The Dying Mother-in-Law

The timing of a relative's serious illness couldn't be worse.

Start Dilemma

Preview

For months you've been preparing to go to a conference in a foreign country to deliver a presentation about a project you've been involved in. You've worked hard for this opportunity and presenting at the conference could advance your career.

Two days before your trip, your mother-in-law is diagnosed with a terminal illness and is likely to die while you're away. What do you do?

Cancel the trip. Family first.
It's a once in a lifetime chance. Take the trip.

Useful Language

Students can access a Useful Language drawer at any time during the activity. The key vocabulary and sentence stems will help your learners express their thoughts and opinions.

Keywords

  • opportunity: a good chance to do something that will help you learn, grow, or succeed
  • support: to help someone, often to strengthen or encourage them
  • responsibility: something you need to do or take care of

Sentence Stems

  • This opportunity could...
  • I think it’s my responsibility to...
  • I believe my mother-in-law would want...