Flower Shop: Buying Flowers for the Right Occasion

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IDIOMS!

"not a bed of roses" = something that isn't always pleasant or easy
"Marriage isn't always a bed of roses. Couples often have challenges they have to face."
"grow apart" = a couple's relationship becomes less close
"Because the couple focused so much time on their own careers, they steadily grew apart and eventually got divorced."

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[ Quiz Script ]

Flower Shop

I. Pre-Listening Exercises
II. Listening Exercises
III. Vocabulary
IV. Post-Listening
V. Online Investigations

Level:	Topic:	Type:	Speakers:	Length:
medium	ordering flowers	conversation	man - woman	02:15

I. Pre-Listening Exercises [Top]

On what occasions do people buy flowers for others (e.g., marriages, funerals, etc.)? Where can you buy flowers in your area? What types of flowers (and colors) are given for different life events?

HELPFUL TIP: Ordering flowers online can be an easy and convenient way of buying flowers for friends and family. However, be sure to compare companies and prices to get exactly what you want.

rose

II. Listening Exercises [Top]

Listen to the conversation by pressing the "Play Audio" button and answer the questions. Press the "Final Score" button to check your quiz.

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1. Why does the man want to buy flowers for his wife?
A. He wants to surprise his wife for her birthday.
B. His wife has just received a nice job promotion.
C. The man didn't remember the day they got married.

2. The florist summarizes her thoughts on men by saying that they are:
A. neglectful and cheap
B. serious and thrifty
C. conservative and cautious

3. Near the beginning of the conversation, what is one thing that the woman suggests the man do for his wife?
A. take his wife to an elegant restaurant
B. purchase a couple of beautiful balloons
C. buy twelve gorgeous roses

4. Why does the man panic when seeing his wife outside the store?
A. She will realize he spaced their important day.
B. Her finding him in the flower shop will spoil the surprise.
C. His wife will think he is buying the flowers for someone else.

5. What is the most plausible ending to the conversation?
A. The man's wife graciously accepts the dozen roses the man buys for her.
B. The man begs his wife to forgive him when he comes out of the shop.
C. The florist delivers the flowers for the man because he is embarrassed.

Score =
Correct answers:

Listen to the conversation again as you read the Quiz Script.

III. Vocabulary Activities [Top]

Review the key vocabulary from the conversation: [ Why do these? ]

IV. Post-Listening Exercises [Top]

In the situations below, would you give flowers, and if so, what colors and types would you order?

Your sister is getting married.
A close friend passed away.
Your father is in the hospital.
A friend is graduating from college.
A neighbor just had a baby.

V. Online Investigations - [ What's This? ] [Top]

Imagine that you want to buy flowers for an important holiday in your country. Find two different Web sites that sell flowers and compare their services in terms of price, delivery, variety of items, and product guarantee. Report your findings to a partner or class.

Want to Tell People About This Listening Activity?

Now, write your opinions on a related topic at Randall's ESL Blog HERE.

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