B2 – Upper Intermediate
As the first born in the family, older sisters serve as role models, caregivers, and companions, among other things. The effect they have grows beyond the limits of familial connections, bringing an influence on the larger social sphere.
Perhaps it’s time for everyone to admit that they are indeed the unsung heroes of every family unit in the world.
Click on the link to learn more about the so-called elder sister revolution.
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “to be put on notice” mean in the sentence, “Younger children everywhere, you’ve been put on notice: Your oldest sister is tired of doing it all.”? Use this in your own sentence.
- What does “to hit a nerve” mean in the sentence, “Though not an actual psychological diagnosis, the pop psychology phrase “oldest daughter syndrome” has hit a nerve with many oldest daughters.”? Use this in your own sentence.
- What does “the backbone of something” mean in the sentence, “Elsewhere on social media, big sisters joke about how it’s time we acknowledge that older sisters are the backbone of society.”? Use this in your own sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- Talk about some concepts: “good daughter trauma” and “oldest daughter syndrome”.
- How do older sisters contribute to the well-being and development of their families and communities? In what ways do older sisters serve as mentors and caregivers within their familial roles?
- Can you provide examples of the wisdom gained through experience that older sisters bring to their roles as the backbone of society?
- How does acknowledging the importance of older sisters contribute to the celebration of familial bonds?
- Share your thoughts on this, “On TikTok, youngest brothers ― those diametrically opposed to oldest daughters in responsibilities ― jokingly apologize for doing the bare minimum in life and skirting the emotional labor that’s second nature to women.“.
- In your country, to what degree does birth order impact individual roles and responsibilities within a family? Please share.