2c Role-play a conversation between Peter and his friend.
A: What's the matter, Peter?
B: I had a fight with my best friend. What should I do?
A: Well, you should call him so that you can say you're sorry.
2d Role-play the conversation.
Dave: You look sad, Kim. What's wrong?
Kim: Well, I found my sister looking through my things yesterday. She took some of my new magazines and CDs.
Dave: Hmm ... that's not very nice. Did she give them back to you?
Kim: Yes, but I'm still angry with her. What should I do?
Dave: Well, I guess you could tell her to say sorry. But why don't you forget about it so that you can be friends again? Although she's wrong, it's not a big deal.
Kim: You're right. Thanks for your advice.
Dave: No problem. Hope things work out.
3a Look at this letter to a magazine and the reply from Robert Hunt, a school counselor. Complete the chart.
Dear Mr. Hunt,
My problem is that I can't get on with my family. Relations between my parents have become difficult. They fight a lot, and I really don't like it. It's the only communication they have. I don't know if I should say anything to them about this. When they argue, it's like a big, black cloud hanging over our home. Also, my elder brother is not very nice to me. He always refuses to let me watch my favorite TV show. Instead he watches whatever he wants until late at night. I don't think this is fair. At home I always feel lonely and nervous. Is that normal? What can I do?
Sad and Thirteen
Dear Sad and Thirteen,
It's not easy being your age, and it's normal to have these feelings. Why don't you talk about these feelings with your family? If your parents are having problems, you should offer to help. Maybe you could do more jobs around the house so that they have more time for proper communication.
Secondly, why don't you sit down and communicate with your brother? You should explain that you don't mind him watching TV all the time. However, he should let you watch your favorite show. I hope things will be better for you soon.
Robert Hunt