Lesson 2: Deciding to Get Married
Marriage is a big commitment!

I can talk about what couples usually consider before deciding to get married.

INTRODUCE

It can be interesting to talk about the reasons that people do or do not decide to get married.

PRESENT

STEP A EXPRESSIONS

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

    1. If you’re financially stable, you have enough money to live a comfortable life and feel secure about the future.

     

    I had a lot of money troubles in my 20s, but I finally became financially stable in my early 30s.

     

    Q: Do you feel you’re financially stable right now?

     

     

    2. If a couple is compatible, it means that they’re well matched and get along with each other without many problems.

     

    I think Ben’s a nice guy, but we’re not compatible at all. He prefers to relax at home, but I like to go out every weekend.

     

    Q: Are you compatible with someone who likes to go out every weekend?

     

     

    3. If something is a big commitment, it requires you to do a lot.

     

    Getting married is a big commitment. You’re promising to love, be with, and take care of one person for the rest of your life.

     

    Q: Do you think that getting a pet is a big commitment?

STEP B PRONUNCIATION

Unstressed syllables are usually pronounced as /uh/.
Phrase Example

compatible

/ kuhm-PAT-uh-buhl /

My friend and her boyfriend are / kuhm-PAT-uh-buhl / because they both love children and enjoy traveling.

UNDERSTAND

SPEAKING

Naoki is talking with his Spanish coworker Miguel.

Naoki:

So how long have you been together with your girlfriend?

Miguel:

Four years.

Naoki:

Oh, wow! So you must be getting ready to get married soon, eh? (laughs)

Miguel:

Well, not quite yet. After four years of dating, we know that we’re very compatible, so I don’t think that we would get cold feet at the altar. But still, we’re not ready to get married quite yet. Marriage is a big commitment!

Naoki:

Yes, it is. You know, I’ve noticed that many people here are in their mid-30s and still not married. Is it because people are more focused on their careers, or…?

Miguel:

Well, marrying late is pretty common here in Spain. One reason is the really high unemployment rate. Many people choose to delay their marriage plans until they can become financially stable.

Naoki:

That’s a pretty responsible decision.

Miguel:

Yeah. And as for my partner and me, we’re happy as we are right now, so there’s no rush to get married.

Naoki:

Interesting. Well, as long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters!

Miguel:

That’s what I told my parents!

TRIVIA

The phrase get cold feet means to suddenly become nervous and unsure about something that you planned or agreed to do. It’s commonly used when someone is engaged but suddenly feels like he/she doesn’t want to get married anymore.

PRACTICE

STEP A EXERCISE

Are the underlined expressions used correctly? If not, change the sentences.

  1. Brie has a good job and owns her own house. She’s financially stable.
  2. Lauren and David aren’t compatible because they both like outdoor activities.
  3. Choosing what shirt to wear is a big commitment.
  4. My brother is financially stable. He lost his job last month and hasn’t found a new one yet.
  5. Dylan and Cheryl like watching horror movies and enjoy each other’s sense of humor. They’re very compatible.

STEP B EXERCISE

Rephrase the sentences using the expressions in the box.

financially stable
compatible
a big commitment
  1. Mindy and Julian both like old movies and classical music.
  2. Having a baby requires you to do a lot. It will affect your life for many years.
  3. Misha and Allan have good jobs and a lot of money in the bank for their retirement.

CHALLENGE

Challenge 1

After dating his girlfriend for over seven years, your brother just announced that they’ve decided to get married. Talk to your friend about it.

Today's Expressions

  • financially stable
  • compatible
  • a big commitment

Challenge 2

Discuss your ideas.

If Time
Allows
1

BEING COMPATIBLE
2

FINANCIAL STABILITY
3

DECIDING TO GET MARRIED
1

BEING COMPATIBLE

  1. What do you think makes a couple compatible (ex. their personalities, their interests)?
  2. Do you think it’s easy to know if two people are compatible or not?
  3. Some people say that opposites attract. Do you agree?
  4. What famous person (living or dead) do you think you’d be compatible with?

2FINANCIAL STABILITY

  1. Do you think it’s possible to be financially stable in your early twenties?
  2. Do you think everyone cares about being financially stable?
  3. What do you think are the biggest reasons that some people are NOT financially stable (ex. they can’t find a good job, they spend too much money)?
  4. What do you think is the best way to become financially stable (ex. pay all of your bills before going shopping, save some money every month)?

3DECIDING TO GET MARRIED

  1. In your opinion, what should a couple think about when deciding to get married (ex. compatibility, long-term goals)?
  2. In your opinion, what is NOT important when deciding to get married (ex. money, owning a house)?
  3. When a couple decides to get married, should they announce it to everyone immediately?
  4. What do you think about people who often ask couples when they’re going to get married?

FEEDBACK

I can talk about what couples usually consider before deciding to get married.

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