Special days, parties, and the different ways people celebrate. 21 questions from A1 to C1, with follow-ups and role plays. Answer out loud in full sentences.
Show questions for
A1Beginner
What is your favorite holiday?Then: What do you do on that day?
Do you like big parties or small parties?
What food do people eat on special days in your country?
Do you like to give presents?Then: What is a good present for a friend?
A2Elementary
What did you do on your last birthday?Then: Is that how you usually spend it?
Have you ever been to a wedding?Then: What was the best part?
Which month has the most celebrations in your country?
Are you going to celebrate anything in the next few months?Then: What are you going to do?
How often do you send messages to people on their birthdays?
B1Intermediate
Which holiday do you think is the most important in your country, and why?
Has the way you celebrate special days changed over the years?Then: What has changed the most?
Do you prefer big, noisy celebrations or quiet ones?Then: What makes a celebration feel special to you?
If you could create a new public holiday, what would it celebrate?Then: What would people do on that day?
What advice would you give someone visiting your country during a big holiday?
B2Upper intermediate
Many holidays now involve a lot of shopping. Is that a problem, or just a normal part of modern life?
How are celebrations in your country different from ones you’ve seen in other countries or in movies?
Looking back, is there a celebration you wish you had done differently?Then: What would you change?
How have phones and social media changed the way people celebrate?
C1Advanced
Why do you think almost every culture feels the need to mark special days together?
When a holiday means different things to different people, how can a community celebrate it in a way that includes everyone?
To what extent are traditions worth protecting if younger generations are losing interest in them?Then: Who, if anyone, should be responsible for keeping them alive?
Role plays
Work with a partner or a tutor. Read the situation together, then each person opens only their own card. Use the phrases to help you.
A2 Elementary
Inviting a coworker to a party
You’re having a small party next Saturday to celebrate a special occasion. You want to invite a coworker, but there’s a problem with the date.
Card A: Host
Invite your coworker. Explain what you’re celebrating, when the party is, and what will happen. If they can’t come, find another way to include them.
Card B: Coworker
You want to go, but you promised to help a friend move that afternoon. Ask two questions about the party, explain your problem, and suggest a solution.
Useful phrases
Are you free next Saturday?
I’m having a few people over to celebrate…
I’d love to, but…
What time does it start?
Would it be OK if I came later?
B1 Intermediate
Planning a farewell party on a budget
A popular colleague is leaving next week. You and another colleague have a small budget to organize a goodbye celebration.
Card A: Colleague A
You want to book dinner at a restaurant because it feels more special. Try to persuade your colleague, but be ready to compromise.
Card B: Colleague B
You think the budget is too small for a restaurant and prefer a lunch at the office. Explain your reasons, then agree on a plan, a date, and a gift.