Form

Pronunciation

Meaning

Vietnamese equivalent

1. generation gap (n.ph.)

/ ˌdʒenəˈreɪʃn ɡæp/ 

the difference in attitude or behaviour between young and older people that causes a lack of understanding

khoảng cách thế hệ

2. behaviour (n)

/bɪˈheɪvjə(r)/

the way that somebody behaves, especially towards other people

hành vi

3. nuclear family (n.ph.)

/ˌnjuːkliə ˈfæməli/

a family that consists of father, mother and children, when it is thought of as a unit in society

gia đình hạt nhân

4. extended family (n.ph)

/ɪkˌstendɪd ˈfæməli/ 

a family group with a close relationship among the members that includes not only parents and children but also uncles, aunts, grandparents, etc.

gia đình nhiều thế hệ

5. follow in somebody’s footsteps (idiom)

to do the same job, have the same style of life, etc. as somebody else, especially somebody in your family

nối nghiệp/ kế nghiệp ai

Ms Hoa:

Good morning, class. Today, we’ll talk about the generation gap. So, what is the generation gap?

Mark:

Well, I think it’s the difference in beliefs and behaviour between young and older people.

Ms Hoa:

You’re right, Mark. So, is there a generation gap in your family?

Mark:

Not really, Ms Hoa. I live in a nuclear family with my parents and brother. We understand each other quite well though we still argue over small things.

Ms Hoa:

Right. We can’t avoid daily arguments.

What about you, Mai?

Mai:

Well, I live with my extended family, and I have to learn to accept the differences between the generations.

Ms Hoa:

That’s a good point. Can you give us an example?

Mai:

Well, my grandparents hold traditional views of male jobs and gender roles. For example, my grandfather wants my brother to be an engineer, but my brother hopes to become a musician. And my grandmother thinks women have to do all the housework.

Ms Hoa:

How about your parents? Do they share your grandparents’ views?

Mai:

No, they don’t. They think that we should follow our dreams. They give us advice, but never force us to follow in their footsteps.

Ms Hoa:

Thank you, Mai, for sharing your experiences. You must respect your parents and grandparents, but you should also express your opinion. Now let’s continue our discussion with ….

Mark

Mai

1.

has some arguments over small things with family members

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2.

lives with grandparents who have traditional views

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3.

lives in a nuclear family

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4

has parents who don’t force their children to follow in their footsteps.

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1. all people who were born at about the same time

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__________

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2. a family that consists of a father, a mother, and children

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__________

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3. a family that includes not only parents and children but also uncles, aunts, grandparents, etc.

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__________

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4. disagreements about things

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__________

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