“Conversation Starter Lesson Series: Intermediate” is designed for intermediate-level ESL learners who want to improve their fluency and confidence in speaking English.
Each lesson includes an engaging reading material with audio, vocabulary and expressions, comprehension questions, and discussion questions to be used for one to one class, group class, or self-study for both online and offline classes.
Unit 1: Family and Relationships
Story 05: Love and Dating
Key Lesson Vocabulary & Expressions: Look over and review before proceeding.
- Blind date
- Hesitant
- Benefit of the doubt
- Red flag
- Ex-girlfriends
- Due diligence
- Suitable match
- Proceeded to
- Obvious discomfort
- Disappointed
Read or Listen to the following passage:
I had been single for a while and my friends thought it was time for me to start dating again. They set me up on a blind date with a guy they swore was perfect for me. I was hesitant at first, but eventually agreed to go.
The date started off well enough. We went to a nice restaurant and had a good conversation. But then things took a turn. He started talking about all of his ex-girlfriends and how they had all been crazy. I found this to be a huge red flag, but tried to give him the benefit of the doubt.
Then, as we were walking to our cars, he asked if he could come back to my place. I was shocked and told him no. He then proceeded to try to kiss me, despite my obvious discomfort.
I ended the date there and went home feeling disappointed and uncomfortable. It was clear that my friends had not done their due diligence in finding me a suitable match.
Comprehension Questions:
- How did the narrator feel about going on the blind date at first?
- Where did the blind date take place?
- What did the guy talk about during the date that made the narrator uncomfortable?
- What did the guy ask to do after the date?
- How did the narrator feel after the date was over?
Conversations Starters:
- Have you ever had a really good date? What made it memorable?
- Have you ever had a bad date? What happened and how did you handle it?
- What is your opinion on dating apps? Do you think they are a good way to find a suitable match or do they promote superficial judgments?
- Have you ever been on a blind date? How did it go? Would you be willing to try it again?
- What are some important factors to consider when going on a first date? How do you prepare for a first date?
- How do you think dating has changed over the years? Do you think it has become easier or harder to find love and maintain relationships?
- How important is communication in a romantic relationship? How do you make sure you and your partner are on the same page?
- Do you think it’s important to have common interests with your partner? Why or why not?
- How do you deal with rejection in the dating world? Do you have any advice for someone who may be struggling with this?
- Do you believe in love at first sight? Why or why not? Have you ever experienced it?
