5. Аудирование: понимание основного содержания прослушанного: #247203

Presenter: Good afternoon. Today we have asked five people to give a short interview and share their opinions about being an only child. Now we would like to present their opinions to you.

Speaker A

My friends often say that I’m lucky to be the only child in the family because I get all the attention of my parents. Well, I can see their point but I’ve always wanted to have a sister or a brother because it’s not always interesting to play alone and to have some company for games would be really nice. It’s so much fun having more children in the family when they can play with each other, and be good friends, and enjoy each other’s company. 

Speaker B

When I was a child, I could have any toy I wanted because I had no brothers or sisters, so my parents didn’t have to save money. I was a centre of attention for my parents and I loved it. It’s still the same. I don’t think it’s boring to be an only child. In fact, it’s a great experience and gives to a child a sense of self-confidence and good self-esteem. I love the fact that I’m the most important person for my parents and it’ll always be like that. 

Speaker C

I think being an only child teaches you a lot of things about life. First of all, you have nobody to play with, so you learn very quickly how to spend your free time alone without feeling bored. Besides, you have to do a lot of things on your own or learn things yourself by trial and error. Often it means you spend much time reading and drawing, which is very good for self-development. Secondly, you build your character this way. 

Speaker D

In my opinion, being an only child is not the best thing which can happen to you. Most of my friends have brothers and sisters but I’m the only child. And I find it hard to share things with anybody, or make friends, or start a conversation. I can’t say I feel bored without brothers or sisters but I do feel I lack some communication skills. There are many other disadvantages about being an only child as well. It’s not enjoyable at all. 

Speaker E

I’m the only child in the family and I find it really hard not because I have nobody to play with but because my parents expect too much. I have to do my best to study well, and my marks, and my behaviour must be perfect. My parents worry too much about me and it’s not bad maybe but it’s certainly not easy to be what your parents want you to be. It’s hard to live like that and always be perfect. My friends feel more comfortable with siblings.