26. Emphasising a Point - 2. Linking Gambits

Conversation Gambits - Eric Keller, Sylvia T Warner 1988

26. Emphasising a Point
2. Linking Gambits

Read through this case study. Write answers to the questions which follow. Then work in pairsand groups to act outthe role play situations. Try to use the phrases from the list.

Case Study

Edward and Adrienne are students at a London polytechnic. They have known each other for two years and have been going out together for 18 months. They are very serious about their relationship. They are thinking about getting married when they leave college in a year’s time. Edward is English and comes from a middle class background. His parents live in Carlisle in the north of England. Adrienne is black and is on a scholarship from her home in Zimbabwe. They both realise the problems of a mixed marriage. And, of course, there are many cultural differences. They are young, tolerant, and they help each other in their studies. Edward’s parents knew he had a girlfriend, but had not met Adrienne until last week. Edward had not told them that she was black. The parents were very polite and they seemed to get on well with Adrienne. Later, Adrienne said that she thought Edward’s parents seemed disappointed she was not white. Edward knew what she meant and couldn’t help feeling hurt and disappointed that his parents were not more enthusiastic.

Questions

1. What do you think is Edward's biggest worry?

2. What problems would Adrienne face if she married Edward?

3. What problems would Edward face?

4. What do Edward's parents probably think of the situation?

5. How do you think Adrienne's parents will feel if she marries in England?

Role-play situations

Prepare, then act out the following situations. Try to use the phrases in the list.

1. Edward talking to his best friend.

2. Adrienne talking to her best friend.

3. Edward's parents talking about the situation alone.

4. Edward's parents talking to their best friends.

That’s just the point.

But the question is ...

But the real question is ...

This raises the problem of ...

But can’t you see ...