Special events like family get-togethers, barbecues, and weddings form part of our everyday relationships with relatives and friends. Listen to the words below and consult a dictionary if you need a definition. Write a sample sentence for each word to learn how it is used in context. You can use the Internet to find such sentences.

1. baby shower
2. barbecue / cookout
3. birthday party
4. dance
5. family get-together
6. going-away party
7. feast
8. fireworks display
9. funeral
10. graduation
11. parade
12. picnic
13. potluck dinner
14. reception
15. wedding
16. welcome party

• attend a party
• cancel a get-together
• hold a reception
• postpone a dance
• throw a going-away party

III. Follow-Up: Top

Do people in your country have special events and celebrations throughout the year for weddings, graduations, the birth of children, and other special times? If so, who is usually invited, what foods and drink are served, and are there any traditional games that are played on these days? Also, collect information on how such events are celebrated in different countries.

Online Listening Practice (from www.esl-lab.com and www.dailyesl.com):

• Happy Birthday: Easy -- [esl-lab]
• Christmas is Coming!: Medium -- [esl-lab]
• Holiday Traditions: Thanksgiving and Christmas: Medium -- [esl-lab]
• New Year's Day: Medium -- [daily]
• Halloween: Medium -- [daily]
• Thanksgiving Day: Medium -- [daily]
• Christmas: Medium -- [daily]