General Listening Quiz
“Class Reunion”
| Level | Topic | Speakers | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easy | Class Reunions | Man – Woman | 02:23 |
Pre-Listening Exercise
Agree or Disagree? Let’s Spark Some Conversation!
These statements are designed to get everyone thinking, exploring ideas, and sharing opinions.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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
Listen to the recording and answer the questions. (See transcript)
Vocabulary and Sample Sentences
Here are some words that appear in the recording:
- reunion (noun): a get together of people who have been apart for a long time
– We are going to hold the class reunion on September first. - organize (verb): put together or plan an event
– Ashley organized a very fun party last Friday. - be in charge of (verb): have control, lead, or be responsible for something
– Who was in charge of buying the food and drinks for the reunion? - fit in (verb): feel a part of or belong to a group
– Why didn’t Amanda fit in during high school? - loner (noun): a person who is often alone or likes to be alone
– I was a loner back in high school, and I didn’t have any friends. - turn someone down (noun): reject or refuse someone
– James asked many girls out on dates, but they all turned him down. - awkward (adjective): uncomfortable or uneasy
– Meeting new people is sometimes awkward if you don’t know what to say and do. - guts (noun): courage
– I didn’t have the guts to ask Jessica out on a date. - confirm (verb): check
– Have you confirmed the date of the reunion?
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 do they now do for a living?