B2 – Upper Intermediate
From a very young age, we are taught that being polite is good manner.
We teach children to be polite because it’s the rule of the society. This is so they do not come across as rude or ill-mannered.
Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the importance of politeness.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2025/ep-250605
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “well disposed to someone” mean? “You don’t see him as insulting you, and you’re actually quite kindly disposed to that person.“ Use this phrase in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms/similar expressions.
- What does “mind one’s Ps and Qs” mean? “When her daughter didn’t say hello to an adult, Louise told her daughter to mind her Ps and Qs.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms/similar expressions.
- What does “embarrassed” mean? “So, imagine how embarrassed she felt when her two-year-old daughter repeatedly ignored the cook at her nursery school and refused to say hello.” Use this word in a sentence. Give 2 synonyms/similar expressions.
Discussion Questions:
- What is your definition of being polite and how important is politeness to you?
- Share your thoughts on this, “Politeness is subjective.” Elaborate and cite examples.
- Are people from your country perceived to be very polite? Share something about this.
- What are some of the first things parents teach children in your country on how to be polite?
- Talk about a time someone did not show politeness towards you.