Listening Exercises A2 – Parties

1.

A:   Here we are. Can you turn on the light? My hands are full

B:   Sure.

C:   Surprise!

A:   Happy anniversary, honey.

B:   And I thought you forgot!

2.

A:   Are you going to Joe’s party?

B:   Yes, I am.

A:   What are you going to bring?

B:   I’m going to bring a home-made pizza. How about you?

A:   I think I’ll bring a dessert – maybe a chocolate cake.

3.

A:   David, are you doing anything this Saturday?

B:   Not a thing. Why?

A:   Andy is turning 20 and I’m having a party for him. Can you come?

B:   Sure! I can’t wait to see him try and blow out 20 candles!

A:   Great! Show up at about 7:30.

4.

A:   Are you going to Susie’s party?

B:   Yes, I am.

A:   What kind of party is it?

B:   Well, I heard she’s going to make dinner for everyone. The food will be served buffet style, I think.

A:   Sounds nice.

5.

A:   Hi, Ted.

B:   Hi, Lynne.

A:   Hey, are you free on Saturday afternoon?

B:   Yeah. What do you have in mind?

A:   Well, I’m going down to the park with some friends. We’re going to grill some steaks down there. Why don’t you come?

B:   Okay. Thanks. I’ll bring something to drink.

6.

A:   Would you like to come for dinner tomorrow night? I’m having a few people over.

B:   Yeah, sure. Is it potluck?

A:   Yes, it is.

B:   Okay. What should I bring?

A:   Well, you could bring dessert – and a date, if you want.

1.

A:   Mmm, this is really delicious. Did you make it yourself?

B:   Yes, I did.

A:   What’s it got in it?

B:   Chocolate – and more chocolate.

2.

A:   Do you play?

B:   Yes I do. Well, a little.

A:   Why don’t you play something for us?

B:   Maybe in a while, after I’ve met a few more people.

3.

A:   This is really good. What does it have in it?

B:   Three different kinds of fruit juices and some soda.

A:   Well, the three different juices make it delicious. I think I’ll try it for my next party.

4.

A:   Are they your parents?

B:   Yes, they are. Come on over and I’ll introduce you to them.  

5.

A:   Oh, I like this. Who did it?

B:   I did.

A:   Really? I didn’t know you painted.

B:   Yes, I do, but this isn’t one of my best.

6.

A:   He’s cure. What’s his name?

B:   Well, it’s a “she” really. Her name’s Fluffy.

A:   Can I hold her?

B:   Of course.

A:   Ouch! Why’d she do that?

1.

Hey, what a great party that was! There were lots of interesting people there, and some really cute guys. I met one really nice guy named Tony – I think he’s going to call me next week. Anyway, the best thing was the music. Everyone danced a lot. I’m really glad we didn’t have to play party games or sing stupid songs. The food was good, too. We ate outside – you know, barbecue style.

2.

Peter’s party was terrible. We had to play all sorts of stupid games, like memorizing everyone’s name. Twenty questions I think. Then we watched a home video of Peter’s vacation in Hawaii. Boring! Actually, I prefer parties where people just sit around and talk and eat, but we didn’t eat till very late. The worst thing was when we finally did eat, there wasn’t enough food. I was still feeling hungry when I left.

3.

I went to this party on Saturday night. When I arrived, I looked around and I didn’t know anyone there, but everyone was really friendly and soon I got to know a lot of people. I really enjoyed myself. I thought it was going to be a dance party but no one really felt like dancing. We listened to some nice music, though. There were some guys from Spain there. One of them had a guitar and could play it really well. The best thing was he taught us some neat Spanish songs. We all really enjoyed singing them.

4.

I went to a school party on Friday. No one had really planned the party. That was the main problem. Also, I think we were all too tired after the exams. The worst thing was no one brought any music. We just stood around talking and eating junk food. Someone said, “Let’s play some party games,” but no one wanted to play games. Everyone went home before 10:30.

1 b   2 d   3 e   4 c   5 a

Transcript

1.

A:   Hey, Kira. Are you free tomorrow afternoon?

B:   Yes, why?

A:  Well, I’m having a few friends over. The weather is great now, so we’re going to grill some steaks in the backyard.

B:   Oh, that sounds like fun. What time?

A:   Anytime after 1:00 would be fine. See you then.

2.

A:   Hi, Mike. I’m calling to invite you to a party for my parents next Saturday. Can you come?

B:   Let’s see … next Saturday… yeah, I can make it. What kind of party is it?

A:   Well, it’s their 30th wedding anniversary. They think that I’ve forgotten about it, but I haven’t. I’m going to throw them a big party. Just don’t forget … if you see them before the party, don’t say anything about it.

3.

A:   Hi, Alice. Would you like to come over for dinner on Sunday? It’s going to be very casual-we’re just asking everyone to bring their favorite dish.

B:   Wow, that sounds wonderful. I’d love to come. I’ll make my famous brownies.

A:   Sounds great! See you on Sunday.

4.

A:   Hi, Jim! It’s Dana.

B:   Hi, Dana.

A:   Listen, can you come to Carla’s party tonight? She’s turning 30, you know, so we’re getting her a big cake with 30 candles on it.

B:   Dana, I’m sorry, I don’t feel too well. I have the flu.

A:   Oh, that’s too bad. You should stay home and get some rest, then.

5.

A:   Hi, Becky. Can you come to a party at my place on Saturday?

B:   Sure, what kind of party?

A:   Oh.  nothing special. I just feel like getting some people together. I’ll make the food ahead of time and set it out on my big dining room table, and everyone can just eat whatever they want, whenever they want.

B:   That sounds great. Thanks for inviting me.

1 b   2 e   3 a   4 b   5 b

Transcript

1.

I had a surprise party for my girlfriend’s 25th birthday last week. I invited her friends from work and the gym. Sue loves music, so we listened to lots of different music all night. I don’t cook so there wasn’t much food! I did make her birthday cake, though-chocolate with chocolate frosting-her favorite. We didn’t play any party games because she hates that stuff.

2.

I gave a party last month that started out terribly. It was an outdoor barbecue, but it started to rain and all the food got wet. I had to order pizzas instead. Well, I didn’t order enough, so everyone was hungry! I was so upset, but we all laughed about it later. We had a good time as we chatted all night. We didn’t dance, thank goodness! I’m a really terrible dancer.

3.

I organized a goodbye party for my boss at work. At the last minute my officemate forgot to order pizza, so we all bought snacks from the vending machines. We went into his office and sang “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.” Then we just sat around and chatted for a while. It won’t be the same around here without him.

4.

I had a potluck party last week. I love hosting potluck dinners because I don’t have to cook! Instead everyone brings their favorite dish and gets to eat lots of great food. There wasn’t any dancing or party games because I think the best party is one where there is just good people and great food.

5.

My roommate and I gave a party for our friends last night. It was a lot of fun. We listened to a lot of great music and danced all night. People seemed to really enjoy it, even though there wasn’t much to eat. People didn’t talk too much, either. They just enjoyed the dancing.