Discussion

In this section, we will help you discuss how important the opinions of family members are for your life choices, taking your starting point in the short story “Braces” by Nick Werber. In your discussion, you should use at least two of the following phrases: yet, on the other hand, despite, whereas, even though, on the one hand, consequently, for example.

These are linking phrases. They help introduce alternative arguments or explanations (on the one hand, on the other hand), to show an exception (yet, despite, even though), to introduce an example (for example), a comparison (whereas), or a conclusion (consequently). In the following, we will highlight some examples of how you might use these words and phrases in your discussion.

The story approaches the topic of the importance of family members’ opinions in one’s life through the relationships between the characters.

The story portrays Nick as a teenager who is interested in creative writing but also in science. He is at an age when he wants to explore his interests; moreover, he is at an age when he needs his family’s support to do so.

However, he feels pressured by his father and grandfather to choose a certain path in life. His grandfather wants him to choose a profession (l. 36), whereas his father encourages him to pursue creative activities (ll. 131-132). The story suggests that, consequently, Nick experiences an inner conflict which makes him fantasise about freedom and independence.

You may reflect on whether...