Conversation Questions about Alternative Lifestyle

Intermediate Level Conversations- Series 2- Lesson 2

In this lesson, you learn 10 questions with sample answers for having a normal conversation discussing family. We also have added 10 extra conversation questions if you decide to extend your discussion.

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Conversation Questions about Childhood

Practice English Speaking by Talking about Alternative Lifestyle

Here is a list of 10 discussion questions with sample answers for practicing English speaking with your language partner.

• Describe a typical family in your country.

A typical family in Iran is usually extended, meaning it includes not only parents and children but also grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. We place a lot of value on family ties and tradition, so multi-generational households are common.

• If parents are both working, does this cause more or less stress in a family? Explain. 

If both parents work, it definitely adds stress to the family, but it also comes with its own benefits. In our culture, there’s a strong emphasis on providing for the family, and both parents working often helps to achieve that. The stress arises from juggling work, childcare, household chores, and family responsibilities.  It can sometimes lead to disagreements, especially if there isn’t enough communication or support from both sides.

• If a wife works outside the home, should the husband help with the housework inside the home? Why or why not?

Now, about the question of housework… In a traditional Iranian family, there’s usually a clear division of labor, with the wife being more responsible for managing the household. However, it’s changing!  Many women work outside the home, and in those families, it’s more common for husbands to contribute to housework and childcare. Ultimately, it comes down to mutual understanding and agreement between the couple.

• Are there many divorces in your country? What is the reason? 

Divorce rates in Iran are relatively low compared to some other countries.This is often attributed to the strong cultural emphasis on family unity. However, divorces do occur, and the main reasons are usually disagreements over financial issues, lack of communication, infidelity, and incompatibility.

• What impact does divorce have on a family in your country? Explain. 

Divorce can be challenging in our society because it brings shame to the family, especially to the woman.  It can lead to social isolation, financial hardship, and a sense of loss for the children. It’s a very delicate and emotional situation for everyone involved.

• Are there many single-parent families in your country? Are they usually headed by men or women?

Single-parent families are becoming more common, especially those headed by women.  This is often due to divorce, but it can also be due to other factors like widowhood or unmarried mothers.  Society is gradually becoming more accepting of single-parent families, but there’s still a stigma attached to it. Many women struggle with societal expectations and judgments when raising children alone.

• What do you think of married couples who decide not to have any children? Explain. 

The idea of a married couple choosing not to have children is becoming more accepted, although it’s still not very common. The pressure to have children is very strong in Iran. People often see it as a duty, a continuation of the family lineage, and a way to ensure someone will take care of them in their old age. However, there’s a growing trend of couples who are prioritizing their careers and personal freedom, and choosing to live child-free.

• Do single women in your country ever decide to have a baby and raise the child by themselves? What do you think about this kind of decision?

Single women having children independently is becoming more common, although it’s still considered a bold move. There’s often a lot of judgment from society, and it can be tough to navigate those challenges.  However, more and more women are choosing to live their lives on their own terms, and they deserve admiration for their courage and strength.

• Who should take care of old people? Explain. 

When it comes to taking care of older people, it’s traditionally the responsibility of the children. But with changing family structures and more people migrating to urban areas, it’s becoming more difficult.  There are also government programs and private facilities that provide care for the elderly, but they can be expensive and often don’t have the same level of personalized attention as family care.

• Do unmarried couples live together in your country these days? What do people in your society think about this kind of arrangement?

Unmarried couples living together is still frowned upon in Iran. There’s a strong cultural emphasis on marriage before cohabitation, and it’s considered inappropriate to live together without being married.  There’s a lot of judgment and societal pressure against unmarried couples living together.  However, with the younger generation becoming more open-minded, there’s a growing trend of couples living together before marriage, but they do so discreetly to avoid judgment from society.

Additional questions for conversation

For a longer conversation about family, you can use the below questions.

1. Do people in your country ever decide to remain single and not create a family? If so, what does the rest of your society think?
2. Is it necessary to get married to have a good life? Explain.
3. Is polygamy allowed in your culture? What do you think of it?
4. What do you think of people who get married many times? Explain.
5. Do children in your country ask for their parents’ approval before they get married? Why or why not?
6. Who in your family would you turn to if you had an emotional problem? Why?
7. If you had a financial problem, would you expect your family to help? Why or why not?
8. What is a perfect family or alternative lifestyle for you? Explain.
9. Who is the head of the household in a typical family in your country?
10. What happens to divorced people? Explain.

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