English Conversation Lesson to Get Students Talking about Romance
In this lesson students will be given 10 examples of relationships with problems ranging from mild to severe. Students must determine whether these problems indicate a “red flag” in the relationship or whether the problems can be worked through.
This entertaining conversation lesson is excellent for Valentine’s Day or for students who love to gossip and give advice (i.e. most students!).
Note: The worksheet uses intentionally gender neutral names in order to avoid negative stereotypes. There are a few instances in the worksheet where the pronouns he/she are used solely to avoid confusion in the scenarios.
Step 1: What are red flags? (3 minutes)
Ask students what a “red flag” is. What does a red flag mean in a relationship?
Step 2: Brainstorm examples. (7 minutes)
Put students into partners and have them brainstorm examples of what they would consider a red flag in another person.
Step 3: Go over vocabulary. (5 minutes)
Review any vocabulary words from the worksheet which the students may not know. Some examples of words and phrases which might need explaining are…
- work through
- split the bill
- down payment
- passion
- controlling
Step 4: Discuss the scenarios. (30-40 minutes)
Put students into pairs or small groups. Pass out the worksheets. The PDF can be downloaded here. Have students read the scenarios and discuss the questions at the top for each scenario.
Read the following scenarios.
- Are these red flags?
- If yes, who has the red flag in this relationship, and why?
- If you believe there is no red flag, explain why.
- Do you think the couples need to do anything in order to improve their relationship?
- If yes, what should they do to work through their problems?
| 1. Meet the Parents Jordan and Ash have been together for a few months. Jordan has invited Ash to see his family several times, but he hasn’t met Ash’s family yet even though they live close by. Whenever Jordan asks Ash about it, Ash gives a new excuse, such as, “I’m tired, so not this weekend,” or “My family is really busy.” Jordan is starting to feel strange about the situation. |
| 2. Cell Phone Passwords River wants to have access to Tatum’s cell phone and complains that Tatum won’t share the phone’s password. Tatum refuses and says that a cell phone should be private. |
| 3. Split the Bill It’s Sutton and Nova’s first date. Before they’ve finished their meal Sutton tells Nova that they should split the bill. Nova thinks Sutton should have at least offered to pay the bill and that it was rude to suggest splitting the bill so early in the date. |
| 4. Long-Term Relationships Carey and Riley have been together for 10 years. Carey wants to get married, but Riley thinks that it’s unnecessary. For Riley a long-term relationship is just as good as marriage. Carey thinks that belief is childish. |
| 5. Weekends with Friends Robin spends every Friday and Saturday night with friends. Even though Robin says that Sage can come with them, Sage thinks that some weekends they should stay home and hang out together (just the two of them). This disagreement is becoming a more and more serious argument each weekend. |
| 6. The Credit Card Spencer often borrows Koda’s credit card to buy expensive items without Koda’s permission. Spencer says that because they are in a relationship it should be expected that they share the finances, especially because many of the purchases are for both of them, such as a new dishwasher for their apartment. Koda feels that they should keep their bank accounts and finances separate. |
| 7. No House No Marriage Arbor refuses to get married unless Lowen buys a house first. Lowen likes Arbor, but Lowen won’t have enough money to afford the down payment on a house for many years. Arbor has even less savings than Lowen. |
| 8. My Movies Only Quinn and Corey often watch movies together, but Quinn has noticed that they always watch the movies that Corey chooses. Whenever Quinn suggests a movie, Corey says that it doesn’t sound good and suggests another one. Quinn doesn’t mind watching Corey’s movies, but Quinn would like to choose the movie sometimes too. |
| 9. Too Many Video Games? Wren really likes Ellis, but Ellis is spending more and more time playing video games. Wren is unhappy about the amount of time Ellis spends on the computer and the Playstation, but video games are Ellis’ passion. |
| 10. Friends with the Ex Amari and Koda have been together for about a year. They’re relationship is mostly great, but Amari still talks to her ex. Koda has asked Amari to stop talking to her ex, but Amari says that they’re just friends and that Koda is being controlling. |
Step 5: Give feedback at the end of class. (10-15 minutes)
Ask students what their groups decided for the various scenarios. Allow students to tell the rest of the class their opinions.
The teacher can also use this time to correct any grammar, vocabulary, or pronunciation mistakes or answer any questions.
