This is a short activity in which students learn some expressions about family and use them in a short discussion.
Have students try to complete the expresions below in pairs.
Complete the expressions:
- A family t_______
- B______ is thicker than w________
- L______ father l_______ son
- To take a_______ somebody (to inherit characteristics from a parent)
- Like two p_____ in a p______ (very similar)
- Like c_______ and c_______ (very different)
- Go to a family g_____ – t________ / g_________
- A father f__________
Key:
- tree
- blood, water
- like, like
- after
- peas, pod
- chalk, cheese
- get-together / gathering
- figure
Go through the expressions as a class, then but students in small groups to discuss the following discussion questions:
Discussion questions:
- Does your family have a family tree? Have you ever looked at it? Do you know your family’s origins? Do you have any famous ancestors?
- Do you agree that blood is thicker than water? How important is family to you? How important is family in your country? Do you think it’s more important than in other countries?
- Who do you take after? Your mother or father? In appearance? Personality? Are there any specific hereditary characteristics in your family?
- Do you have any family members or friends who are like two peas in a pod? Or any who are like chalk and cheese?
- How often do you go to family get-togethers / gatherings? When was the last time? Do you enjoy them? Do you have any annoying relatives?
- How important is it for a child to have a father figure? Or a mother figure? How do you think a lack of either can affect children?
