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 Let's Get Together!
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
• compare types of get-togethers.
• talk about socializing.
• discuss barbecues.

High Beginner Lesson

HB
Warm Up
Discuss what is happening in the picture. Listen to your classmates' answers.

• What do you think is happening in this picture?

• Is this a formal or informal group? Explain your
answer.
• Do you enjoy this kind of get-together*? Why or
why not?

*get-together = an informal meeting of friends

Let's Talk
Describe the pictures. Ask and answer the questions with your classmates.

A formal dinner party A backyard barbecue

• What happens at each type of party?

• How are these parties similar? How are they different?
• Which type of party would you prefer to attend? Why?
Make a Story
Work with your teacher and classmates to make a story with the picture.

Take turns adding to the story. Explain what happened before, during, and after the
picture. You have to continue the story from where your classmate stopped.

Story Starter: Erica invited her friends over to watch a movie.

Phrasal Verbs
Talk about these phrasal verbs with your class and answer the question.

Stop by/Drop by = to go to a friend's house without an invitation

Example: Megan is my best friend. She doesn't need an invitation to drop by.
When was the last time you stopped by someone's house for a visit? Talk about it.
Idiom
Talk to your teacher and classmates about this idiom and answer the question.

To take a rain check = to say no to an invitation, but ask to make plans for a later time

Example: I can't come to the party on Saturday, because I'll be out of town. Can I take
a rain check?
When was the last time you took a rain check? Tell the class about it.
Let's Talk About You
Talk about yourself. Answer these questions with your classmates.

What was the last get-together you planned?

Who did you invite?

Tell a story about something interesting that happened at the party.

Culture Corner
Read the paragraph about culture and discuss.

In the United States, having a backyard barbecue is a fun and popular activity in the
warmer months. The host will grill hamburgers, hot dogs, and some vegetables or
vegetarian food. There will usually be potato chips for a side dish, and tomatoes,
lettuce, cheese, ketchup, and mustard to go on top of the grilled food.

• Do people grill outdoors in your country?

• What do people eat at these parties?
• Where do people have these parties? In the backyard? In the park? In the
kitchen?
Sign Post
Read the quote and discuss.

"In my day, socializing* was going out to a

party to meet people. Now socializing is
taking place via networked devices."

-Zach Nelson
(U.S. Businessperson, born 1961)

What does this mean to you?

Do you think people are spending more

time on the internet than socializing with
others in person? Explain.

*socializing = spending time with friends and family

Act It Out
Choose a role and act it out with a partner.

Role A

1. Invite a friend to your next get-together.

2. Tell them the time and location of the
party.
3. Explain what you are celebrating.
4. Tell your friend what to bring.

Role B

1. Accept your friend's invitation.

2. Ask the time and location of the party.
3. Ask why your friend is celebrating.
4. Ask what you can bring to the party.
Work Together
Work with your class to complete this project.

Your class is having an outdoor grill party, or barbecue. Bring dishes from your
country.

What food will you bring?

What drinks will you bring?

Where will you have the barbecue?

Suggest a good place in your city.

Talk About It
Take turns asking these questions to your classmates and giving your own answers.

How do you make friends with a new person you meet at a party?

Do you prefer large, loud parties or small, quiet parties? Why?

Are you good at planning parties? Explain.