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THE BLUE TREE
Everyday English
CEFR B1
Intermediate
warm up
Answer these questions. Listen to some model answers. Read the transcript to practise pronounciation.
| What is your preferred way of meeting with friends: at home, outdoors, or out in town? |
TRANSCRIPT
I definitely prefer meeting friends at home. It’s much more relaxed and comfortable, and we don’t have to shout over loud music. I enjoy cooking something simple together or just sitting and talking. In summer, I also like meeting outdoors, for example in a park. Going out in town can be fun, but only occasionally — it’s often crowded and expensive.
| A party animal is somebody who enjoys meeting people socially. How much of a party animal are you? |
TRANSCRIPT
I wouldn’t call myself a big party animal, but I do enjoy socialising from time to time. I like meeting people, having a drink, and chatting in a relaxed atmosphere. Big, loud parties are not really my thing anymore, especially if the music is too loud. I prefer smaller gatherings with good company, where you can actually talk and feel comfortable.
| These days people do not meet socially as often as before. Why do you think that is? |
TRANSCRIPT
I think life is much busier than it used to be. People work a lot, have many responsibilities, and often feel tired in the evening. On top of that, we stay connected online, so meeting in person sometimes feels less necessary. Money is another issue — going out is quite expensive. All of this means people meet less often, even though they might want to.
part one
TALKING ABOUT PARTIES AND PARTYING
Study the mind-map below. Click on the picture to access an interactive version.
TALKING ABOUT NEW YEAR’S EYE
Read or role-play a short dialogue between two workmates. They are discussing their New Year’s Eve.
Kat:
So, Alita, how was your New Year’s Eve party this year? Did you do anything special?
Alita:
Actually, yes. We had a small party at my friend Kasia’s place. The flat was really cosy and welcoming, with some nice festive decorations. Not too big, which I liked.
Kat:
Sounds nice already. And what about the people?
Alita:
Great company, to be honest. Just close friends, very easy-going and chatty, so the atmosphere was relaxed right from the start.
Kat:
Lucky you! What did you have to eat and drink?
Alita:
Plenty of home-made food — salads, snacks, even some mini burgers. And the drinks were free-flowing: prosecco, gin and tonic, and a few Aperol Spritzes. There was something for everyone.
Kat:
That’s dangerous on New Year’s Eve! 😄 What about the music?
Alita:
Mostly upbeat pop and some classics — ABBA, a bit of 90s music. Catchy, but not too loud, so we could still talk.
Kat:
Sounds like a really good mix. So… overall?
Alita:
All in all, it was a great party. I really enjoyed myself. What about you?
Kat:
Well… mine was a bit different. We went to a bigger party, but honestly, it wasn’t really my thing. The place felt a bit cold and crowded.
Alita:
Oh no. And the atmosphere?
Kat:
A bit stiff at first, and it never really improved. The music was too loud — lots of electronic stuff — and the food was mostly store-bought snacks. I expected more.
Alita:
That’s a shame.
Kat:
Yeah. It didn’t live up to my expectations, so I left shortly after midnight. Next year, I’m definitely doing something smaller and more relaxed.
part two
HOW WAS THE PARTY
Read three model answers to the questions: How was your New Year’s party?
🥂 Model answer 1 – clearly positive, lively
Oh, it was actually really great. We had it at my friend Kasia’s place, and honestly, the flat was super cosy and very welcoming, with some simple festive decorations. There were maybe ten people, so not crowded at all. Everyone was easy-going and chatty, so the atmosphere was friendly right from the start.
We had loads of home-made food — salads, snacks, even some mini sandwiches — and there was definitely something for everyone. Drinks were free-flowing too: prosecco, gin and tonic, and a couple of Aperol Spritzes. The music was mostly upbeat pop and some classics, like ABBA and 90s hits, catchy but not too loud. The whole vibe was relaxed and festive.
All in all, it was a blast and I really enjoyed myself.
🎶 Model answer 2 – mixed, realistic, conversational
It was nice, but not perfect, you know. We went to a small flat near the city centre. The place itself was cosy, but a bit cramped once everyone arrived. The people were friendly, although it was a mixed crowd, so at first it felt slightly awkward.
The food was tasty — mostly finger food and some home-made dips — and there was enough, though nothing very special. Drinks were fine: wine, beer, and some non-alcoholic options like juice and tonic water. The music was mostly background stuff, kind of chill pop and soft electronic music, easy to listen to, but sometimes too quiet. The atmosphere became more laid-back later in the evening.Overall, it was pleasant and we had a good time, even if it didn’t totally wow me.
🥴 Model answer 3 – negative, but natural and polite
To be honest, it wasn’t really my thing this year. The party was at a big rented place, but it felt a bit cold and not very homely. The people were okay, polite and all, but I didn’t really click with them, so the conversation felt forced at times.
There wasn’t much food — mostly store-bought snacks — and it ran out quite quickly. Drinks were pretty limited too, mostly cheap wine and beer, nothing exciting like cocktails. The music was loud electronic stuff, definitely not my cup of tea, and it made talking difficult. The atmosphere felt more tense than festive.
In the end, it didn’t live up to my expectations, so I left shortly after midnight.
DRAG AND DROP
Do this activity. Drag and drop the missing words. These are the same stories you have just read.
Over to you
Write your own account of the last or the best party (New Year’s Eve) you have ever attended.
part three
MORE TALKING ABOUT PARTIES
Use the Talking Picture activity below to have some more speaking practice on the topic of parties.
VOCABULARY REVISION
Let’s revise and expand the vocabulary about parties and partying.
COMMENTS
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