Friendship | Topic Lesson

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by

Katelyn
in
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Topic Introduction: Friendship & Social Pressure

Healthy friendships, boundaries, and speaking up for yourself
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Friends talking and supporting each other

Quick Look: Friendships can make life brighter, but they can also feel confusing when there is gossip, pressure, or unfair expectations. In this topic, you will explore what a healthy friendship looks like, how to notice toxic behaviour, and how to stand up for yourself politely in English. You will learn useful phrases and idioms to talk about loyalty, changing friendships, and moments when being honest is more important than being popular. By the end, you will feel more confident describing friendship problems and expressing your own boundaries clearly.

Recommended Level: A2–B1

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What this topic covers

Key sections

  • Good vs. toxic friendships
  • Peer pressure
  • Standing up for yourself
  • Loyalty and trust
  • Changing friendships over time

Useful idioms

  • fair-weather friend – a friend who is only there when things are easy
  • peer pressure – feeling pushed by people your own age
  • circle of trust – people you really trust with honest feelings

Story focus

  • Short story: a friend chooses honesty over popularity
  • Talking about real situations when you had to speak up
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How to use this material

For Teachers

  • Begin with the warm-up to activate students’ own friendship stories.
  • Choose 1–3 modules per lesson based on time and emotional load.
  • Give space for students to think first before revealing tips or model answers.
  • Use notes boxes to collect real examples from your student’s life.
  • Screenshot key answers or story moments to review next lesson.

Some students may want extra time for sensitive topics like peer pressure or toxic friendships.

For Self-study

  • Start with the warm-up and think of real friendships in your life.
  • Work through 1–2 modules at a time; take breaks if a situation feels heavy.
  • Always write or say your ideas before opening the tips or example answers.
  • Use the notes boxes to record useful phrases for setting boundaries.
  • Review later and decide which sentences you would really use in your own life.

It is okay to skip or return to any activity that feels too personal at the moment.

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Optional Video

Tip: choose a short clip about friendship, bullying, or peer pressure and paste the /embed/VIDEO_ID link here.

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Warm-up question

What makes a friendship feel safe and what makes it feel stressful?

Show follow-up prompts
  • How can you tell if a friend is good for you or toxic for you?
  • Have you ever felt peer pressure from friends or classmates? What happened?
  • When is it hardest to stand up for yourself or say “no” to friends?
  • What does loyalty mean to you in a friendship?
  • Have you ever grown apart from a friend as your life changed?
  • Would you rather be honest and lose popularity, or stay quiet and fit in? Why?
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Vocabulary

Friendship & Social Pressure
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How to use this section

Goal: Learn useful words and phrases to talk about healthy vs. unhealthy friendships.

  1. Select a word and read the Example.
  2. Before opening, try to explain the Meaning yourself; then reveal the Definition to compare.
  3. Answer the Discussion question using the word naturally.
  4. Tip: keep short notes in the Notes / Answer box, especially if it reminds you of a real situation.
1
fair-weather friend
Example: He stopped texting me when I had problems, so I realised he was just a fair-weather friend.
Definition
a person who is only your friend when life is easy or fun, not when you have difficulties
Discussion question
How can you tell if someone is a real friend or a fair-weather friend?
Notes / Answer
2
peer pressure
Example: He didn’t want to drink, but peer pressure made it hard to say no.
Definition
when people your age push you to do something, even if you don’t really want to
Discussion question
When have you felt peer pressure? How did you react?
Notes / Answer
3
circle of trust
Example: Only my closest friends are in my circle of trust.
Definition
the small group of people you really trust with honest thoughts and secrets
Discussion question
Who is in your circle of trust, and what makes you trust them?
Notes / Answer
4
toxic (friendship)
Example: She realised the friendship was toxic because she always felt stressed and guilty.
Definition
harmful or unhealthy; a relationship that makes you feel bad most of the time
Discussion question
What are some signs that a friendship might be toxic?
Notes / Answer
5
loyal
Example: A loyal friend stands by you even when other people criticise you.
Definition
staying with someone and supporting them, especially in difficult times
Discussion question
What does loyalty look like in a friendship for you?
Notes / Answer
6
stand up for (yourself / someone)
Example: She stood up for her classmate when others made fun of him.
Definition
to defend yourself or another person when something is unfair
Discussion question
Is it easy or hard for you to stand up for yourself? Why?
Notes / Answer
7
boundary
Example: One of her boundaries is that friends can’t share her messages without asking.
Definition
a clear rule about what is okay or not okay for you in a relationship
Discussion question
What is one healthy boundary you want to keep with friends?
Notes / Answer
8
influence
Example: Her friends had a big influence on the way she dressed and spoke.
Definition
the power to change how someone thinks or behaves
Discussion question
Do your friends influence you more in positive or negative ways?
Notes / Answer
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What’s the Question?

Friendship & Social Pressure
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How to use this section

Goal: Practice forming questions about friendship, loyalty, peer pressure, and standing up for yourself by working backwards from answers.

  1. Read the Answer.
  2. Double-click the top line to type a matching Question.
  3. Open Tip if you get stuck, then check Possible Question(s) after you try.
1
Q
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A
Because I didn’t want them to be mad at me.
Tip
Because gives a reason, so start with Why…
Possible Question(s)
Why did you say yes even though you didn’t really want to?
Why did you go along with what your friends wanted?
Why was it difficult to say no to your friends?
2
Q
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A
It started in our class group chat.
Tip
This tells you the place where something began, so ask Where… or In which…
Possible Question(s)
Where did the peer pressure start?
Where were people writing those hurtful messages?
In which chat did your classmates begin talking about that problem?
3
Q
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A
I think a real friend listens when you say no.
Tip
This is an opinion about real friends, so begin with What do you think… or What makes…
Possible Question(s)
What do you think a real friend should do when you say no?
What makes someone a real friend in your opinion?
What do you think shows true friendship when there is peer pressure?
4
Q
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A
He spread rumours about me behind my back.
Tip
This describes a past action, so use What did… or How did…
Possible Question(s)
What did he do that made you feel the friendship was toxic?
What did your friend do after you disagreed with him?
How did he act when you didn’t follow the group?
5
Q
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A
We stopped hanging out last year.
Tip
This answers about time, so start with When…
Possible Question(s)
When did your friendship start to change?
When did you stop spending time together?
When did you realise you weren’t close friends anymore?
6
Q
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A
Because she stood up for me when everyone else laughed.
Tip
Again, a reason, so use Why… or Why do you trust…
Possible Question(s)
Why do you trust her more than other people?
Why do you think she is a loyal friend?
Why did that moment make you feel she was in your circle of trust?
7
Q
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A
Someone who respects my boundaries and doesn’t share my secrets.
Tip
This is a description of a person, so try What kind of friend… or What does a good friend…
Possible Question(s)
What kind of friend do you want in your circle of trust?
What does a good friend do when you tell them something private?
What kind of behaviour shows you that someone is loyal?
8
Q
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A
I usually talk to an adult I trust before I decide.
Tip
This shows a habit or strategy, so ask What do you usually do… or How do you decide…
Possible Question(s)
What do you usually do when you feel peer pressure?
What do you do before you say yes to something that feels risky?
How do you decide if your friends are asking you to do something safe?
9
Q
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A
We talked honestly and set clear boundaries.
Tip
This explains the way you solved a problem, so use How did…
Possible Question(s)
How did you fix the problem in your friendship?
How did you handle it when the friendship started to feel toxic?
How did you both decide what was okay and not okay in your friendship?
10
Q
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A
My best friend was the first one to tell them to stop.
Tip
This focuses on the person who acted, so start with Who…
Possible Question(s)
Who finally stood up for you in that situation?
Who stopped the others from bullying your classmate?
Who was brave enough to say something in the group chat first?
👍👎

What Do You Think?

Friendship & Social Pressure
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How to use this section

Goal: Practice talking about friendship, loyalty, peer pressure, and boundaries by choosing a side and explaining your ideas clearly.

  1. Open a card and read the statement carefully.
  2. Decide your stance: Agree or Disagree.
  3. Give at least two reasons and support them with an example, story, or experience.
  4. Optional: switch sides and argue the opposite view to practice flexible thinking.
1
A real friend should always take your side, even when you are wrong.
I (agree / disagree) with this statement because…

AGREE

I agree because
Notes / Answer
Support Notes
Friends give you protection in public and correct you in private; loyalty means you are not left alone when others attack you; being “on your side” can make you feel safe enough to admit mistakes later.

DISAGREE

I disagree because
Notes / Answer
Support Notes
Blind loyalty can support toxic behaviour; a real friend tells you when you are hurting others; honesty can protect you from getting into bigger trouble and helps you grow instead of staying a “fair-weather friend.”
2
Peer pressure is just a normal part of growing up, so you should accept it.
I (agree / disagree) with this statement because…

AGREE

I agree because
Notes / Answer
Support Notes
Peers influence fashion, music, and hobbies; some pressure can be positive (studying together, joining a club); learning to handle pressure can build confidence and social skills.

DISAGREE

I disagree because
Notes / Answer
Support Notes
“Normal” does not mean “healthy”; dangerous or unkind pressure should be resisted; you can choose your circle of trust and say no when something goes against your values or safety.
3
It’s better to be honest with a friend than to stay popular with the group.
I (agree / disagree) with this statement because…

AGREE

I agree because
Notes / Answer
Support Notes
Trust is the base of close friendship; a circle of trust is small but strong; choosing honesty can stop bullying or unfair behaviour, even if some classmates don’t like it.

DISAGREE

I disagree because
Notes / Answer
Support Notes
In some situations, speaking up can make school life very hard; people may choose their safety first; sometimes you can protect a friend quietly without confronting the group directly.
4
Blocking or unfollowing someone is an acceptable way to end a friendship.
I (agree / disagree) with this statement because…

AGREE

I agree because
Notes / Answer
Support Notes
Blocking protects your mental health and boundaries; it can stop harassment or toxic messages; you do not owe unlimited access to people who ignore your feelings.

DISAGREE

I disagree because
Notes / Answer
Support Notes
Blocking without talking can create more drama and misunderstanding; honest conversation can repair mistakes; ending a friendship with respect shows maturity on both sides.
5
It’s normal for friendships to change when your interests or values change.
I (agree / disagree) with this statement because…

AGREE

I agree because
Notes / Answer
Support Notes
People grow and move to new schools, cities, or hobbies; different values can make a friendship feel forced or fake; letting go can create space for healthier, more supportive friends.

DISAGREE

I disagree because
Notes / Answer
Support Notes
Long-term friends know your history and family; working through differences can make the bond stronger; changing interests does not always mean you must leave someone out of your circle of trust.
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Make your own friendship or peer-pressure statement here.
Type your statement above (for example: “A fair-weather friend is worse than having no friend”), then argue below.

AGREE

I agree because
Notes / Answer
Support Notes
Use PEEL: Point → Example → Explanation → Link. Think about loyalty, honesty, support, safety, and how friends act when things are difficult (not only when life is easy).

DISAGREE

I disagree because
Notes / Answer
Support Notes
Practice giving the other side: talk about misunderstandings, second chances, context, or different cultures; suggest a more balanced or healthier alternative.
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Discussion Questions

Friendship & Social Pressure
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How to use this section

Goal: Explore good vs toxic friendships, loyalty, and peer pressure by giving detailed answers and using new vocabulary such as peer pressure, fair-weather friend, and circle of trust.

  1. Choose a question. They become more reflective and complex as you go down.
  2. (Optional) Open Follow-ups to extend or deepen the conversation.
  3. Answer with examples, memories, and opinions. You can also connect your ideas to movies, books, or real situations.
  4. Try to use at least one word or idiom from this topic in your answer.
  5. Click Answer to write or type notes you can review later.
1
What makes someone a good friend to you?
Easy
Follow-ups (tap to select)
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Answer
2
Have you ever felt peer pressure from friends? What happened?
Easy
Follow-ups (tap to select)
Clear selections
Answer
3
How can you tell the difference between a normal problem and a toxic friendship?
Moderate
Follow-ups (tap to select)
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Answer
4
When is it hardest for you to say “no” to friends?
Moderate
Follow-ups (tap to select)
Clear selections
Answer
5
What does loyalty in a friendship mean to you?
Moderate
Follow-ups (tap to select)
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Answer
6
Do you think it is okay to stay friends with someone who treats other people badly?
Challenging
Follow-ups (tap to select)
Clear selections
Answer
7
Have you ever felt that you outgrew a friendship as your interests or values changed?
Challenging
Follow-ups (tap to select)
Clear selections
Answer
8
What does the idiom “fair-weather friend” mean to you? Have you seen an example?
Challenging
Follow-ups (tap to select)
Clear selections
Answer
9
Who belongs in your “circle of trust,” and how do they earn that place?
Challenging
Follow-ups (tap to select)
Clear selections
Answer
10
If being honest with a friend might make you less popular in the group, what should you do?
Hard
Follow-ups (tap to select)
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Answer
11
Your turn — Write your own friendship or peer-pressure question.
Student
Follow-ups (tap to select)
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Answer
12
Your turn — Write another question about loyalty or boundaries.
Student
Follow-ups (tap to select)
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Answer
13
Your turn — Write a question about changing or ending friendships.
Student
Follow-ups (tap to select)
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Answer
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Expressions & Idioms

Friendship & Social Pressure
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How to use this section

Goal: Understand and use expressions about friendship, loyalty, and peer pressure, and then connect them to real situations.

  1. Choose an expression.
  2. Read the Example and guess the meaning.
  3. Open Definition to check.
  4. Answer the Discussion question. Try to use the expression at least once.
  5. Add your own ideas or translations in Notes.
cross the line

Example: His joke was funny at first, but he really crossed the line when he made it personal.

Definition
To go too far or behave in a way that is unacceptable.
Discussion Question
When do you think someone crosses the line in a friendship?
Notes / Comment
go with the flow

Example: I did not know anyone at the event, so I just went with the flow and followed the group.

Definition
To relax and accept what is happening instead of trying to control everything.
Discussion Question
Are you the type of person who goes with the flow, or do you like to plan everything?
Notes / Comment
have someone’s back

Example: No matter what happens, my best friend always has my back.

Definition
To support or protect someone, especially in difficult situations.
Discussion Question
What does it look like when a friend “has your back”?
Notes / Comment
keep up appearances

Example: They were arguing a lot, but they kept up appearances on social media.

Definition
To make things look better from the outside than they really are.
Discussion Question
Do you think social media makes people feel pressure to keep up appearances?
Notes / Comment
stand your ground

Example: Everyone wanted to leave early, but she stood her ground and said she needed more time.

Definition
To refuse to change your decision or opinion, even when others disagree.
Discussion Question
When is it important to stand your ground?
Notes / Comment
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True or False

Friendship, social pressure, and online life
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How to use

Goal: Think critically about friendship, social pressure, and online communication. Learn key words and check if common beliefs are true or false.

  1. Read the statement carefully. Hover over any bold underlined word to preview its meaning, or click to drop the full definition below.
  2. Decide whether the statement is True or False.
  3. Click Answer to check if you were correct and read the explanation.
  4. Use the ideas for discussion, writing, or sharing examples from your own life.
1
Real friends always agree with you and never tell you when you are wrong.
Answer
False. Healthy friends sometimes disagree and tell you the truth, even when it is uncomfortable. Respectful disagreement can help you grow and make better decisions.
2
Peer pressure can sometimes push you to make good choices, like studying together or refusing alcohol.
Answer
True. Peer pressure is not always negative. Friends can also encourage each other to stay safe, be kind, and reach goals. The important part is asking yourself, “Is this really good for me?”
3
Going with the flow means you never say what you really think.
Answer
False. “Going with the flow” usually means you are flexible and relaxed about small things, not that you hide your real opinion about important topics. You can be easy-going and still speak up when something matters.
4
Setting clear boundaries with friends can help friendships last longer.
Answer
True. Boundaries protect your time, energy, and feelings. When friends understand what is okay and what is not, it can reduce conflict and make the relationship more respectful and stable.
5
Online friends you meet through games, study groups, or apps can become real, supportive friends.
Answer
True. Many people build strong friendships online, especially when they talk regularly, share experiences, and support each other. It is still important to stay safe and protect your personal information.
6
“Keeping up appearances” means being honest about how you really feel on the inside.
Answer
False. “Keeping up appearances” means trying to look perfect or happy on the outside, even when things are not okay. Many people feel pressure to do this on social media or in front of others.
7
You can stand your ground and still be polite and respectful.
Answer
True. “Standing your ground” does not have to mean shouting or fighting. You can calmly repeat your opinion, say “no,” or suggest another plan while staying kind and respectful.
8
Gossip usually helps people feel safe and builds trust in a group.
Answer
False. Gossip may feel exciting, but it often damages trust. If friends see you sharing other people’s secrets, they may worry that you will do the same to them.
9
You can feel lonely even when you have many followers online.
Answer
True. Numbers on social media do not always mean close connection. Many people want a few honest, supportive relationships more than a big audience.
10
You must answer friends’ messages immediately, or you are a bad friend.
Answer
False. People have school, work, and family, and cannot always reply right away. Healthy friendships respect each person’s time and energy. You can still care deeply about someone and answer a bit later.
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Let’s Practice!

Friendship, social pressure, and idioms
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How to use this section

Goal: Practice idioms, vocabulary, and real-life language about friendship, loyalty, and social pressure.

  • There are 7 different activities connected to this topic.
  • Click a word or phrase, then click a blank to place it. Click a filled blank to clear it.
  • Press Check to see which blanks are correct ✅ or incorrect ❌, or use Show answers to reveal everything.
  • Text boxes are small at first and auto-expand as you type.
  • Challenge: try one activity before the lesson and one after, then compare your answers.
1
Matching — Idioms & meanings
cross the line go with the flow have someone’s back keep up appearances stand your ground
To go too far and do something not acceptable →
To stay relaxed and flexible, following what’s happening instead of trying to control everything →
To support and protect someone, especially when others don’t →
To pretend everything is fine or perfect so other people don’t see problems →
To refuse to change your opinion or decision when you feel you’re right →
2
Fill in the blanks — Idioms in context
cross the line go with the flow have someone’s back keep up appearances stand your ground peer pressure gossip circle of trust
At school events I usually try to , but I still speak up when a joke feels cruel.
When the group chat started making fun of a new student, their comments really .
I was nervous to say anything, but my best friend had my back and said, “Don’t worry, I’ll with you.”
On social media she tries to , even on days when she’s exhausted or stressed.
It feels amazing when someone quietly and supports you in a tough situation.
3
Words in Action — Friendship vocabulary
peer pressure fair-weather friend circle of trust gossip boundaries
She only stays close when things are easy and fun; as soon as there’s a problem, she disappears. →
He feels pushed to drink at parties because everyone his age is doing it. →
I tell personal secrets only to a small group of people I really trust. → my
They keep talking about classmates behind their backs, sharing private information. → They like to spread .
I had to set clear limits about how often we text and what jokes are okay. → I needed stronger .
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Say it another way
They really crossed the line with that “joke” about her family.
When the teacher blamed me, my friend had my back.
She always tries to keep up appearances on social media.
It’s hard to stand your ground when your whole group disagrees.
Most days I just go with the flow and see what my friends want to do.
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Writing practice
Prompt 1: A time you felt peer pressure
Tip
Include: What people wanted you to do, how your body felt (nervous, excited, shaky), and whether you went with the flow or stood your ground.
Prompt 2: A friend who had your back
Tip
Focus on one short scene. Show what other people did or said, then show exactly how your friend supported you.
Prompt 3: Social media and “keeping up appearances”
Tip
Give 1–2 examples of how people try to look perfect online. Then explain how this can help or hurt friendships and self-confidence.
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Vocabulary practice

Tip: tap a word in the bank, then tap a blank — or just type your own answer.

Show / hide word bank
peer pressure gossip rumors boundaries conflict followers circle of trust stand up for someone stand your ground go with the flow keep up appearances have someone’s back block mute
In a group chat, can make it hard to say “no” when others want to tease someone or share . Setting clear with friends can actually reduce and protect your . You don’t have to answer every message immediately or always . Sometimes the kindest choice is to or quietly when something feels wrong. On social media, having many doesn’t always mean you have deep friendships, especially if everyone is trying to . If an account makes you feel unsafe or stressed, you can or it and focus on people who truly .
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Word / Phrase Chart
Word/PhraseMeaningExample

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