A) Write a letter in response stating your agreement or disagreement.

b) Using both the letter and the answer as a basis turn the contents into a dialogue and act it out in class:

Dear Helen,

I have just received your letter and I feel that I should let you know what I think of your plans for the future. I hope you won't take offence, but will accept what I say here as fatherly advice.

I was very surprised when I read in your letter that you had decided not to finish your studies at the University. I realize that Peter wants you to marry him this summer. But with only one year to go, you would be well advised to finish the course. A year is really a very short time, and later you will be glad you took my advice.

As you know, my reaction to Peter was extremely favour­able when I met him, he is an exceptionally fine young man and should make a good husband. But I urge you to complete your education first.

You are twenty-one and old enough to make up your own mind. This is something you'll have to work out for yourself. As your uncle, I have always tried not to interfere in your affairs and I don't intend to begin now. But, my dear, please, do con-

sider my words very carefully before you decide. Whatever you do, though, Ellen, you know I only want one thing for you, and that is your happiness.

Affectionately, uncle Tom

11. Pair work. Agree or disagree with the statements below. Be sure to provide sound arguments. Consider the following points and extend them whenever possible:

1. Children are not supposed to have their opinion, but if they do, the adults ignore them.

2. The difference between a child and an adult amounts to achieving the state of independence.

3. The most painful time is adolescence with intense feel­ings, lack of confidence and rebellion against authority.

4. The essence of happiness is complete freedom from care.

5. Most adults think of their childhood as being most happy time.

12. Group discussion. "New Prospects in Education". Here are a number of predictions which have been made by futurologlsts:

1. In his book Alvin Toggler Don't worry about parenthood! suggests that in the future We'll bring out your children there will be advertise- and make them into respon-ments like the one on the sible, successful adults. right. 1. Excellent food and education.

2. Just visit your children once

a week.

3. Minimum five-year contract.

Would you like your children to be brought up by profes­sional "parents"?

What would be some advantages and disadvantages?

2. Alvin Toggler also suggests that children won't go to school. They will study at home instead with video-tape, cassettes, other electronic aids.

Would you like this arrangement? What do you think of such "electronic cottage" school? Imagine what some of the consequences might be.

3. In what way, do you think, the advertisement above reflects the new trends in child rearing?

13. Below are some quotations dealing with family life and children. Illus­trate them with a short story:

1. When children are doing nothing they are doing mis­chief. (H. Fielding)

2. Teach your child to hold his tongue and he will learn to speak fast. (Benj. Franklin)

3. Anger is never without a reason, but seldom without a good one. (Benj. Franklin)

4. If children grew up according to early indications, we should have nothing but geniuses. (Goethe)

5. We are all geniuses up to the age of ten. (A. Huxley)

6. Children begin by loving parents, as they grow older they judge them, sometimes they forgive them. (O. Wilde)