13. Single-sex schools are old-fashioned. Do you agree? Why? Why not?
I agree, although instead of old-fashioned I would say not modern. Our society is based ont he
two sexes; women and men have equal rights, social position, they live and work side by side.
It’s important to get to know the other sex and learn how to get on with them. School is best
place for that.
14. Why is important to have friends?
The social network is very importent in our life. We need to meet and talk other pepople. As
adults work and children go to school the majority of people spend time with strangers than
with family. After the family, friends can help us the most. Friends have a lot of things in
common: they normally have the same or very similar interests and hobbies, live under the
same circumstances or have the same problems. They spend their free time together, discuss
their problems and give each other advice.
15. What are the most important characteristics of a friend?
A friend should be first of all reliable, helpful and patient. Ad the proverb says A friend in
need is a friend indeed. It means a friend is a person you can trust and can turn to when in
trouble. If you ask for help he/she comes and helps you without hesitation. It is also an
advantage if he/she is cheerful and has a good sense of humour. So when you are together you
can laugh a lot, and you have a really good time.
16. Men keep their friends longer than women. Do you agree? Why? Why not?
I think it’s true. Men are rarley jealous of each other and do not have a very emotional
relationship. When man are together they engage in sport, play cards or computer games,
watch films or siti n pub and talk about their work, sport, politics, cars, boozing and of course
woman in general. All these topics are neutral and they don’t often talk about their personal
feelings.
17. Describe your best friend and tell the history of your friendship.
My best friend is a boy of my age. We have known each other for 20 years. We met, when we
were 12 years old. Although we went to different elementary school we met every weekend.
Than we went to the same secondary school, and to the same class. We were together all day,
and we shared our problems each other. Than we went to the different university, and we
could rarely meet. We went to cinema or a pub on weekends and talked about the life and our
life. Nowadays we live in the same town, and we spend most of our free time together. He is
teacher in a local vocational school. We tell each other our deepest feelings and secrets,
because we know we won’t betray each other.
18. How often do you see your friends and what do you do together?
It’s variable. We meet, when we have free time. On weekdays we drink a coffee in a pub, on
weekends we go to the cinema or a pub or a concert. Concerts are another good activity.
19. De you ever argue with your friends? What about? How do you solve your
problems?
We never quarrel. It’s unbelievable, but true. Both us are able to make a compromise. Of
course we don’t agree on everything, but that isn’t a problem. We have own opinion about
things.
20. What is better: to have one close friend or several other friends? Why?
I’d rather have one close friend, who I can rely on, and can share all my problems with. You
are sure that he/she won’t betray you as there is no third person. Of course, there are moments
and situations when we need a lot of company – celebrations, festivals, parties or holidays –
and it’s good if are plenty of people around you. Both have advantage and disadvantage.
