Conversation 1

Situation: Tui is invited to a dinner party. She has never attended one so she asks
Lucy for advice.

Tui: I’ve got a dinner invitation. What should I do?

Lucy: Reply to the invitation soon. Did you receive an Evite? 
Tui: Yes, I got an electronic card sent by e-mail.
Lucy: Then you just need to click the link on the Evite email to RSVP.
Tui: OK. Then what do I need to prepare?
Lucy: Normally, you should bring a gift for your host. You can bring a bottle of wine
or chocolates.
Tui: I think I’ll bring chocolates. What about the dress?
Lucy: Well, it depends on who sent the invitation. If it is a friend or family member,
you don’t need to be very formal, but don’t be underdressed.
Tui: I see. Is there a specific etiquette that I need to follow during the dinner?
Lucy: Of course, there is. First, when sitting, unfold your napkin and place it on your
knee. When eating, if there are several cutlery sets beside the plate, start at the
outside of your cutlery and work in.
Tui: Table manner always makes me nervous. I’m afraid I make mistakes.
Lucy: Don’t worry. If you’re not sure what to do, just have a look to see what the
other guests are doing.
Tui: Can I cool food by blowing onto it?
Lucy: No, you can’t. And don’t leave lip-prints on your glass.
Tui: Alright. Anything else?
Lucy: Don’t forget to compliment the food.
Tui: That’s all? Thanks a lot, Lucy!
Lucy: Anytime, Tui.

Conversation 2
Situation: Patrick, Jane and Andrew are planning a barbecue party.

Patrick: OK. Let’s start from the place. Where are we going to have the party? Your
home, Andrew?
Andrew: Uh, it’s an outdoor party. I don’t have a big garden. What about Sandy’s
Restaurant near our campus? It has an outdoor space big enough for a barbecue party.
Patrick: If we hold it in a restaurant, then we have to buy food from the restaurant.
That would be expensive. We have a tight budget, you know that.
Andrew: Yeah, I know. Um, what about your home, Jane? I know you just threw a
birthday party last week, but if you don’t mind … 
Jane: Well, I need to ask my parents first.
Patrick: Thanks, Jane. So the option is your home or Andrew’s. Right, Andrew?
Andrew: Yeah, fine.
Jane: Don’t worry, Andrew. We will help you do the clean-up after the party.
Patrick: And with the preparation, also. It’s OUR party, remember?
Andrew: Thanks, both of you. Glad to know that. 
Jane: Next, the time. What day and what time?
Andrew: I think Saturday evening is perfect. 
Jane: Yeah. It’s usually 5 to 9 pm. What do you think, Patrick?
Patrick: I agree. Now, the food and drinks. Have you got the lists, Jane?
Jane: Yeah. I’ll read it out for you. For the food, we’ll have barbecue sandwiches,
lemon grass chicken thigh, beef burger with fries, and salads. And for the drinks,
we’ll have beer and cocktail.
Patrick: Great! What about the music and games, Andrew?
Andrew: I’ve made a playlist with more than a hundred songs. Enough for 5 hours of
music. For the games, I’ve prepared darts and lawn bowling. 
Patrick: Last thing. The invitations. Have you sent them, Jane?
Jane: I sent them yesterday.  Hope our friends will reply soon.

Fill in

Situation: Bob and Lucy talks about going to a party.

Bob: Are you __________(1)__________?

Lucy: Sure. Everyone is invited. What’s the matter? You won’t go?
Bob: I don’t know. I don’t really __________(2)__________.
Lucy: Oh, come on. I’m not a very social person either, but I’m excited
__________(3)__________. We need a break after going through final exams.
Bob: Well, can I just show up for a while?
Lucy: If you just come for 30 minutes or so, I’m afraid you’ll miss
__________(4)__________. Why not stay longer? I’m sure __________(5)__________
the atmosphere and the music. Have you ever tried to chat up people you don’t really
know at a party? You could have interesting conversation instead of standing in a
corner and observe others.
Bob: I’m not sure if I can do that. Any tips?
Lucy: Um, you should look approachable. Don’t cross your arms. Look open and
inviting with a genuine smile.
Bob: What if no one sees me arrive? What should I do?
Lucy: Just walk over to any group. Say hi and ask the group what they have been
talking about.
Bob: Easier said than done.
Lucy: Relax! I’ll be in the party early. You can find me and I’ll help you mingle with
others.
Bob: Thank you! You’re the best, Lucy.

Vocabs:
Baby shower: A party for a woman who is expecting a baby, at which party guests give
presents for the baby. (noun)
Bachelor party: A party that a man has with his male friends on the night before his wedding
(American English) (same as stag night). (noun)
Bash: A party or celebration. (noun)
Barbecue party: An outdoor party where people cook and eat barbecued food. (noun)
Booze-up: A party where people can usually drink a lot of alcohol. (noun)
Bouquet: An arrangement of flowers wrapped in paper. (noun)
Bridal shower: A party for a woman who is going to get married, at which she gets presents
from the guests. (noun)
Clambake: An outdoor party by the sea where people cook and eat clams. (noun)
Cocktail party: A formal party in the early evening where guests are served alcoholic drinks
and small meals. (noun)
Confetti: Small pieces of colored paper that people throw in the air at wedding parties,
parades, etc. (noun)
Housewarming: A party that you have in a house that that you have just moved into. (noun)
Occasion: A special event, ceremony or celebration. (noun)
Occasion: A special event, ceremony or celebration. (noun)
Stag night: A party that a man has with his male friends on the night before his wedding
(British English) (same as bachelor party). (noun)
Throw a party: To organize a party, usually in your home. (verb0029