EXERCISES
You have just worked your way through one sample of how English
might be used when going to a friend's informal party. Of course
there are many conversations to be had and many levels of formality
at parties. If you are not sure what type of party you are being
invited to, or who might be there, it is best to ask your host or
hostess before going. Here are three situations. Think about them, and answer the questions.
Situation One
You are invited to a Halloween party by the International Students'
Organization. You want to go, but you lost the invitation with the
information on it. You look up the International Students'
Organization's telephone number and call for the information.
--- "Hello. International Students' Organization? I'm calling regarding
your Halloween Party. I received an invitation, but unfortunately I
lost it. Can I get the information from you?"
What information do you need to get?
What clarification strategy will you use to be sure you completely
understand the information you are given?
What else will you want to include in this conversation?
Situation Two
It is your friend's birthday. You have received the invitation in the mail. You
called the host and confirmed the information, and now you are
standing outside of the host's door on the night of the party, with
some cookies you brought to share. "Ding Dong!" The doorbell rings and your host opens the door:
What will you say to your host?
(After you have entered and given him the cookies, you don't see any
other guests and realize you are the first.)
What can you say to make your host and yourself feel more
comfortable?
Situation Three
You have been working at an office for only 1 week. You and your
husband (or wife) go to a Christmas party that is being given by the
president of the company for all of the employees. You have already
greeted your host and now you have been directed into the living room
to join the other guests. Upon entering, you see a man walking
across from you and you walk over to him to say hello. Standing next
to him is a man and a woman that you don't know and you anticipate
introductions will be next.
(You begin) "Hi, Paul. ( He answers "Hi!") You say, "I'm glad to see
someone I know. Let me introduce you to my husband, Tom." (or wife
Mary)
How will you introduce your husband (or wife)?
(Introductions have been made, and you now know that the woman
standing next to Paul is the head of the company's research lab and
her name is Joan. You and Paul have the job of sending out
laboratory reports to customers.)
How can you begin a conversation with her?
(A customer sent Paul a nice inkpen to express his thanks for quick
lab results.)
How can you request that Paul show the pen to Joan?
