LIST A: CONVERSATION STARTERS ROLES IN THE FAMILY Do you think the traditional family roles have changed over the years? I’m not entirely sure that the father should always be the role model Why is it that the woman seems to sustain the house and the man goes out as the breadwinner? COMMUNICATION It seems to me that the increasing use of technology for everyday interactions is killing the art of conversation People in the UK seem to communicate less and less I think we might be losing the ability to have a decent conversation I think a lot of problems between people are due to a lack of communication I think modern technology has influenced the way we communicate a lot THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM I think school’s should concentrate on teaching the core subjects like maths, science and languages and leave airy fairy subjects like music to after school clubs Looking at the school curriculum in the UK I’m not sure that it prepares students for life in the real world YOUTH BEHAVIOUR Where I come from there is an increasing problem with young people misbehaving Really it’s about a lack of respect What are your beliefs about how youth behaviour is changing? Some people might say rather than the choice of a child to go one way or the other, it’s actually the influence of the family ,the conditioning , the wealth, the surroundings into which they are born What causes young people to behave well or badly? USE OF THE INTERNET I’m not sure if the internet is a help or a hindrance any more I worry that people put too much of their personal information online without thinking DESIGNER GOODS Designer goods are expensive but I think it’s nice when people dress elegantly and you can definitely tell the difference I prefer buying designer good rather than the high street tat I think you get what you pay for If you ask me, I think designer goods are overrated LIST B: CONVERSATION STARTERS INTERNATIONAL EVENTS I’m beginning to think that Brazil might have been a bad choice for the Olympics People say that international events help bring countries together but I’m not so sure After reading about the problems in London, Russia and Brazil I’m starting to think that hosting the Olympics is more trouble than it’s worth EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES When it comes to equal opportunities we made a lot of progress but I’m not sure much more can be done Governments talk about equal opportunities but I don’t think they’re doing much to level the playing field It’s very common nowadays for both parents to work but I think it’s better for the family if one parent stays home to look after the children SOCIAL ISSUES I think many of today’s social issues stem from inequality I’m not sure that governments are doing enough to tackle the social issues in their countires I suspect the breakdown of families has caused a lot of our current social isuues THE FUTURE OF THE PLANET In the past I’ve always recycled my rubbish and ridden my bike instead of driving but I’m beginning to think it’s all a waste of time In order to safeguard the future of our planet I think governments need to take action rather than individuals’ SCIENTIFIC DEVELOPMENTS Scientific developments can make life easier but I think it’s important for scientists to exercise caution I’m not sure that some of the recent developments in technology have been a good thing for mankind STRESS MANAGEMENT Why you think people are so stressed nowadays? When it comes to stress management you can’t beat a few drinks down at the pub with your friends With today’s hectic lifestyle, I think it’s important to have a few ways to blow off steam