A. Listen to some people at a party who say the wrong things. Complete the Don’t say phrases.
What to say (and what not to say) to people at parties
If you’re talking to a doctor …
Don’t say: I have a __________. Could you __________?
Say: You look tired. Would you like a drink?
If you’re talking to a teacher …
Don’t say: You’re so lucky! You have __________.
Say: I’m sure it’s very difficult to motivate teenagers.
If you’re talking to a travel agent …
Don’t say: Can you recommend __________?
Say: What’s the most interesting place you’ve ever been to?
If you’re talking to a hairdresser …
Don’t say: What do you think of __________? Is it too __________?
Say: What do you think will be the new style this year?
If you’re talking to a psychiatrist …
Don’t say: Are you __________?
Say: Do you work with children or adults?
B. Listen to the people at the party again. Complete the conversations with an infinitive.
Conversation 1 I want _____ _____ him a ‘Happy Birthday’.
Conversation 2 Perhaps you would like _____ _____ my class one day.
Conversation 3 I’d like _____ _____ somewhere _____.
Conversation 4 You’re just the person I want _____ _____ to.
Conversation 5 I need _____ _____ to the _____.
Answers
A
1 I have a problem with my back. Could you have a look at it?
2 you have really long summer holidays!
3 can you recommend a cheap holiday?
4 what do you think of my colour? Is it too blonde?
5 Are you analysing me?
B
1 to wish 2 to teach 3 to go, hot
4 to talk 5 to go, bathroom
Audioscripts
1
A Hello, you’re one of Peter’s friends aren’t you?
B That’s right. I’m Adrian.
A Hi, I’m Harry. Are you enjoying the party??
B Yes.
A So, what do you do for a living, Adrian?
B I’m a doctor.
A A doctor? Oh that’s good. Listen, I have a problem with my back. Could you have a look at it? I’ve got a pain just here …
B Sorry, can you excuse me? I’ve just seen Peter over there and I want to wish him a Happy Birthday.
2
A James, this is Sandra.
B Hi.
C Nice to meet you.
A Sandra’s a teacher in secondary school.
B A teacher? Really? What a wonderful job. You’re so lucky.
C Why lucky?
B Well, you have really long summer holidays!
C Yes, that’s what people always say. Perhaps you would like to teach my class one day. When you teach teenagers all year, you need a long summer holiday.
3
A Hello. We haven’t met before, have we?
B No, I don’t think so.
A I’m Catherine, I’m Peter’s sister.
B Oh, hi, I’m Luke. I went to school with Peter.
A Ah, Luke! You’re the travel agent, aren’t you?
B Yes, I am.
A Peter’s told me all about you. Listen, can you recommend a cheap holiday? I’d like to go somewhere hot. And I want to go in August. But when I say cheap, I mean cheap. Oh and I can’t fly because I’m terrified of flying …
4
A Deborah, can I introduce you to an old friend of mine, Lucy.
B Hi, Lucy.
C Nice to meet you.
A Lucy’s my hairdresser.
B Ah. You’re just the person I want to talk to. Lucy, what do you think of my colour?
C Well …
B No, come one, tell me the truth. Is it too blonde?
C Er … no. I think it’s fine.
B Are you sure?
A Lucy, what would you like to drink?
C Oh, a Diet Coke please.
B Do you think my hair would look better shorter?
A Deborah, Lucy’s not at work now.
B Oh sorry.
5
A Hi. I’m Andrea. Nice to meet you.
B Hello. My name’s Simon.
A What do you do Simon? No, don’t tell me! Let me guess your job! Let me see. You look like a … professional footballer.
B No … I’m a psychiatrist.
A A psychiatrist! Ooh how fascinating! Simon? Are you analysing me?
B Er, no, I’m not. Excuse me, er, Andrea. I need to go to the bathroom.
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