Heads Up English | ESL Lessons - When to Tie the Knot

When to Tie the Knot

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Details: Parent Category: Upper-Intermediate News Lessons; Category: Relationships Lessons; Written by Chris Cotter

Around the world, young people have delayed marriage and wait longer to tie the knot. There are many reasons for this trend, such as the pursuit of careers and personal goals and a fear of divorce. There is also the realization that marriage isn't the first step of adulthood anymore. It is the last step. Some see this shift as positive. Of course, others are upset by the change.

Advocates of late marriage believe that couples should wait until their late 20s and early 30s because the average quality of marital life is improved. Couples are more likely to do things together, and are less likely to worry that their marriage is in jeopardy. They also aren't as likely to consider divorce. In part, greater personal experience affects their outlook. A better understanding of oneself allows each person to choose the right life partner. Financial stability, a completed education, and the beginnings of a career also greatly add to the success of the marriage. However, many people who wait too long may simply never marry.

But a significant number of people favor the opposite view. They believe that marriage at a younger age is better. An early marriage means that the couple matures together because they discover the joys and pains of adulthood as a team. They rely on one another when faced with difficulties. New research also suggests that couples who get married by their early 20s were slightly happier than couples who waited until their late 20s. In addition, those who waited until their 30s or older to marry were significantly less satisfied with their relationships.

Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be an ideal age for marriage. No one can guarantee a happy and fulfilling life for those who get married at 28 instead of 23. Worldwide trends point to later marriages, but it remains undecided if this is a good thing.

Preview some of the lesson material:

Title: Speculate and/or discuss the contents of today's article from its title: "When to Tie the Knot."

Fill in the Blank: Fill in the blank with the correct word.

Around the world, young people have ( ) marriage and wait longer to tie the knot.
There are many reasons for this trend, such as the ( ) of careers and personal goals.
( ) of late marriage believe that couples should wait until their late 20s and early 30s.
They also aren't as likely to ( ) divorce.
Greater personal experience affects a couple's ( ).
Financial ( ) and a completed education greatly add to the success of the marriage.
A significant number of people ( ) the opposite view.
An early marriage means that the couple ( ) together.
They ( ) on one another when faced with difficulties.
Those who waited until their 30s to marry were significantly less ( ) with their relationships.

post-Comprehension: Talk about the following questions in pairs/groups. Remember to support your answers!

What do you think is the ideal age for people to get married? Why do you think so?
At what age do people usually get married in your country? Is this too young or too old?
What does a successful marriage need? Please explain.
Many couples live together before tying the knot. Do you think helps or harms a marriage? Why?
Should couples stay married no matter what? Why/not?

Google Search: Type "marriage" into Google. Look at the websites, and/or read additional articles on this topic. Discuss or write an essay about your findings.