Listen to the conversation and answer the questions in English.
- What change takes place in David’s life?
- How does his father feel about it and what does his mother think?
- What change do they say is a whole new ballgame?
- What does her mother hope for Laura?
- What would her father like to provide for her?
- What skills should she develop?
- What would her parents like to check regularly?
- What can they do to help their elder daughter?
- What are they planning for the whole family?
- How does the father praise his wife?
Középfok (B2) hanganyag szövege:
A new school year
Father: Can you believe it’s already time for another school year to begin?
Mother: No, it’s unbelievable. It feels like summer just flew by. And the kids are growing up so fast.
F: Tell me about it. David is starting kindergarten this year. I’m excited for him, but also a bit nervous.
M: I remember feeling the same way when Laura and Kelly started kindergarten. It’s a big step for him, and for us too.
F: Absolutely. And speaking of the older ones, Laura is entering secondary school this year. That’s a whole new ballgame compared to primary.
M: Yes, sure. I can’t believe it’s secondary school already. Time really does fly. I’m hoping she will get used to her new environment soon. And I’m a bit worried about the increased amount of schoolwork she has to face.
F: She’ll do fine, I’m sure. But I think we should make sure she has a study space at home. Secondary school surely comes with more homework and projects.
M: Good idea. We could set up a quiet corner with all the necessary school supplies. And maybe we should encourage her to use a planner to stay organized.
F: Definitely. I don’t expect her to be very happy about it first but developing those organizational skills now will benefit her in the long run. I also think we should keep an eye on her social interactions. Secondary school can be socially challenging.
M: True. Maybe we can have regular check-ins to see how she’s feeling about her friends and classmates. Bullying and peer pressure can become stronger in secondary school.
F: On a positive note, I heard the school offers more extracurricular activities in secondary school. It might be a great opportunity for her to explore new interests.
M: That’s a silver lining, for sure. And hey, don’t forget about Kelly. She will be in for a whole different level of academics and responsibilities at university.
F: I’m both proud and anxious for her. She should make sure she has a good balance between her studies and any extracurricular commitments. But I don’t think we can do much about it except to gently give her some advice and hope that she’ll accept it.
M: Yes, she thinks she’s an adult now although she’s only 18. And let’s not forget about their well-being. School can be stressful. We should find ways to encourage open communication about their feelings.
F: You’re right. Maybe we can plan some family excursions and activities to help them relax and bond with us. It’s important they know we’re here to support them.
M: That sounds like a wonderful idea. All in all, a new school year means so many new challenges. I just hope we can guide them through these transitions successfully.
F: Well, you’ve done a really good job of parenting so far, and let’s just hope things will work out fine this year again!
key:
- He’s starting kindergarten.
- He’s excited but a bit nervous. She thinks it’s a big step for him and them, too.
- Their daughter, Laura starting secondary school.
- She will get used to her new environment soon.
- A study space at home.
- Planning / organisational skills.
- How she’s feeling about her friends and classmates.
- Give her advice.
- Excursions and activities
- She has done a great job of parenting.
