Lesson 4: The Ideal Spouse
She’s on the same page with me about saving money and doing chores.

I can talk about the ideal spouse.

INTRODUCE

People love to talk about their ideal husband or wife. Talking about it with your friends can help you get to know them more.

PRESENT

STEP A EXPRESSIONS

I. Go over the expressions with your tutor.

    1. One’s better half is someone’s husband, wife, or long-term partner.

     

    My better half and I have been married for six wonderful years!

     

     

    2. A match made in heaven is two people who are perfect for each other.

     

    Zac and Nadia are a match made in heaven! He helps her be less shy, and she helps him be more sensitive.

     

     

    3. To be on the same page with someone about something means to agree with someone about a certain topic.

     

    Ethan is on the same page with Kate about their future. They both want to have three kids and a dog.

     

    II. How would you describe the ideal spouse? Talk about it using the expressions above.

     

STEP B PRONUNCIATION

When one word ends with a consonant sound and the next word starts with a vowel sound, they are often linked together.
Phrase Example

made in

/ mey-din /

I’ve always known that we’re a match / mey-din / heaven!

UNDERSTAND

SPEAKING

Naoki and his Spanish coworker Miguel are talking at a bar after work.

Miguel:

Hey, remember the article I sent you? (laughs) What did you think about the writer’s take on marriage?

Naoki:

(laughs) I can actually relate to the pros and cons he mentioned, especially the part about your better half knowing how to make you angry.

Miguel:

Oh, yeah?

Naoki:

Absolutely. When my wife and I got married, we both worked, but I was the only one who cleaned or cooked or tried to save money. She was okay living in a dirty apartment and eating out every day.

Miguel:

Oh, really? I thought you two were a match made in heaven!

Naoki:

Well, we are now! She did a complete 180 after we had our daughter, Aoi. Now, she’s on the same page with me about saving money and doing chores. Even though she quit her job to take care of Aoi, we’re actually saving more money now! Also, she even took cooking lessons while pregnant and now makes delicious, healthy meals for us every day. I’m so lucky to be married to her.

Miguel:

It sounds like you won the jackpot with her.

Naoki:

Absolutely. There’s only one thing we argue about now.

Miguel:

What’s that?

Naoki:

The promotion I’m aiming for. I’ve always dreamed of working abroad, but my wife doesn’t want us to move abroad because she’s worried about Aoi’s future education.

TRIVIA

The phrase do a complete 180 means to suddenly change one’s opinion, plan, or way of thinking to the total opposite. The number 180 refers to a 180-degree angle.

PRACTICE

STEP A EXERCISE

Complete the photo captions using the expressions in the box. The form of some expressions may need to be changed.

one's better half
a match made in heaven
be on the same page with someone about something

1. @Logan_01 Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Wright! You truly are _____.

 

2. @TerryK With Erin’s support, I’m confident that I can finish the marathon tomorrow! It’s so much easier when _____ is there to cheer you on.

 

3. @FaithWalsh I wanted a 1920s-style house, but Ben wanted a new one. After over a year of looking, we finally found a house that we both like! I never thought I would _____!

STEP B EXERCISE

Follow the instructions in the parentheses using the expressions in the box. Some expressions may be used more than once, and the form of some expressions may need to be changed.

one's better half
a match made in heaven
be on the same page with someone about something
  1. (Say that your sister and brother-in-law are a perfect couple.)
  2. (Say that your cousin’s husband is an athlete.)
  3. (Say that your mom and dad are arguing about what car to buy.)
  4. (Say that your coworker and his wife are very well-suited for each other.)
  5. (Say that you and your boyfriend/girlfriend agree on saving money.)

CHALLENGE

Challenge 1

Your friend feels that he’s/she’s ready to get married. Talk to him/her about the ideal spouse.

Today's Expressions

  • one’s better half
  • a match made in heaven
  • be on the same page with someone about something

Challenge 2

Discuss your ideas.

If Time
Allows
1

THE IDEAL SPOUSE
2

A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN
3

BEING ON THE SAME PAGE
1

THE IDEAL SPOUSE

  1. Do you think the ideal spouse exists?
  2. How long should people date before deciding if someone could be the ideal spouse for him/her?
  3. Do you think it’s necessary to live with someone to determine if he/she could be the ideal spouse?
  4. If someone matched every criteria to be your ideal spouse except for one thing, would you still marry him/her?

2A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN

  1. What are the usual signs that two people are a match made in heaven?
  2. Do you believe that there’s only one perfect match for each person?
  3. Do you personally know any couples that are a match made in heaven?
  4. Can you think of any famous couples (now or in the past) that are/were a match made in heaven?

3BEING ON THE SAME PAGE

  1. Are you always on the same page with someone in your life?
  2. What topics are friends often not on the same page about?
  3. What topics are couples often not on the same page about?
  4. What percentage of issues should couples be on the same page about to be a good couple?

FEEDBACK

I can talk about the ideal spouse.

LESSON GOAL ACHIEVEMENT

  • 4
    Very Good

    Could complete the task with ease

  • 3
    Good

    Could complete the task with some clarifications

  • 2
    Fair

    Could complete the task with additional instructions

  • 1
    Poor

    Could somehow complete the task with difficulty

PERSONALIZED FEEDBACK