PRE-READING:

Look at the title and predict the main ideas of the article. Then, write down three (3) wh-questions about the text.

Ex: What precautions or safety measures should you consider when going out on a date in Australia?

WHILE READING:

Set a time limit to read this article. An average reader can read at the speed of 250 words per minute. Note down your reading speed regularly to check your progress.

SKIMMING:

Within the time limit, read and summarize the main ideas of the paragraphs with your own words. Do not worry about unfamiliar vocabulary.

DATE SAFELY

When you are starting a new relationship with someone who is not from your culture or your home country, things can be different.

* Rules of personal contact can be different.

* For example, holding hands can show a romantic relationship between two people. In Australia, men do not usually make affectionate physical contact with each other in public.

* It can be difficult to know if someone from outside your culture really wants to have a relationship with you. If you are not sure what is acceptable, you may want to check with your teacher or student counsellor.

* Do not harass or bully people to make them have a relationship with you, or touch them when they don't want it. If you do, this is a criminal offence and you can be prosecuted. In Australia, 'No' means 'No'.

* If someone is behaving in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable, tell someone. Your teacher or student counsellor can explain what acceptable behaviour in Australia is and what is not. They can also help you find ways to say no.

* If you are assaulted, go to the police - in Australia police can be helpful in these situations.

* Australian law does not allow discrimination against gays and lesbians, but some people may still be aggressive. Be careful if you are not in a 'gay-friendly' place.

Word count: 231 words

SCANNING:

Use your notes to identify where you can find the answers to the questions you have made in the pre-reading stage.

POST-READING:

Glossary:

Pay attention to how the word is combined with other words in context. Do not learn the meaning of the word without sentences. Vietnamese should be the last resort after you have tried all the learning strategies.

• Affectionate (adj.): having or showing feelings of affection, love or tenderness (Trìu mến (affectionate physical contact: cử chỉ biểu lộ tình cảm trìu mến))

• Counselor (noun): a person who gives advice or counsel (Tư vấn viên)

• To harass (verb): to irritate or torment persistently (Quấy rối)

• Offence (noun): a violation of a law, custom or rule (Sự phạm tội, hành động bất hợp pháp, sự vi phạm luật lệ hay quy định)

• To prosecute (verb): to seek civil or criminal court action against someone (Truy tố)

• To assault (verb): to attack somebody violently (Tấn công)

• Discrimination (noun): unfair treatment of a person, racial group or minority (Sự phân biệt đối xử)

• Aggressive (adj.): angry, and behaving in a threatening way; ready to attack (Hung hăng, hay gây sự, sẵn sàng công kích)

Grammar:

Vocabulary Builder:

Look at the adjective – noun combinations that are in boldface. Can you think of other adjectives that can go with these nouns? Write your answers in the spaces before the circles and then check in a dictionary the meanings of the words you created. Have fun! 

Discussion:

Find a study friend and talk about the different ways people date in your country. Write down your thoughts about what individuals should keep in mind when dating. Try to use the vocabulary learned in the article in speaking and writing your summary.

This material is provided by the Australian Centre for Education and Training (ACET).