Lesson 4: Big Decisions
I want to earn enough money so that I can save for a rainy day.

I can talk about big decisions.

INTRODUCE

Big decisions, like getting married or buying a house, have a great impact on your life, so it’s important to talk about them.

PRESENT

STEP A EXPRESSIONS

Go over the expressions with your tutor and answer the questions.

    1. Save for a rainy day means to keep something, especially money, for a future time of need.

     

    I’ve been saving for a rainy day. I already have a couple thousand dollars in my account.

     

    Q: Which photo shows someone saving for a rainy day? Why?

    A

    B

     

     

    2. To settle down means to live a quiet, stable life. This expression usually refers to getting married or having children.

     

    I can’t believe you’re settling down at 23!

     

    Q: Which photo shows a couple who want to settle down? Why?

    A

    B

     

     

    3. To start a family means to have children.

     

    I want to start a family before I turn 30.

     

    Q: Which photo shows a couple who has already started a family? Why?

    A

    B

STEP B PRONUNCIATION

Vowel sounds in between consonants are sometimes removed so that the pronunciation becomes smoother.
Phrase Example

a family

/ uh fam-lee /

Do you want to start / uh fam-lee / soon?

UNDERSTAND

SPEAKING

Toru is talking to his American coworker Holly at a restaurant.

Holly:

Wow! You’re actually in a restaurant with someone who’s not a client! (laughs) I’m glad you’re finally going out of the hotel and doing things other than work.

Toru:

Yes. Well, you were very convincing the last time we talked. I was supposed to have a client meeting now, but I canceled it. YOLO, right?

Holly:

Seriously?!

Toru:

I’m kidding, of course. (laughs) … But actually, I’ve been thinking about what you said earlier, and I think you’re right. I should seize the day and enjoy life. Up until now, I’ve been so focused on work – competing with Naoki for this position, getting new clients, impressing the boss – that I forgot what I’ve been doing all these things for.

Holly:

And what’s that?

Toru:

To settle down comfortably. I want to get married, buy a big house in LA, and start a family. And I want to earn enough money so that I can save for a rainy day and never have to worry about the future… I’ve been doing really well with my other goals, so I believe I can start to focus on love now. … Uh, do you remember what you told me last time?

Holly:

No, what did I say?

Toru:

You said I should do something crazy and unplanned, and that I may not like the results, but it’s worth a shot. So, here’s me taking a risk. (takes deep breath) Holly, let’s get married.

Holly:

Wait, what? Me? Isn’t this— Isn’t this too sudden?

Toru:

It is. But I’m certain. I think you’re amazing, and I know I want to marry you, Holly.

TRIVIA

A 2014 study found that compared to couples who date less than a year, couples who get married after three or more years of dating are 39% less likely to get divorced. Meanwhile, couples who’ve dated for at least two years are 20% less likely to get divorced.

PRACTICE

STEP A EXERCISE

Match the sentences on the left with the expressions on the right. Some expressions may be used more than once.

1. In due course, we want to have two kids – a boy first, and then a girl.

 

2. I try not to spend my whole paycheck each month because I know it’s important to prepare for a possible future emergency.

 

3. Nick is tired of dating. He’s ready to find the woman of his dreams and get married.

 

4. Aaron wants to buy a motorcycle with his bonus, but his wife feels that they should put it in the bank.

 

5. Norah loves to travel the world, but her dream is to eventually buy a small house on the beach and live peacefully with her two dogs.

a. settle down

 

b. start a family

 

c. save for a rainy day

STEP B EXERCISE

Follow the instructions in parentheses using the expressions in the box.

settle down
start a family
save for a rainy day
  1. (Say Anna doesn’t want to have children until she’s been married for a few years.)
  2. (Recommend keeping money in the bank because you never know what may happen in the future.)
  3. (Say you want to leave the city and live in a quiet neighborhood in the suburbs with your family.)

CHALLENGE

Challenge 1

Your best friend is thinking about moving abroad, but he/she wants to talk to you about it first. Meet your best friend and talk about big decisions.

Today's Expressions

  • save for a rainy day
  • settle down
  • start a family

Challenge 2

Discuss your ideas.

If Time
Allows
1

BIG DECISIONS
2

SAVING FOR A RAINY DAY
3

SETTLING DOWN
1

BIG DECISIONS

  1. What kind of decisions do you consider to be big decisions?
  2. Can you make big decisions quickly?
  3. Should you always ask others for advice when making a big decision?
  4. Do you know anyone who regretted the big decision he/she made?

2SAVING FOR A RAINY DAY

  1. When is it ideal to start saving for a rainy day (ex. when you start working, when you get married)?
  2. What rainy day situations should you be saving for (ex. losing your job, getting sick)?
  3. How can you convince people to save for a rainy day?
  4. What can prevent people from saving for a rainy day?

3SETTLING DOWN

  1. At what age is it ideal to settle down?
  2. What should you do before settling down?
  3. Would you consider settling down outside Japan?
  4. Why do you think some people decide to never settle down?

FEEDBACK

I can talk about big decisions.

LESSON GOAL ACHIEVEMENT

  • 4
    Very Good

    Could complete the task with ease

  • 3
    Good

    Could complete the task with some clarifications

  • 2
    Fair

    Could complete the task with additional instructions

  • 1
    Poor

    Could somehow complete the task with difficulty

PERSONALIZED FEEDBACK