HIS COUSIN'S FAMILY ABROAD

EXAMPLE

It’s obvious that Christine is Jan’s aunt. It’s also obvious that she’s from the United States because Jan asked her what the weather was like in Cleveland. Cleveland is in the US state of Ohio.
Christine has children but, it seems that she has only one, daughter Jeannie.
Jan’s aunt’s father, who is also Jan’s mother’s father, is better. But it’s not clear if the sisters have another sibling.
Jan and his cousin Jeannie are both skaters, I suppose.

AUDIO SCRIPT

Jan: Hi Christine, Good to see you! How’s everybody?
Christine: Hi, Jan, we’re fine. Thanks. And you? Haven’t seen you for ages! How’s my sister Marjana?
Jan: Sorry, can’t hear you very well. Who?
Christine: I said how’s your mother? Is she still so busy with her new bakery business?
Jan: She’s fine, thanks. Yes, she’s very busy running the business. She’s doing very well. The cupcakes are selling really well. The whole village seems to like them. How are you and your family? Is it cold in Cleveland now?
Christine: We’re fine, thanks. Yes, it’s a very cold season here, the temperatures are below zero. How about over there in Slovenia?
Jan: The same. It’s freezing. We are all very happy that Granddad’s better and stronger now, and the cold doesn’t affect his health.
Christine: That’s good news. I was just about to ask you how Father was. So glad to hear he’s feeling better. I worry about him all the time. . . What’s that behind you?
Jan: What? This? It's my pullover.
Christine: No, no. I meant that thing behind you next to the door.
Jan: Oh, you mean this (Jan points to the skateboard by the door). It’s my new skateboard. I started skating, it’s my new hobby.
Christine: That’s great. Then you should talk to Jeannie some time. She’s started skateboarding, too, you know. She’s all excited about it. I’m a little less excited than her, actually I’m very worried each time she goes skating. You know how we mothers are: our job is to worry about the kids.
Jan: Oh, my mum worries, too. But there’s nothing to worry about. It’s a great sport. I really need to talk to Jeannie about skating. Is she at home now?
Christine: Wait, I’ll go and check. I’ll be right back.

QUESTIONS

Do you have any relatives who live abroad? If yes, how close are they?
Where do they live?
How often are you in touch with them?
If you don't have any relatives abroad, do know anyone who has?

EXAMPLE

Student A:
Yes, I have an uncle who lives in Germany, in Frankfurt. My family is in touch with him and his family. I visited him last summer. His son, who is the same age as me, showed me around the city. It was great fun and I learnt some German.

Student B:
No, I don't have any relatives abroad. But my good friend Karin has a brother who is studying in Spain, I think in Madrid. She is in touch with him every day. They chat through Skype every evening.