Learn Everyday English for Speaking

Describing a party. Hey, Violet. Hey, Annette. Oh, my goodness. This party is incredible. Gloria's put a lot of time and effort into this. You're telling me. Everything is so coordinated. I know. It's clear to see she is a fan of the color blue. Definitely. The tablecloths, balloons, and banners are blue. Even the serviettes are blue. I love it. I always think the personalized touches make a party unique and special. Well, she'll only turn 21 once. She's chosen a fantastic venue, too. Have you seen the view from the upstairs balcony? It's like something from the movies. Oh, no, I haven't yet. Let's head up there. We should definitely take some photos up there to remember the evening. Oh, look. The buffet is arriving. Oh, wow. What a spread. All of a sudden, I'm starving. Is that a whole salmon? And a chocolate fountain? I'm glad I'm wearing a loose-fitting dress. I'll need all the space I can get for food and sweet treats. Let's go up to the balcony. The atmosphere there is electric. It's where the DJ is, too. He'll get everybody dancing later on, I'm sure, but it's not exactly my taste in music. Oh, really? What's he playing? I'm sure I read it's drum and bass. Gloria loves drum and bass, too, so that would make sense. I'm more of a pop girl myself. I can see that. I love all music. Right. Let's go upstairs and show you this balcony. Definitely. Let's go. Describing people's clothes and hairstyles at the party. You see? The view is out of this world. I agree, but I'll tell you what else is out of this world. Jenna's dress. Oh, wow. That is stunning. That turquoise blue color suits her skin tone perfectly. It's a very flattering dress. I also love Jess's outfit. It's typical of her to go for a sleek, understated look and still manage to look incredible. I know. On the subject of outfits, have you noticed Mohamed? No. I love it. The dress code says formal. Cocktail dresses for the girls and suits for the men. And he comes in shorts, flip-flops and a Hawaiian shirt. He's so funny. I love him. Talking of outfits, I love your hairstyle. Thanks. I went to the hairstylist in the end. You know what my hair is like normally. Huge and untameable. So I thought I'd treat myself. I do love it too. I just wish I could do it on myself rather than spend so much money on it. Yeah, I can see that. It's beautiful, but hard work when you want to dress up and calm it down. Yeah, I mean, look at Adrika. I doubt she had to do anything to her hair. And it's so shiny. And she's been able to leave it loose. It is gorgeous. Oh, look. Here comes Gloria. Gloria by name. Glorious by nature. She looks radiant. Is she actually a princess in disguise? Her dress is like Cinderella's gown. And the tiara finishes off the outfit exquisitely. Anyway, let's go and tuck into the buffet. Great idea. Describing objects. I'm bored. Me too. What can we do? You could help me put the groceries away. No, that doesn't sound like fun either. Maybe I'll go and do my homework. I can make putting the groceries away fun. How? Okay, all the shopping is still in the back. I won't show you what it is, but I'll describe it. If you guess correctly, you win a point and put the grocery away. Okay? Sounds good to me. I'm in. Yay, me too. Okay, it's a citrus fruit that loves to grow in hot places. Lemon? Grapefruit? No, but you're close. Oranges? Yes, George wins a point. Okay, next one. It's squishy and we eat two slices each most days. I know this one. It's definitely bread. And the point goes to Ama. Can you put it away now, please, honey? Can you do another one, mom? Yep, are you ready? Yes, yes. Okay, this one is a bit more of a challenge. Listen carefully. It's long and thin and before it's cooked, it snaps easily. After it has been cooked, it's soft and wiggly like a worm. Um, I don't know this one. Think of my description again. What changes when it's cooked and is long and thin? Um, those snake sweets? Ah, they're long, thin and soft, but we don't cook those. I've got it. Spaghetti. Yay, well done, George. One more point to you and now you can put it in the cupboard. Let's see if you can guess the next one. It's a fruit that often is used in smoothies and has a tough, spiky exterior. Is it pineapple? Yes, you got it. The next item is usually used as a condiment. It's made from crushed tomatoes, vinegar, sugar and spices. Hmm, that's a tough one. Can you give us a hint? Sure, it's a popular topping for burgers and hot dogs. Oh, I got it. It's ketchup. Correct. You're a natural at this. One more for good measure. This item is a type of fruit that is green on the outside and pink on the inside. It's often used in salads and smoothies. I think I know this one. It's watermelon. Yes, you got it. You're both grocery item guessing pros. Describing a picture. Oh, look at the picture. It was the time we all went camping at Lake Boyd. Oh, wow. Great memories. Ha, look at us. We're all super chilled out sitting around the tent. It looks idyllic, doesn't it? But do you remember how crazy it was? We had so many issues. Oh, yeah, David. I remember your car breaking down on the way. And we didn't arrive at the spot until after midnight. Then it was too late to start cooking a barbecue. Yeah, my trusty old Jeep. I don't think I've ever been so hungry in all my life. And we couldn't put our tent up, so we all slept in your Jeep squashed on the seats. Yes, I don't think I've ever been so hungry and uncomfortable in all my life. The next day was great, though. We had the biggest breakfast and set up camp. That orange tent did us well. I don't know if I still have it. Do I remember it leaking, though? Oh, yes. Look at the storm clouds in the background. I seem to remember them heading straight for us. And the tent didn't do too much to keep it all out. I still think of it fondly, though. Look at the scenery. It's incredible. I remember walking the mountains, swimming in the lake, and being very peaceful with the world. Which lake? I don't remember a lake. This one. You can just about see it in the corner of the picture. Oh, yes, it was freezing. Oh, good times. We should go again soon. Definitely. But this time, I'll check the oil and water in my van. You check the tent for holes. Sounds like a plan. Describing animals. Hey, Serena, is that your dog? Oh, hey, Owen. Yeah, it's my dog. That's so cool. What's its name? She's called Petal. She's a rescue dog, and I adopted her six months ago. We rescued her from the pond. First, she was called Bass, but we liked Petal more. Oh, that's so sweet. What does she like to eat? She's not very picky, but she loves chicken and rice. I usually mix it with some vegetables to make sure she gets all the nutrients she needs. That's a good idea. Is she well-behaved? Not when we first adopted her. But mom has taken her to obedience training, and she's much better now. Do you have any pets? Yes, two tortoises called Maggie and May. Oh, wow, that's so cool. I've always wanted tortoises or any reptile, really. I love dogs, but I find reptiles fascinating. And they don't need walking every day. That's exactly why my mom agreed to me having them. They hibernate for a chunk of the year, too. Amazing. What do they eat? Mostly just greens, like lettuce and other leaves. But they love fruit, too. Maggie and May especially love strawberries. Oh, wow. I didn't know tortoises ate strawberries. Can I come over and see them sometime? Of course. You can come tomorrow after 6 if you like. Awesome, thanks. Describing a positive experience. I did it, grandpa. I can't believe I just did it. I've just got home, and I needed to call and tell you. I am so proud of you. A lifetime of being frightened of heights. And then you go and jump out of a plane. I know. Although, if I wasn't attached to an instructor, I don't think I would have actually gone. Oh, that doesn't matter. You did it. So, do you think you'll still be frightened of heights? I'm not sure. Being in a plane with the door open is surreal. And I was petrified whilst there. But it will definitely make standing on a high ledge or walking to the top of a steep hill feel like nothing in comparison. That's true. So, what was the jump like? How did you feel? Initially, petrified. I must admit, I almost vomited as the instructor crept closer to the open door. I don't think my heart has ever worked so hard. But then, as soon as the parachute opened, it felt free. That's when I really started to enjoy it. The views from that high are incredible too. I wish I'd had a camera to capture it all. It sounds fantastic. I'd probably do it again, you know. Now the adrenaline has worn off. And with all the exhilaration, I feel so proud of myself. And like I can achieve anything. That's wonderful, Brendan. Maybe I should book myself one to celebrate my 70th birthday. Maybe. Describing a negative experience. Oh my goodness. That couldn't have gone any worse if I tried. I feel mortified. Oh, Frida. I'm sure it wasn't that bad. It was definitely that bad. In fact, it was worse than that bad. It was a disaster. What exactly happened in the interview for you to feel like this? First, I had to do a five-minute presentation for the senior management. Honestly, it was simple stuff, but I didn't prepare well enough, and it was a flop. I had some slides I'd put together, but I started talking and then was finished after one minute. They all looked at me, expecting more, and I had nothing to give. Ah, I see. Well, if you've not given a presentation before, it's hard to know how long things will take. Oh, I just wanted the ground to swallow me up. The other candidates were in there for ages. It sounded like they had plenty to say on the subject. Maybe, but you don't know if they were saying the right thing. Then, during the formal interview, they were asking me questions, but my brain was so fuzzled, I couldn't make sense of what they were asking me. And I kept asking them to repeat themselves. I'm sure they expect the interviewees to be nervous, though. Yes, but after the third time of asking them to repeat themselves, I definitely sounded silly, and I forgot everything I'd wanted to say to show them. I would be excellent for the job. Oh, come here, give me a hug. What will be will be, and if this job doesn't work out, I'm sure there'll be an even better one that's perfect for you. Thanks, Paul. Describing a house. So, tell me about your new home. Oh, we just love it. It's so different from our other place. It's definitely an upgrade. We now have more space in the house and outside. Rather than having a tiny courtyard, we now have half an acre of a garden. Oh, wow, that sounds fantastic. I know, and it has a little orchard at the end with established fruit trees. Nice, which ones? There are apples and pears, and I think there are some cherry trees, too. That'll be great to fill your fruit bowl. Tell me about the inside of your house. How many bedrooms does it have? It's a four bed, although three are a decent size and one that is much smaller, which I will probably use as my office. The master has an ensuite, too. Such a luxury. Oh, wow. There's also a huge attic space. At the moment, it's just used for storage. Although I think soon we'll bring in an architect and see what we can do to make extra living space. I'd love a library, but Mary insists on making it a gym. You could have half each and both have your own space. That's a good idea. I'll see if Mary agrees. What's the ground floor like? It's beautiful. It's an open plan kitchen diner with bifold doors onto a decked area. The previous owners must have spent a lot of time designing and decorating. Oh, excellent. Perfect for parties, then. Absolutely. Then it has a separate sitting and reception room. Perfect for some quiet time. And off to the back, a decent-sized utility space. Wow. Well done, you. It sounds like you found a gem.