Page 5 - İngilizce 12 | 2. ünite

FRIENDSHIP THEME 2

C. Read the argumentative text on today’s friendships and find out what make a true
friendship.

1. There have been debates over friendships of today recently. Some argue that true friendships cannot exist in
today's global world while some others claim true friendships exist and will always continue to exist.
2. The reasons behind a friendship may help to understand both sides as they play a vital role in how long a
friendship will last. Some people may become friends just because they share the same time and space like
the office, the teachers' room, the same apartment building, etc. Some may pretend to be friends with you to
benefit from your skills, status, popularity, etc. And it may sometimes be mutual commonalities, respect and
understanding that is behind a friendship.
3. The quote by Aristotle goes “Some define it as a matter of similarity: they say that we love those who are like
ourselves.” Likewise, Plato said “Similarity begets friendship.” Both quotes, as most agree, show that a good
friendship may start as a result of similar thoughts, behavioral patterns, expectations. However, these are not
enough to remain good friends. Mutual understanding, tolerance to errors, respect are of great importance.
It is true that the rush in everyday life today has negative effects on relationships as most people have to
spend more time at work, in traffic, in the office and less time with the family and friends. These may bring
some friendships to an end, just like benefit based friendships which cannot last for a long time. However,
there are opportunities for sharing with friends thanks to social media, modern events such as matches,
concerts, movies, etc. Therefore, factors that are important to maintain good friendships are always there for
those who want to use them. And also, since similarities, commonalities and the need for sharing will never
disappear, true friendships cannot be limited to a period of time.
4. To sum up, there are factors in modern life which have negative effects on relationships and friendships but
as the basic factors for a good friendship will continue to exist, true friendships will always be part of life.

D. Below are pairs of statements related to each paragraph. Put a tick by the statement that
is the main conclusion in each pair.

F a. The majority agree that today’s friendships are worse than those of the past.
Paragraph 1
F b. People’s opinions on friendships of today’s global world vary.

F a. Why and how you make friends with someone is important for the lifetime of a friendship.
Paragraph 2
F b. Sharing the same office is important for the lifetime of a friendship.
F a. There are factors for the beginning and continuation of a true friendship.
Paragraph 3
F b. Friendships based on similarities are true friendships.

F a. Today’s lifestyle prevents true friendships.
Paragraph 4
F b. True friendships may still exist despite some disadvantages.

25