Rules

The model answers below are from a members-only video lesson

Watch the full video lesson here:

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Speaker: Joseph

Do you think rules are important in everyday life?

Yes, definitely. I think rules create a basic sense of order and fairness. Without them, even small things like driving or queuing would turn into chaos. That said, I don’t think rules should be overly rigid—they should exist to guide people, not control every detail of their lives.

What kind of rules did you have at home when you were a child?

My parents weren’t extremely strict, but there were clear boundaries. I had to finish my homework before using my phone, be home by a certain time, and help with chores on weekends. Looking back, the rules were pretty reasonable and helped me become more disciplined.

What rules did your teachers tell you to follow when you were a child?

At school, the main rules were about behavior and discipline—things like paying attention in class, wearing the proper uniform, and respecting teachers. We were also told not to use our phones and to submit homework on time.

Did any teacher require you to follow these rules very strictly?

Yes, I had one teacher who was extremely strict about punctuality and silence in class. If you were even a minute late, you’d be punished. At the time it felt harsh, but it did teach us to be more responsible.

Have you ever had a really strict teacher?

Yes, I have. One of my high school teachers was known for being very tough. He expected absolute discipline, but he was also very dedicated, so most students respected him despite his strictness.

Do you prefer to have more or fewer rules at school? Why?

I prefer fewer rules, as long as students are mature enough to manage themselves. Too many rules can feel restrictive and stressful, but a few clear ones are necessary to keep things organized and productive.

Do you think students would benefit from having more rules at school?

Not necessarily more rules, but better ones. I think students benefit more from rules that make sense and are explained clearly, rather than a long list of rules that everyone tries to avoid.

Are there any rules at school or work that you find difficult to follow?

Sometimes dress code rules can be frustrating, especially when they’re outdated or impractical. I understand the purpose, but I think there should be some flexibility, especially in modern workplaces.

What usually happens when people break rules in your country?

It depends on the situation. For minor issues, people usually get a warning or a small fine. For more serious offenses, there can be legal consequences. Overall, enforcement is fairly strict, especially in public spaces.

Do you follow rules even when no one is watching?

Most of the time, yes. I think it comes down to personal values. Even if no one is watching, I’d feel uncomfortable breaking rules that exist for safety or fairness.

Speaker: Blondie

Do you think rules are important in everyday life?

Absolutely. I think they’re the “social glue” that keeps everything from descending into chaos. Even simple things, like waiting your turn in a queue or following traffic lights, make life predictable and safe. Without them, we’d basically be living in a state of constant friction with everyone around us.

What kind of rules did you have at home when you were a child?

My parents weren’t overly strict, but they were big on accountability. We had a “no screens until homework is done” rule, and a pretty firm 10:00 PM bedtime. Oh, and the “shoes off at the door” rule was non-negotiable—my mom was very protective of her carpets!

What rules did your teachers tell you to follow when you were a child?

It was mostly the standard stuff: raise your hand if you want to speak, no running in the hallways, and definitely no chewing gum in class. They were really focused on mutual respect and making sure the classroom stayed a focused environment.

Did any teacher require you to follow these rules very strictly?

Yes, my primary school math teacher was a real stickler for the “no talking” rule. If she even heard a whisper during a lesson, she’d stop everything and just stare at the offender until the room went silent. It was a bit intense, but honestly, we did get a lot of work done.

Have you ever had a really strict teacher?

I had a history teacher in high school who was quite formidable. She had this “zero-tolerance” policy for late assignments—if you were even a minute past the deadline, you’d get a failing grade for that task. It felt harsh at the time, but it definitely taught me some serious time management skills.

Do you prefer to have more or fewer rules at school? Why?

I think there’s a sweet spot. Too many rules can feel stifling and kill creativity, but too few can lead to a disruptive environment. Personally, I prefer a moderate approach where the rules focus on safety and respect rather than micromanaging every little thing a student does.

Do you think students would benefit from having more rules at school?

Not necessarily. I think quality matters more than quantity. Instead of adding more rules, schools should focus on explaining the rationale behind the existing ones. When students understand why a rule exists, they’re much more likely to follow it willingly.

Are there any rules at school or work that you find difficult to follow?

The “no personal phone use” rule at work can be a bit of a struggle sometimes. In this day and age, we’re so used to being reachable 24/7. While I get that it’s about productivity, it’s hard not to check a quick message from a friend or family member during a slow moment.

What usually happens when people break rules in your country?

It really depends on the severity. For minor things like littering or speeding, you’ll usually just face a monetary fine. However, for more serious breaches, there are legal consequences like community service or even jail time. Generally, our society relies on a system of warnings and escalating penalties.

Do you follow rules even when no one is watching?

I try to, yeah. I think it comes down to integrity. For instance, I’d never run a red light at 3:00 AM even if the streets were empty. It’s not because I’m afraid of getting caught; it’s just because I believe the rule exists for a reason, and following it is part of being a responsible citizen.