Stewart (English),
aged
20, is the youngest
flatmate. He is studying
Modern Languages. Shy
and lacking confidence,
he is a typical introvert.
He loves travelling and
spends his vacations
going all over Asia,
alone. He is continually
saving money for these
trips and eats little food.
An unemployed friend of
Stewart, Tom, has been
staying in the flat for
over two weeks. Stewart
does not like face-to-
face communication or
telephoning.
Hassan (Bahraini),
aged
21, is studying Media.
Easy-going, confident,
he is always happy and
relaxed. He spends a
lot of time late at night
telephoning his family
in Muharraq. He loves
talking and chatting
to friends. An untidy
person, his favourite
pastime is playing
Arabic music as loudly
as possible.
Paul (American),
aged
26, is a postgraduate
student. He comes from
a very wealthy family –
both his parents are top
lawyers in the United
States. Encouraged by
his parents, he is also
studying Law. Ambitious
and very hard-working,
he spends most of the
day and night reading
law books and writing
assignments. He likes
to communicate
by email and often
sends messages to his
flatmates.
1.4
FLAT-SHARING
13
TASK
SOLVING COMMUNICATION PROBLEMS
5
Martin, Paul, Stewart and Hassan are students
sharing a flat for a year. Read about them and
discuss what problems could arise because of their
different personalities.
6
a
The students are having problems living together.
Work in groups of four. You are counsellors at the
Advice Centre and are helping the students to sort
out their problems. Each of you has met one of the
flatmates. Read the notes of your conversation.
Counsellor A:
look at page 155.
Counsellor B:
look at page 157.
Counsellor C:
look at page 161.
Counsellor D:
look at page 163.
6
b
In your group, share information about the four
students. Explain the point of view of the student you met.
6
c
Discuss the flatmates’ problems and suggest
solutions. Think about the questions below to help you.
1
Why are the students having so many problems?
2
Do they need more rules to improve relations in the flat?
3
Should they continue to live together?
4
Should they try to cancel their contract with the
owner of the flat?
5
What is the best solution to their problems?
6
d
As a class, discuss the solutions you have thought of.
What is the best solution?
7
Discuss which student you would most like to share
a flat with, and give reasons. Which one would you
least like to live with?
Martin (English),
aged 21,
is studying Engineering.
A strong personality,
he is extrovert and
sociable. He can often
upset people because
he usually speaks his
mind. He likes to organise
things and plans his life
carefully. A tidy person,
he has already put up
several notices reminding
his flatmates to keep the
flat clean.
