2. Try an opposite
Have you ever heard the saying “opposites attract”? What do you think it means?
In this lesson, you will start talking about identity and personality. You will also listen to different points of view on the saying “opposites attract” and will find out which view you are an advocate of.
Do you know any people who are polar opposites, but are good friends?
What is more, not to forget grammar, you’ll clarify the meaning and usage of all the continuous forms in English.
Warm up
Choose the statement you agree with and say why.
- A rebel and a Miss Goody Two Shoes can be a match.
- A poor and a rich person can be good friends.
- A 15-year age gap in marriage is not a barrier.
- An introvert and an extrovert can productively work together.
Now think what type you are. Choose the right option from the words in bold.
If you enjoy intense and thrilling activities you are an adrenaline / a dopamine junkie.
A morning / an evening person is the one who has the most energy in the morning.
She is naturally talented, she might be a musical amateur / prodigy.
Now say if your relative or partner is the same or different. In either case, say if it’s okay or you’d like to change it.
Listening
Have you watched the film Green Book? Here’s its trailer. Let’s watch it to remember the plot and the protagonists.
What do you think made a bodyguard and a pianist, who seemed to be worlds apart, true friends?
Before listening to the audio, check the following words:
under one’s belt — as part of one’s achievements, experience
stomping ground — a location where you spend a lot of time
poignant /ˈpɔɪnjənt/ — deeply affecting
Listen to the audio Green Book and then answer the questions.
- Why was the tour to the Deep South dangerous for Donald?
- How did Tony appear in Donald’s life?
- Were these men similar?
- Did their friendship last long? Were they really close?
- Is this story common or an exceptional one?
Experts’ opinions
Listen to the introduction and answer the question after it.
What are you going to listen to?
Now listen to the first expert and say what points were mentioned.
Mr Bloom’s ideas. Say which he mentioned.
- People look for partners who have similar traits.
- People look for partners who have the traits that they don’t have.
- An extroverted husband can’t be happy with an introverted wife.
- An extroverted husband can be happy with an introverted wife.
- Being opposites can make a relationship more dynamic.Being opposites can make a relationship more steady.
Mr Johnson’s ideas. Which ones did he mention?
- Opposites make a long-term relationship.
- Similarities make a long-term relationship.
- Opposite personalities attract like opposite sides of magnets.
- Only opposite sides of magnets attract, not people’s personalities.
Answers
Mr Bloom: 2,4,5
Mr Johnson: 2,4
More details
Remember what they said about:
- the Disney cartoons?
- Robert Francis Winch?
- contrasting personalities?
- similarities in age, intelligence, religion and education?
Vocabulary
Find the opposites
Complete the definitions
Speak out!
Let’s discuss the following questions. Before answering, you need to complete them.