
Liam
I think loyalty matters most. Friends or family, you need people who stick together with you.
Sarah
Definitely. I also see my sister as a confidant. I can share anything with her.
Liam
Same here with my best friend. Sometimes friends understand us in ways family can’t.
Sarah
So maybe both are equally important in different ways.
Liam
Yes, it’s all about who you trust and who supports you.
Sarah
Exercise 2.1
Questions.
1. Who does Liam trust as a confidant?
2. What quality does Sarah think is most important in relationships?
3. Do they think friends or family are more important?
Exercise 3
Practice Time
Direction: Complete the exercise by choosing the correct answer.
1. bond / I / best friend / with / have / a
a) I have a bond with my best friend.
b) Bond my best friend I have with.
c) With my best friend I have a bond.
2. confidant / is / sister / my / my
a) My sister is my confidant.
b) Confidant my sister my is.
c) Is my sister my confidant.
3. together / family / sticks / always
a) My family always sticks together.
b) Sticks together always my family.
c) Always sticks together my family.
4. count / I / can / always / on / friend
a) I can always count on my friend.
b) Can always I count on my friend.
c) On my friend I can always count.
5. loyalty / in / important / relationships / is
a) Loyalty is important in relationships.
b) In relationships loyalty is important.
c) Important is loyalty in relationships.
Exercise 4
Ask Your Tutor
Direction: Ask your tutor these questions. Listen carefully and learn
1. Do you think friends or family are more important? Why?
2. Who do you usually count on in difficult situations?
3. Can friends ever replace family? Why or why not?
Exercise 5
Discussion
Direction: Use the new words and expression you learnt in this lesson to have a conversation with your tutor.
1. Who do you talk to first when you have a problem?
2. Do you think friendships can be stronger than family relationships?
3. Who in your family do you trust most?
4. Who is your best confidant among your friends?
5. Can you have loyalty without friendship?
6. Do you stick together with your friends in hard times?
7. How important is family support compared to friend support?
8. Have you ever had a conflict between friends and family? How did you solve it?
9. Do you believe that friends are “chosen family”?
10. Which relationship makes you happier—friends or family? Why?
