Question

You are on the editorial board for the column ‘Your Problems’ in The Teenager magazine. You have received these two letters asking for your advice. (They appear to have come from the same family)

Dear Helpful Avanti  My fifteen year old son is crazy about film music. He seems to be wasting all his pocla:t money on these meaningless CDs. He cannot even study without this noise. Though he is good at studies, I remain disturbed about this new obsession. There are all kinds of strange-looking posters on the walls of his study and he always wears those gaudy T-shirts and faded patched jeans. Also, he is very fond of Junk-food. I fear he is breaking all links with our culture.  What shall I do ?  A bewildered father

Dear Helpful Avanti  I love film music and I have bought a lot of CDs from my pocket-money allowance. But whenever I switch on my CD-player, my father frowns and orders me to switch off the 'jarring noise'. He calls it 'cheap' and 'uncivilised' stuff. It is not that I do not like classical music, but when I am with my friends, we listen to film music.  I like Indian clothes and food. But, I also like to wear western clothes and eat continental food occasionally. I do not like to disobey my parents, but I do not want to give up my music and other interests.  What shall I do?  A Hurt Son

In pairs, decide what advice to give to each of them. Then write one letter each, so that both father and son get a reply from The Teenager. Remember to use some of the language in Question 5. 

Answer 1

Reply to the first letter:
Dear Sir
You should appreciate that he has developed interest in something useful. He is utilizing his pocket money in pursuing his hobby. Maybe, you can make him to join some music classes. The fact that he is good at studies should make you proud. At his age he ought to plaster his walls with posters which may look weird to you. You should try to understand the taste for his age. Try to befriend your son and try to update yourself with changes in culture. His letter says that sometimes he listens to classical music as well. So your help and proper guidance are the right steps in the right direction.
Avanti
Reply to the second letter:
Hi Buddy
Try to explain the meaning- of the latest music to your father and to explain your passion for this. Whenever your father is at home try to play music in soft voice. This is a good way to respect his feelings. Share your room, your thoughts and your passions with your father. This will help him to understand you better. Hope your father doesn’t wear Indian outfits, like dhoti kurta and wears pants and shirts instead.
They are also western clothes.
Junk food is not good for health. Try to minimize its consumption. Whatever you do make your father a party to it. He will be your best friend.
Avanti