Conversation Gambits - Eric Keller, Sylvia T Warner 1988

8. The Main Thing
1. Opening Gambits

What do you look for in a job — good money, a challenge, the freedom to be creative, a chance to work with people?

Speaking

Work in pairs. Write down what you think is the most important thing about a job. Tell your partner, and then (s)he reports it to the class. Try to use the phrases in the list.

Example

To your partner:

1 think the most important thing is a lot of money.

To the class:

Marie thinks the most important thing is earning a lot of money.

Writing

Write your answers. What do you look for when you apply for a job?

Discussion

Try to use the phrases when you talk about the following:

1. The most important thing to look for in a future boy/girlfriend/ wife/husband.

2. What is important when bringing up a child?

3. You are planning a walking holiday in the mountains. How should you prepare?

4. You are driving along an icy road when suddenly the car starts to skid.

5. You are going for a very important interview. You are usually so nervous at interviews that you do badly. How should you prepare this time?

First of all,

The main thing is ...

The most important thing is ...