Close-up p 10. Relationships. Oral Mediation

A friend of yours from England is going to give a TED talk about relationships in different parts of the world. While doing his research, he came across these pictures of Spanish relationships on Google. He sends them to you so that you can shed some light on relationships in your country. Your friend also asks you some questions about this topic. You decide to send your friend a voice message with an explanation of 2 minutes.

1. Could you please comment on the pictures I have sent you? How would you describe the relationships depicted in them?
2. How has the concept of family changed over the last 30 years in your country? What are the positive aspects of modern families? Are there any downsides to modern families?
3. How different do you think your family is compared to other families? Do families in Spain have any special traditions?
4. Are friends the new family? Discuss.
5. What are the main problems affecting families in your country at the moment? What kind of problems can put a great strain on a relationship? What impact does divorce have on a family in your country?
6. What are the most memorable moments you’ve ever spent with your friends?
7. Do grandparents look after their grandchildren in Spain? What do people think about it?
8. What do people in your country think of married couples who decide not to have any children?
9. What are the pros and cons of being a single parent in your country?
10. Are there more benefits or drawbacks to living alone in your country nowadays? Is it possible to be unattached and happy where you live? Is there any negative stereotyping in your society?   
11. What are the Spanish traditions and rituals in relation to weddings? What are the differences between Spanish and English weddings?
12. Can you tell me about the last time you went to a stag/ hen party? How did you celebrate it?
13. What is the right age to get married in your country? And to have children?
14. What kind of presents do the guests to the wedding offer the newly-wed couple? What do people think about the fact that together with the invitation to the wedding the guests in Spain also receive the bank account details to deposit money?
15. Do people in Spain complain about their neighbours? What do they complain to their neighbours about? Do you think Spaniards are thoughtful and considerate neighbours? In what ways is the current lifestyle eroding neighbourhood ties in Spain?

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