B1 lesson 1

Look at this picture carefully. Here are some possible answers:

1. I can see a group of people standing outside, watching fireworks.
2. I think it could be autumn or winter because it looks like people are wearing hats and big
coats.
3. They could be celebrating a wedding or perhaps someone’s birthday.

Use these words in a sentence:Here are some possible answers:

1. Yesterday I went to a demonstration, there were thousands of people in the streets!
2. People sometimes become homeless when their family relationships break down.
3. My lifestyle is very slow and laid back, but my brother’s lifestyle is much faster and more
stressful.
4. There was a long queue of cars waiting at the traffic lights.
5. Her French pronunciation is perfect, she sounds like she was born in France.

Jing and Marcus tell each other how they celebrated last Christmas. Listen carefully, and be
ready to answer the questions.
1. Jing had a better Christmas than Marcus.
2. Marcus’ family is bigger than Jing’s family.
3. Jing loves Christmas.

In English, we can use different language to give reasons. Complete the sentences with the
following words: so that / now that / in order to / because.
• The price of oil has gone down because more of it is being produced.
• They organised the demonstration in order to show the government how they feel.
• I’m going to speak quickly so that I don’t take up too much time.
• Now that they live together, they always do their food shop together.

1
Match the beginnings of the sentences 1 - 6 to the ends a - f.
1. She phoned him to talk about the party.
2. They went home because it was raining.
3. He’s much happier, now that he’s married.
4. We don’t see them very often as they live far away.
5. I’ve bought a new desk so that I can work at home.
6. She works two jobs in order to pay the rent.

Look at the pictures of festivals 1- 4. For each picture:

1. Picture A shows New Year being celebrated in China with a lion dance.
2. Picture B shows Rio Carnival being celebrated in Brazil with dancers with fabulous costumes.
3. Picture C shows Hogmanay being celebrated in Scotland with a procession of kilt-wearing
bagpipe players.
4. Picture D shows the Holi Festival being celebrated in India with paint powder in many bright
colours.

Read the text about the four festivals. Now answer the questions with a partner.
1. Holi, Hogmanay and Rio Carnival are connected to a religion.
2. All of the celebrations involve music. Hogmanay involves singing; Holi involves drums,
singing and dancing; Rio Carnival involves a samba band; Chinese New Year involves a good
luck song.
3. You would need to wash your clothes after the Holi festival, because people throw coloured
paint and powder everywhere.
4. People become richer at Chinese New Year, because people give money in red envelopes.

Let’s revisit what you learned about relative clauses. Fill in the gaps.
• Chinese New Year is a celebration which takes place in January or March.
• Wei-Ting is my friend who organises Chinese New Year’s parties in the UK.
• Wei-Ting, whose sister is a doctor, would like to experience Hogmanay.

2
Work in pairs. Match the beginning of each sentence (a - c) to two endings (1 - 6). Notice how
relative clauses are used in the different endings.
1. A kilt is a piece of Scottish clothing which is similar to a skirt. (c)
2. Holi is a celebration of colour which can get very messy! (a)
3. He’s the actor who was in that movie we saw last week.
4. A kilt is a piece of Scottish clothing that men traditionally wear. (c)
5. He’s the actor whose last movie won lots of prizes. (b)
6. Holi is a celebration of colour which happens in March. (a)

Work in pairs. Match the beginning of each sentence (a - c) to two endings (1 - 6). Notice how
relative clauses are used in the different endings.
1. I met that man who works with you - but I’ve forgotten his name. (b)
2. Samba dancers are performers who form part of the Rio Carnival parade. (a)
3. We went to that restaurant that you told us about - it was great. (c)
4. We went to that restaurant where famous people go - but we didn’t see anyone famous. (c)
5. Samba dancers are performers who dance to Brazilian music. (a)
6. I met that man that you said is really annoying - but I liked him! (b)

Watch the video of Marcus and Emily giving a presentation on Fireworks Night. Put the points
they make in order and decide who talks about each point, Marcus or Emily, or both..
1. Marcus gives the introduction to the presentation.
2. Marcus talks about the history of the festival.
3. Emily talks about how people celebrate the festival today.
4. Both Marcus and Emily talk about their favourite part of the festival.
5. Emily gives the conclusion to the presentation.

3
We use signposting language to give presentations structure
Watch the video again and complete the signposting phrases with the missing words. The first
one has been done for you.
1. Today, we’re going to talk about Fireworks night.
2. We will explain the history of the celebration, how we celebrate it today, and our favourite
part of the event.
3. So, let’s start by looking at the history of the celebration.
4. … British people come together to remember him. Over to you, Emily.
5. Let’s move on to how the British celebrate fireworks night today.
6. Finally, I’d like to turn to the most important point: our favourite part of the festival!
7. Right, let’s stop there. Thanks very much for listening! And now, if you have any questions,
we’re happy to answer them.