The key answer of exercise 1

Arranged marriage:

Pros

• likely to marry someone suitable that your family will approve of
• correct way to act in some cultures
• takes away the stress of having to find a partner of your own
• both people in partnership have family support and a degree of security

Cons

• no individual choice
• you may not like your partner or find them attractive or have much in common
• feel pressured by culture or community to accept your partner
• no romantic love before the marriage

Going on a blind date:

Pros

• difficult to find people to go out with in everyday life
• can be fun and exciting

Cons

• may have some difficult or embarrassing evenings out
• may be meeting someone you can’t trust
• some feel that it isn’t as romantic as meeting someone in real life

Meeting through work or university:

Pros

• have a lot in common
• chance to get to know someone slowly and as friends first
• know you can trust them

Cons

• can be problematic if you split up
• too similar – same friends and activities

Meeting via an Internet dating site:

Pros

• difficult to find people to go out with in everyday life
• can be fun and exciting
• can meet lots of different people

Cons

• may have some difficult or embarrassing evenings out
• may be meeting someone you can’t trust
• some feel that it isn’t as romantic as meeting someone in real life

Students may suggest that these are advertisements asking for a partner.

Other ways of meeting people:

• dating agency
• at a disco or nightclub
• through friends or relatives
• Facebook friends
• through hobbies
• sports or other club activities
• on holiday
• on a language learning course