The Marrying Age
- Details
- Parent Category: Beginner English Students
- Category: Beginner Mini Lessons
- Written by Chris Cotter
In 1950s America, women usually got married at about twenty years old. Men got married a little older, which was at about twenty-two years old. However, the marrying age has changed a lot since the 1950s. Women now get married when they are about twenty-seven years old, and men when they are about twenty-nine years old.
In many countries around the world, more and more young people get married later. For example, men and women get married in their early thirties in Canada, Germany, and Japan. In fact, more and more young people also choose not to get married at all.
Married people usually have children, and children cost a lot of money. Children mean a lot of sacrifices too, such as time, hobbies, and career advancement. Young people want to focus on fun, enjoyment, and hobbies. They want to focus on careers and money too.
Preview the lesson material:
Warm Up: Discuss the question with your partner for five minutes.
- How old do people get married in your country?
Comprehension Questions: Answer the questions before/after your read the article.
- What is the purpose of the first paragraph?
a. It talks about when people get married.
b. It teaches the reader about marriage history.
c. It introduces the topic of marriage.
d. It talks about the 1950s in America. - According to the article, why do people stay single?
a. Careers, money, and hobbies are more important.
b. People don't like children.
c. People are selfish.
d. Some people can't have children, so they don't get married.
Discuss: Discuss these questions with a partner. Remember to support your answers.
- Is marriage important? Why do you think so?
- Why do you think people get married later these days?