Mom: (walking into the kitchen) Honey, I think you’re being a bit too hard on Timmy today.
Dad: (looking surprised) What do you mean? I’m just trying to teach him how to be responsible!
Mom: (shaking her head) Responsible is one thing, but he’s just a little boy! He was so upset after you told him he couldn’t go outside because he didn’t finish his homework.
Dad: (sighing) I want him to understand that he needs to take his work seriously. He won’t get anywhere in life if he’s always playing around.
Mom: (softly) I get that, but sometimes he needs to have fun too. He’s not going to be a big man if he feels like he can never have a break.
Dad: (pausing) You’re right, I just want him to grow up strong and capable, to be a man who can take care of himself.
Mom: (smiling) I know, and I love that you care so much. But remember, being a big man isn’t just about working hard; it’s about knowing when to enjoy life too.
Dad: (laughing) Alright, maybe I need to loosen up a bit. How about we go outside and play with him for a little while?
Mom: (grinning) That sounds perfect. Just make sure you don’t turn it into a lesson on responsibility while you’re at it!
Dad: (laughing) Deal! Let’s just have fun for a change.
Vocabulary List
- Strict [strɪkt] (adjective) – Not allowing any leniency or deviation from rules.
Example: “He’s a strict teacher who doesn’t tolerate any excuses.” - Responsible [rɪˈspɒnsəbl] (adjective) – Being accountable for one’s actions or duties.
Example: “She is very responsible and always completes her tasks on time.” - Upset [ʌpˈsɛt] (adjective) – Feeling sad, angry, or disappointed.
Example: “Timmy was upset because he couldn’t go outside to play.” - Take seriously [teɪk ˈsɪərɪəsli] (phrase) – To regard something as important and deserving attention.
Example: “You should take your studies seriously if you want to succeed.” - Capable [ˈkeɪpəbl] (adjective) – Having the ability or qualities necessary for a task or job.
Example: “She’s a capable leader who knows how to solve problems.” - Loosen up [ˈluːsn ʌp] (phrasal verb) – To become less tense or rigid; to relax.
Example: “After a long day at work, I like to loosen up by listening to music.” - Deal [diːl] (noun) – An agreement or arrangement.
Example: “We made a deal to help each other clean the house.”
Grammar Tips:
- Using “Want” to Express Desire:
- “Want” is used to express a desire or wish.
- Example: “I want him to understand that he needs to take his work seriously.”
- This expresses the dad’s wish for his son to learn responsibility.
- Using “Will” for Future Predictions:
- “Will” is used to talk about what is likely to happen in the future.
- Example: “He won’t get anywhere in life if he’s always playing around.”
- This is a prediction about the son’s future if he doesn’t take his responsibilities seriously.
- Using “Let’s” for Suggestions:
- “Let’s” is used to suggest or propose doing something together.
- Example: “Let’s just have fun for a change.”
- This is a suggestion from the mom to take a break and have some fun with their son.
FILL IN THE BLANK
Mom: (walking into the kitchen) Honey, I think you’re being a bit too on Timmy today.
Dad: (looking surprised) What do you mean? I’m just trying to teach him how to be !
Mom: (shaking her head) Responsible is one thing, but he’s just a little !
Dad: (sighing) I want him to understand that he needs to take his seriously. He won’t get anywhere in life if he’s always playing around.
Mom: (softly) I get that, but sometimes he needs to have too.
Dad: (pausing) You’re right, I just want him to grow up strong and , to be a man who can take care of himself.
Mom: (smiling) I know, and I love that you care so much. But remember, being a big man isn’t just about working hard; it’s about knowing when to life too.
Dad: (laughing) Alright, maybe I need to loosen up a bit. How about we go with him for a little while?
Mom: (grinning) That sounds perfect. Just make sure you don’t turn it into a lesson on while you’re at it!
Dad: (laughing) Deal! Let’s just have fun for a change.