B2 – Upper Intermediate
In the modern era of dating, arranged marriage and old-fashioned courtships are considered outdated. People now resort to dating apps for finding the right person for them. No doubt, dating now differs from what it used to be in the past.
Read the article to know how dating has changed throughout history.
https://www.thelist.com/162252/how-dating-has-changed-through-history/
Vocabulary Questions:
- What is the meaning of the idiom “to take the guesswork out of something”? “Sure, people still meet in bars, through friends, or even at work, but dating apps have taken a lot of the guesswork out of modern dating.” Use this expression in a sentence.
- What does the phrase “equal playing field” mean? “In today’s world of dating, it’s an equal playing field, for the most part.” Use it in a sentence.
- What does the word “fraught” mean? “The famed author was known for being able to perfectly capture how it felt to be in love, even in a time when relationships were fraught with drama and the pressures of social class.” Use it in a sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- Do you think dating now is different from what it used to be in the past? Share your thoughts.
- Why do you think dating apps have become so popular nowadays?
- Do you think men and women have different views on where to meet a prospective partner? Explain.
- Share your views on this statement, “Choosing a partner on a dating app is the same as choosing a fridge in a shop — there’s nothing romantic about it.”.
- What are other ways to meet a potential partner?
- What is your idea of an ideal date?
- What was the most memorable date for you and why?
2 replies on “Dating Has Changed Through History”
Discussion Questions:
1. Do you think dating now is different from what it used to be in the past? Share your thoughts.
Yes, I do! If I compare when I was younger (1980’s) dating have changed a lot. There area some key factors like the invention and use of mobile phones and above all the appearance of internet then the smartphones and social media, chats apps and finally dating online apps… And also, and it is really important, the role of women is everyday more independent from the point of view of mindset and also economically.
2. Why do you think dating apps have become so popular nowadays?
I think new generations have been born in the digital era, for them the use of internet, smartphone, apps, social media is part of their daily life, they have everything in their smart phones, everything is a one click step, and dating is, now, easier than ever.
3. Do you think men and women have different views on where to meet a prospective partner? Explain.
I am not sure, but for my point of view, I think, in general, men use dating apps for sexual purposes and women also for the same reason but also to try a romantic relationship- Maybe because of the different gender education, maybe because there are real differences between men and woman (like there are real differences in the way the problems in relationship are resolved -men are more aggressive than women -in general-)
4. Share your views on this statement, “Choosing a partner on a dating app is the same as choosing a fridge in a shop — there’s nothing romantic about it.”.
I am pretty agreed with this statement. First at all, because the dating apps are designed in a similar way and with similar features than On-line Shopping apps, then because, you don’t see the other person face to face… you only see pictures and information (a lot of times: fake information), so there is nothing romantic choosing a partner in this way… Other thing is that maybe in the dating encounter you can fall in love…
5. What are other ways to meet a potential partner?
In the old school ways: face to face, p.e.: in bars, pubs, discos… at work… at gyms, etc…
6. What is your idea of an ideal date?
Well, I think I am a old school boy so I rather would prefer first at all, to know a girl that I really like her, then try to date, maybe in restaurant and talk and know each other better… and then… who knows.
7. What was the most memorable date for you and why?
I suppose that all the dates I had when I was very young could be a total mess… because I am very shy,,, and at that time I was a lot more, so I probably couldn’t say a word or some words…
It is clear that you put in a lot of efforts in doing your writing exercise. Way to go.
Be sure to express this answer in a complete sentence. Take a look at how you can write it:
Keep up the good job.