1b

Recording 1B

Teacher: Tell me about your family.

Student: Well, my immediate family is relatively small, just my parents, my two brothers and me. But both of my parents come from very large families so my extended family is very large − I have 25 cousins!

Our family gatherings are pretty chaotic, but fun. We’re a very close-knit family. Even though we don’t live together any more, the family ties are still very strong. When we were little there wasn’t very much sibling rivalry between us.

I think it’s because we had a very stable upbringing. Both of my parents played a very active role in our school life, and our home life, and they taught us to resolve our conflicts in a very fair way. I consider myself very lucky.

Teacher: Who are you most similar to in your family?

Student: Well, you can see a very clear family resemblance between my brothers and me, but everyone tells me that the physical resemblance between me and my maternal grandmother is very striking.

Sadly, I never got to meet her because she died before I was born. But I’ve seen photographs of her at my age and we’re quite alike.

Other than that, I think I have my father’s temperament – we’re both very stubborn! But thankfully, I also inherited his mathematical brain!

Teacher: And what do you think it takes to be a good parent?

Student: Well, I don’t think just anyone can be a good parent. Not everyone has the right instincts. I think I have a very strong maternal instinct, because I love taking care of small children. So, I hope to become a mother one day. I think it takes a great deal of patience and love.