| Level: |
Topic: |
Speakers: |
Length: |
| easy |
class reunions |
man – woman |
02:23 |
Pre-Listening Exercise
Class or school reunions are times when people get together with former classmates and relive past experiences in high school.
Speak Up, Take a Stand! Instructions for Getting the Conversation Started
These statements are designed to get everyone thinking, moving, and talking! The goal is to explore ideas, share opinions, and get ready for the next part of the lesson.
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In a face-to-face classroom: Read each statement aloud. If you agree, move to one side of the room; if you disagree, move to the other. Talk with your group—why do you feel that way? Then, pair students with members of the other group and have students explain their reasons. Rotate partners for more practice.
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In an online classroom: Use polls, emojis, or the chat box in your online platform to show your opinion. Then, join the conversation as a group or in breakout rooms. What do others think? Do you agree or disagree with them?
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For independent learners: Read each statement and think about your opinion. Then say your answer out loud and explain your reason, as if you’re talking to a classmate. This helps you get ready to speak and join real conversations in English. Consider recording your ideas and self-assess your progress.
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- It’s fun to see old classmates again.
- Reunions are only interesting if you were popular in school.
- Everyone should go to their school reunion at least once.
- Some people go to reunions just to show off.
- It’s easy to talk to people you haven’t seen in many years.
- Reunions are better when they include teachers.
- Social media makes reunions less exciting.
- You don’t need to go to a reunion if you had a bad time in school.
- Planning a reunion is a lot of work, but it’s worth it.
- School reunions are more about memories than making new connections.
Idioms
“crack a book” = to open books to study (usually a negative meaning)
“Brandon hardly ever cracked a book in high school, but he still was able to graduate.”
“cut class” = to skip school
“Why do you always cut class? You won’t pass the class if you do.“
Listening Exercise
A. Listen to the recording and answer the questions.
Vocabulary Practice
Do the vocabulary quizzes using the words from the conversation for more practice:
Post-Listening Exercise
Do former classmates in your area or country hold class reunions? If so, how often do people organize such events? What activities do people do at such reunions? Have you ever participated in a class reunion? Describe your experience.
Online Investigation
Contact a former classmate who attended the same high school by email, Facebook, or other social media. What was the person like back then (the person’s personality)? Where does the person live now? What does he or she now do for a living?