The loneliness fix: I wanted to find new friends in my 30s – and it was easier than I imagined

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This is a list of key vocabulary and expressions from the article in order of how useful they are. The student must choose 6 items from the list to study in the lesson.

To sign up (for something)

To be supposed to (do/ be something)

To rely on (someone/ something)

To turn out

To end up

Awkward

To hang out

To lead to (something)

To be reluctant (to do something)

To fancy (someone)

A pal

To be doomed

To fit in

The former/ The latter

Like-minded

Light-hearted

To scrutinise (someone/ something)

To strike up a conversation

Budding

Swathes

To be full to the brim

Staunch

Nearest and dearest

To fall by the wayside

Kindred spirit

15 conversation-provoking questions related to the article.

1.       In a nutshell, what is this article about?

2.       What was the ‘dramatic shift’ in Emily’s social life?

3.       What is Bumble BFF, and how did it work out for Emily?

4.       What is Timeleft, and how did it work out for Emily?

5.       What other ways did Emily use to make friends?

6.       Which of the apps would you prefer to use?

7.       Has your social life undergone a ‘dramatic shift’?

8.       If you spend 200 hours with someone, are you guaranteed to become their friend?

9.       What did you use to do with your friends when you were a teenager?

10.     What did you use to do with your friends when you were in your 20s?

11.     Do you worry the youth of today will be an anti-social generation?

12.     Does alcohol help people to socialise and form bonds?

13.     Does it become more difficult to make new friends after 35?

14.     Did you have a friend you were very close with in your childhood/ youth?

15.     Do you care who your kids hang out with?

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