B1 — Intermediate
Giving presents is a way to show love and care. We give gifts to make others happy. A simple gift can have a special meaning.
However, a CEO who wanted his ex-girlfriend to return the gifts that he had given and the money that he had loaned her while they were together.
He filed a case, but lost. The judge decided that the gifts were given out of love, so she did not have to return anything.
Read the article about the man who lost the case against his ex-girlfriend to retrieve the gifts and money that he had given her when they were still in a relationship.
https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2609/260914-lavish-gifts-4.html
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “lavish“ mean? ”The judge said the man had “displayed a consistent pattern” of showering his ex with “lavish gifts”.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “to have an affair” mean? “They split up after he thought she was having an affair.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “to split up” mean? “The judge concluded that after they split up, the man was determined to get money back from his ex.” Use the phrasal verb in a sentence. Give a synonym.
Discussion Questions:
- What is your opinion about the man’s action to take his ex to the court so she would return everything he had given her?
- If you were the man’s situation, would you do the same? Why?
- Do you agree with the judge’s decision that the woman did not need to return anything to the man? Why?
- The woman said “All gifts were “made out of love and affection.” What do you think about this?
- What is the most expensive present you have ever given a partner or anyone?