THEMATIC UNIT 2

OBJECTIVE:
Talk about places, unforgettable experiences and plans for a special day, using comparatives, superlatives,
and structures such as the present perfect with never and ever, be going to, want, would like, will/won't,
can and have to, in order to compare places, talk about past experiences, future plans, make decisions,
express obligations and possibilities clearly and effectively.

2.1 Urban places

Grammar: Comparatives
Vocabulary: Adjectives to describe places
Speaking: Compare places to visit
Listening for gist

2.2 Accommodation
Grammar: Superlatives
Vocabulary: Hotel and places to stay
Reading for specific information
Writing: Compare two places in the city

2.3 Have you ever ….?

Grammar: Present perfect with ever and never.
Vocabulary: verb phrases
Listening for specific information
Speaking: Life experiences

2.4 Speaking and communication

Speaking: Give and respond to news

2.5 Memorable Events

Grammar: Be going to, want and would like
Vocabulary: celebrations
Reading for the general idea
Speaking: A special celebration

2.6 Organising events

Grammar: will / won't for decisions and offers
Vocabulary: Organizing events
Listening for gist
Writing: Plan an event

2.7 Competition Guidelines

Grammar: can and have to
Vocabulary: ed and -ing adjectives
Reading for specific information
Speaking: An unusual race where you live

2.8 Speaking and communication

Speaking: Make plans to meet
 2.1 URBAN PLACES
Grammar: Comparatives
Vocabulary: Adjectives to describe places
Speaking: Compare places to visit
Listening for gist

LISTENING
A. Look at pictures A- F and discuss the questions.
1.What places can you visit in a city?
2.Which place would you like to visit? Why?

E
E F

B. Listen to the audio between Jake and Emma. Tick the places they mention in the
conversation. (Track 2.1)

Vocabulary Word ✓ Heard Places ✓ Heard

theater monument
art gallery shopping centre
parking lot street market
bank museum
stadium school

C. gListen to the audio again and answer the following questions. (Track 2.1)

1. What is the main idea of the b) Because parks are more crowded than
conversation? shopping centres.
a) Parks are cleaner than stadiums. c) Because parks are noisier than shopping
b) Some places in the city are more centres.
interesting than others. 3. Why does Jake say museums are better
c) Theatres are cheaper than shopping than shopping centres?
centres. a) Because museums are cheaper than
2. Why does Emma prefer parks to shopping shopping centres.
centres? b) Because museums are bigger than
a) Because parks are more peaceful than shopping centres.
c) Because museums are quieter than
shopping centres.
shopping centres
4. Which place from the audio would you like to visit ? Why?
____________________________________________________________________
VOCABULARY
A. Fill in the blanks with the correct adjective to describe places in the box.

beautiful - ugly - cheap - expensive - clean - dirty - crowded - empty - exciting - boring -
noisy - quiet - popular - unpopular

1. A stadium is very __________ during a football match, but it can be _________ when there is no
event.
2. A park is usually __________ and __________, but some parks can be __________ if people
leave trash.
3. A theatre is a __________ place to watch a play, but some people find it__________.
4. A museum is an __________ place to visit, and it is usually__________.
5. A shopping centre is __________ on weekends, but early in the morning, it is__________.
6. A monument can be very__________ and __________ with tourists, but some old monuments
become__________.
7. An art gallery is __________ and__________, but sometimes the paintings can be__________.
8. A square is a__________ place where people meet, but some squares in small towns are
_______.
B. Work in pairs or small groups. Take turns to read the description below and guess the correct
place from the list.

a theatre an art gallery a square a bank a stadium a monument

a shopping centre a square

1. This is a place where people watch plays and musicals. It is often beautiful inside, but tickets can be
expensive. What is it? __________
2. It has paintings and sculptures. It is usually quiet and interesting. What is it? __________
3. It keeps money safe, and people come here to save and withdraw or deposit money. What is it?
__________
4. People cheer loudly here when their favorite team plays. It can be noisy and exciting, but also dirty
after a big game. What is it? __________
5. It is old and beautiful, and many tourists take pictures of it. It can be a statue or a historic structure.
What is it? __________
6. It is full of shops. It is modern, but It can also be crowded on weekends. What is it? __________
7. People relax here, It has a big space where people can attend concerts, festivals, or performances.
What is it? __________
GRAMMAR
COMPARATIVE FORM RULE EXAMPLE SENTENCE
A park is cleaner than a street
Short adjectives (one syllable) Add -er
market.
A square is busier than a
Short adjectives ending in -y Change -y to -ier
bank.
Short adjectives ending in A stadium is bigger than a
Double the last letter + -er
consonant-vowel-consonant theatre.
A museum is more interesting
Long adjectives (two or more than a shopping centre.
Use more or less + adjective
syllables) A stadium is less popular than
an art gallery.
 IRREGULAR COMPARATIVES
Adjective Comparative Form Example Sentence
good better A theatre is better than a stadium for a quiet evening.
A street market is worse than a bank for keeping
bad worse
money safe.
A monument is farther than the shopping centre from
far farther / further
here.

COMPARATIVE USING "AS...AS"

Structure Example Sentence
as + adjective + as A park is as clean as a museum.
as + adjective + as A shopping centre is as busy as a stadium.
as + adjective + as A street market isn’t as big as a square.

A. Complete the sentences with the correct comparative form of the adjectives in parentheses.
1. This park is ________ (beautiful)than the one near my house.
2. The city center is ________ (noisy)the train station. Both places are very loud.
3. That new café is ________ (popular) than the one downtown. Fewer people visit it.
4. The shopping mall isn’t ________(crowd) than the market on weekends. There are fewer
people.
5. This movie is ________ (exciting) than the last one we watched. It’s a bit boring.

B. Unscramble the words to form comparative sentences.

1. a square / beautiful / An art gallery / is / than / more
________________________________________________

2. A shopping centre / lively / a bank / less / is / than

_________________________________________________

3. old / A monument / a stadium / is / more / than

_________________________________________________

4. crowded / A shopping centre / as / a square / is / as

_________________________________________________

5. peaceful / A bank / a shopping centre / is / less / than

_______________________________________

SPEAKING
A. Work in pairs, compare two places you have visited. Use these questions as a guide.
1. Which place is more beautiful?
2. Which one is cheaper to visit?
3. Which place is more exciting to visit?

B. Take notes and share the information with the class.

 2.2 ACCOMMODATION
Grammar: Superlatives
Vocabulary: Hotel and places to stay
Reading for specific information
Writing: Compare two places in the city

READING
A. Look at the pictures. Where do you like to stay when you go on a trip: a hotel, hostel, or
campsite? Why?

B. Read the following text about Hotels and Places to Stay. Answer the questions.
Are you planning a trip? There are many places to stay, from hotels
to campsites. Choosing the best place depends on what you like.
If you want the most comfortable stay, a hotel is the best choice. A
four-star hotel usually has a 24-hour reception and the most
beautiful view in the room. Some hotels offer the best free services,
such as airport transfer. Breakfast is often included, so you can enjoy
the most delicious meal in the morning.
Bed and Breakfast (B&B) is one of the friendliest places to stay. The
owners usually live there and prepare the best breakfast for guests.
A holiday cottage is the most private option. You can stay in a small
house and cook your own meals.
A resort is the most relaxing option for a vacation. Resorts often have the largest swimming pools,
the best restaurants, and the most organised tours. If you love nature, a campsite is the cheapest
and the most adventurous choice. You can sleep in a tent or a caravan and enjoy the fresh air.
For budget travelers, a hostel is the cheapest and the most fun place to stay. You can meet the
most interesting travelers and share a room. If you want the biggest space, you can rent an
apartment.
There are so many places to stay! What is the best choice for you?

1. What is the reading about? 3. What is included in most hotels?

a) Different places to stay while a) A free dinner
traveling b) A swimming pool
b) The history of hotels c) Breakfast
c) The best restaurants for tourists 4. Which accommodation is the cheapest
2. Which type of accommodation is the if you are an adventure lover?
most relaxing? a) A campsite
a) A hostel b) A hostel
b) A resort c) A hotel
c) A campsite
5. What type of accommodation do you think is the best, and why?
_____________________________________________________________________
VOCABULARY
A. Classify the words about hotels and places to stay.
four-star resort luxurious
breakfast included holiday cottage cheap
24-hour reception airport transfer double room

Types of Accommodation Hotel Features Services

B. Match the sentences halves.

Answer
1. A five-star hotel a) the most adventurous place for people who love
is... nature.
2. A hostel is... b) the most private type of accommodation.
c) the biggest swimming pools and the best
3. A resort has...
restaurants.
4. A holiday cottage d) the cheapest and most fun option for young
is... travelers.
5. A campsite is... e) the most comfortable place to stay.

C. Complete the sentences with the correct phrase in the box. There are some extra ones you will not
use.
airport transfer free service room view double room
breakfast included organised tour four-star 24-hour reception

1. Many hotels offer an __________ so guests can get from the airport to the hotel easily.
2. If you book a hotel with __________, you don’t need to pay extra for your morning meal.
3. A(n) __________ helps tourists explore new places with a guide.
4. Wi-Fi is a common __________ that hotels provide without extra cost.
5. Our hotel room had a beautiful __________ of the sea.

GRAMMAR
Rule Superlative Form Example Sentence
A campsite is the cheapest
Short adjectives → Add –est The cheapest
option for travelers.
Short adjectives ending in -y
Staying in a cozy cottage made
→ Change "y" to "i" and add- The happiest
our trip the happiest experience.
est
Long adjectives (3+ syllables) A five-star hotel is the most
The most comfortable
→ Use the most comfortable place to stay.
IRREGULAR

Example Sentence
Rule Superlative Form

A five-star hotel offers the best

good The best
service.
That old motel had the worst
bad The worst
rooms I have ever seen.
This resort is the farthest from
far The farthest, or furthest
the city center.

A. Complete the sentences using the correct superlative form of the adjectives in parentheses.
1. A luxury hotel is the _________ (expensive) to stay.
2. The ____________ (comfortable) place to visit is a resort.
3. A campsite is the ____________ (cheap) option for travelers.
4. A hotel usually has the _____________ (big) rooms.
5. The __________ (beautiful) views are from a seaside resort.

B. Circle the correct superlative form for each sentence.

1. This hotel is (the best / the most good / the better) in the city.
2. That was (the baddest / the worst / the most bad) experience I have had.
3. This resort is (the furthest / the more far / the farthest) from the beach.
4. This restaurant serves (the most / the muchest / the more) delicious food in town.
5. That hotel provides (the least / the littlest / the less) expensive rooms.

WRITING

A. Think about your last trip. Answer these questions.

1. Where did you stay? A hotel or hostel. Which is better?
2. How was the food? Was it tasty?
3. Which was the most exciting place you visited?
4. Would you recommend it? Why?

B. Write down a paragraph about your last trip for about 80 or 100 words.

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________
 2.3 HAVE YOU EVER ….?
Grammar: Present perfect with ever and never and
past simple.
Vocabulary: verb phrases
Listening for specific information
Speaking: Life experiences
VOCABULARY
A. Write the correct phrase in the box under each image. There are extra ones you will not use.
be asleep in public go skiing
break a bone learn to swim
cook a meal ride a bike
drive a sports car share a photo online
eat with chopsticks visit an art gallery
fall asleep in public watch a football match / on TV

1 2 3

______________________ ______________________ ______________________

4 5 6

_______________________ ______________________ _______________________

B. Complete these sentences so they are TRUE for you. Use the phrases in exercise A to help you.
Then share them with your classmates.
1. Last year, I ……
2. When I was a child, I ...…
3. One day, I ……
4. I once ……
5. I felt sad when I …….
LISTENING

A. Work in pairs and discuss the question.

1. Have you ever done something exciting? Talk about it.

B. Listen to the podcast and answer the following questions. (Track 2.2)

1. What is the main topic of Liam and Sophie’s podcast?

a) Their daily routines
b) Their favorite places
c) Their life experiences

2. How do Liam and Sophie feel about trying new things?

a) They are excited
b) Some things are fun, and some are scary.
c) They have done everything already.

3. Why did Liam miss his stop on the train?

a) He fell asleep.
b) He was listening to music.
c) He got off at the wrong station

4. Has Sophie ever learned to swim?

a) Yes, she swims very well
b) No, she doesn’t like deep water
c) Yes, but she doesn’t swim often

5. Which experience do you think is the most interesting, and why?

GRAMMAR
Grammar Point Use Example

- Used in questions to ask if Have you ever eaten sushi?

something has happened at any
Present Perfect with Ever and time in someone's life.
Never - Used in negative sentences to
say something has not
I have never ridden a horse.
happened at any time.
Used to say when something
I ate sushi last night. / I broke
Past Simple happened (specific time in the
my leg in 2020.
past).
A. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in parentheses: Present perfect or past
simple. Use ever or never as needed.
1. Have you __________ (meet) a famous person?
2. I don’t like animals. I have ___________ (ride) a horse.
3. Has your brother _________ (break) a bone?
4. She _________ (fall) asleep in a public concert last summer.
5. Have you _________ (share) a photo online?
6. He doesn’t visit beaches because he has __________ (learn) to swim.

B. Write sentences or questions using present perfect or past simple.

Example: Have you ever ridden a horse?
1. ( ever - ride a horse?) ___________________________________________________
2. (never visit another country.) ___________________________________________________
3. (watch a scary movie.) ___________________________________________________
4. (eat sushi?) ___________________________________________________
5. (drive a car yesterday.) ___________________________________________________
SPEAKING
A. Work in pairs. One student will be the interviewer, and the other will answer the questions.
Switch roles.
1. Have you ever gone skiing? Where?
2. Have you ever visited an art gallery? What did you see?
3. Have you ever cooked a meal by yourself? What was it?
4. Have you ever eaten with chopsticks? Was it easy?
5. Have you ever fallen asleep in public? Where?
6. Have you ever broken a bone? How?

B. During the interview, take notes and be ready to report.

 2.4 SPEAKING AND COMMUNICATION
Speaking: Give and respond to news

A. What kind of news do you usually give or receive?

B.Pair work. How would you react in each situation?

1. Someone told you your best friend had an accident.

2. A family member won the lottery.
3. Your dad got a well-paid job.
4. Your boyfriend or girlfriend is dating another person.

C. Listen to the conversation between Sam and Olivia. Tick the phrases you hear in the table.
(Track 2.3)
Functions Useful Phrase Tick
Guess what!
Giving News
Have you heard about ...?
How are things?
Asking for News
How have you been?
That’s
(brilliant/great/fantastic)!
That’s (fantastic/great/good)
Responding to Good News news.
Lucky you!
Sounds
(amazing/brilliant/great)!
Sorry to hear that.
Responding to Bad News What a shame/That’s a shame.
That’s (awful/sad/not good).

D. Listen to the conversation again. Put the sentences in order (1-6). (Track 2.3)
1.Olivia shares exciting news about her job.
2. Sam tells Olivia some bad news about his best friend.
3. Sam and Olivia talk about a new phone, but they decide to wait for a discount.
4. Olivia and Sam discuss Emma’s upcoming trip to Thailand.
5. Olivia asks Sam how he has been.
6. They decide to meet for coffee and talk about their plans.

E. Work in pairs. Look at the pictures and choose one. Then make a conversation giving and
responding to news. You can use the useful language to help you.
1. Asking for News:
"Hey, how have you been?"
2. Giving News:
"Guess what? I’ve got a new
job!"
"I have some good news, too –
I’ve bought a new flat!"
3. Responding to Good News:
"That’s brilliant! What is it?"
"That’s fantastic news!"
2.5 MEMORABLE EVENTS
Grammar: Be going to, want and would like
Vocabulary: Celebrations
Reading for the general idea
Speaking: A special celebration

READING
A. Look at the pictures. Work in pairs. What was your last celebration? Who did you celebrate
with? What did you do?

B. Read the article about George’s Favorite celebrations and decide if the statements are true or
false.
1. George is going to celebrate his birthday next week. ____
2. Last year, they had a festival at home. ____
3. Next month, they want to take their cousin to famous places. ____

C. Read again and answer the following questions.

1. What are they going to do at the
birthday party? 2. Where did George and his family
a. Give gifts and have a dinner go for a public holiday?
party a. To a park
b. Go to a restaurant b. To a concert
c. Watch fireworks c. To a traditional restaurant
 3. What did they do after eating at 4. What does his cousin want to do
the restaurant? next month?
a. Went home to sleep a. Go to a festival and visit the city
b. Contacted old friends and b. Stay at home all day
watched a festival c. Watch TV
c. Played video games
5. Why are celebrations important?
___________________________________________________

D. Pair work. What would you like to do for your next birthday? Where would you like to celebrate
it?

VOCABULARY: CELEBRATIONS
A. Can you name some celebrations in your country? Which is your favorite?
________________________________________________________________________

B. Complete the sentences with the correct word from the box.

1. In my country, we __________________________ New Year’s Eve with fireworks.

2. I love to __________________________ at Christmas because it makes people happy.
3. We will __________________________ this weekend and have a picnic.
4. Many people enjoy ________________where they can watch music and dance
performances.
5. This Friday is a ____________________________ , so we don’t have to go to work!
6. When I visit my hometown, I always __________________________ and talk about old
times.
7. Every year, we ____________________________ with friends and eat together.
8. On my birthday, I like to __________________________ at my favorite restaurant.
9. Weddings often include _________________________ customs like special dances.
10. When you are on vacation, it is important to__________________________ and relax.

C. Work in pairs. Match words 1-10 with a-j

1. Celebrate ____ a. To give something special to someone.
2. Give gifts ____ b. To eat at a restaurant instead of at home.
3. Go out for a meal ____ c. Related to customs and culture.
4. Public holiday ____ d. To do something special for an event.
5. Traditional ____ e. A day when people do not work or go to school.
6. Contact old Friends ____ f. To enjoy yourself and feel happy.
7. Festivals ____ g. To communicate with people you have not seen in a long
time.
8. Get together ____ h. To meet with family or friends.
9. Have dinner parties ____ i. A big event with music, dancing, and food.
10. Have fun ____ j. To invite people to your house and eat together.
GRAMMAR

A. Complete the conversation with the correct form of the verbs.

Carlos: Hey, Ana! We 1 __________________ (be going, celebrate) my birthday next Saturday.
Would you like to come?

Ana: That sounds great! I 2 _________________ (would like, come). What are you going to do?

Carlos: We 3 _______________ (be going, have) a dinner party at my house and then go out for
a meal at a traditional restaurant.

Ana: That sounds fun! I 4 _________________ (want, give) you a special gift. What would you
like?

Carlos: Oh, you don’t have to! But if you want, I 5_____________ (would like) something related
to music.

Ana: Perfect! 6____________________ (you be going, contact) old friends for the party?

Carlos: Yes! I 7________________ (want, invite) some old friends from school. We haven’t seen
each other in a long time.

Ana: That’s a great idea. I’m sure we 8_________________ (be going, have) fun at your
celebration!

B. Identify and correct the mistakes in the sentences below.

1. He going to have fun at the festival. _____________________________

2. Lucy don’t want to celebrate my birthday. ________________________________

3. They are go to have a traditional dinner party. ________________________________

4. She would likes to contact her old friends. _______________________________

5. We not going to give gifts this year. _____________________________

6. You are going to celebrate your birthday? ________________________________

SPEAKING:
A SPECIAL CELEBRATION
A. Think of a special celebration in your city/country happening soon and answer the following
questions:
▪ When are you going to celebrate it?
▪ What are you going to do at the festival this year?
▪ Where are you going to celebrate?
▪ Who are you going to celebrate with?

B. Work in groups. Take turns telling your classmates about your special celebration. Use the
useful phrases to help you.

Useful Phrases I’m going to celebrate a special

A big celebration for me is (my daughter’s
festival next month. This year,
birthday).
I’m going to enjoy the festival
I’m going to have fun (with friends/my family).
with my family at the local park.
We’re going to (have a picnic).
We’re going to watch the
I’d also like to (play some games).
parade, eat traditional food, and
What do you (want to do)?
enjoy the music…
2.6 ORGANISING EVENTS
Grammar: will / won't for decisions and offers
Vocabulary: Organizing events
Listening for gist
Writing: Plan an event

LISTENING
A. Discuss with a partner: Have you ever organized a surprise party? What things do you need to
plan for a birthday party?

B. Listen to Leah and Joe and answer the questions. (track 2.6)

1. Who was the party organized for? 3. What will Leah do for
a. Joe the party?
b. Leah a. Make some food
c. Sandy b. Book the DJ
c. Send invitations
2. Where do Leah and Joe decide to
have the party? 4. What type of food will
a. At a club Joe prepare?
b. At a restaurant a. Lasagna and salad
c. At Sandy’s house b. Burgers and fries
c. Pizza and sandwiches
5. What does Leah need to do one week before the party?
_______________________________________________

C. Listen again and tick (✔) the statements that are true and correct the false ones.
1. Sandy knows about the surprise party.
2. Leah will send the invitations.
3. Leah will buy a chocolate cake.
4. Joe suggests playing Charades and musical chairs for the party.

D. Pair work: What would you change about Leah and Joe’s party? What else can they add to make
the celebration even better?
GRAMMAR
WILL / WON’T FOR DECISIONS AND OFFERS
Form Example Sentence

✅ Affirmative (Will + base verb) I will book the DJ for the party.
She will bake a chocolate cake.
❌ Negative (Won’t + base verb) He won’t forget to send the invitations.
We won’t have the party at a restaurant.
❓ Questions (Will + subject + base verb + Will you make some food for the party?
?) Will they plan any games?
📝 Short Answers Yes, I will. / No, I won’t.
Yes, they will. / No, they won’t.

A. Complete the sentences with will or won’t and a verb in parenthesis.

1. We__________________________ (choose) the music playlist.
2. She _________________________ (remind) the guests a week before the party.
3. I ____________________________ (rent) a photo stand because it’s too expensive.
4. They ________________________ (plan) the games for the party.
5. He __________________________ (decorate) the place with balloons and fairy lights.
6. We__________________________ (prepare) snacks and drinks for everyone.

B. Match the Sentence Halves to form complete and logical sentences.

Sentence Starters Sentence Endings

1. She will open the window… ___ a. because I'm so tired.
2. I will order a pizza… ___ b. because it's very hot here.
3. We will go to the supermarket…___ c. so, I will get my umbrella.
4. I won't go out tonight… d. because we don't have any milk.
___ e. because I'm hungry.
5. Look, it's starting to rain… ___

VOCABULARY
ORGANIZING EVENTS
A. Work in pairs. Discuss What is the first thing you do when you are organizing an event? What
makes a party fun and memorable for you?

B. Complete the To-Do List with the verbs in the box.

 enjoy make (x3)
remind plan
bake send choose
set

C. Read the conversation and choose the correct option. Then check your answers.

A: Hi Tommy! I'm planning a party, but I'm a bit lost.

B: Hey Nicole! That sounds fun. What do you need help with?
A: Well, first, I need to 1 set / send a date and time. What about next Saturday, at 8
p.m.?
B: Sounds good. And have you 2 chosen/made a place?
A: Not yet. Maybe my house? Or a small room at the community center.
B: The community center is good if you have a lot of people. Do you want music?
A: Yes! I need to 3 book/plan a DJ.
B: Okay. Then, you need to 4 play/make a guest list.
A: Right, and then 5 remind/send the invitations.
B: What about food? Are you going to 6 bake/book a cake?
A: Yes, a chocolate cake! And I'll 7 make/set some food, like snacks and chips.
B: Nice. You should also 8 bake /plan activities to do, like some games.
A: Good idea. I'll get some board games. And I need to 9 make/book a shopping list
too.
B: Don't forget to 10 set /remind people a few days before the party.
A: Thanks, Tommy! You've helped a lot!

WRITING
PLAN AN EVENT
A. Work in groups. Plan an event together. Decide what kind of event you want to organize. Use
the ideas below or your own ideas.
• a class picnic
• a surprise party
• a birthday party
• a friends' game night
• a music festival
• a sports evento
B. Make a To-do List of the things you need to organize.

C. Write down about your special event. Write around 80 to 100 words using the grammar and
vocabulary checked in this lesson, and the ideas from the previous tasks.

We're going to have an "International Food Day". It's on June 15th at 2 PM in the main hall.
Maria will buy drinks and snacks. David will bring …

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________
2.7 COMPETITION GUIDELINES
Grammar: can/can’t and have to/has to
Vocabulary: Sports - ed and -ing adjectives
Reading for specific information
Speaking: An unusual competition in your city

READING
A. Discuss with your partner. What do you think is an unusual competition? Can you guess some
examples?

B. Read the post and answer the following questions.

People love to compete, and some competitions are very unusual! Around the world, there are
many bizarre competitions where people show off their special skills in very strange ways.

One example is the World Tin Bath Championship, which takes place every year on the Isle of
Man. In this competition, participants must sit in small tin bathtubs and row across the water.
The winner is the person who crosses the finish line first or stays afloat the longest without
sinking. This funny event started in 1971 and is held to raise money for charity.

Another bizarre competition is Cockroach Racing in Australia. This event started in 1982 and
takes place on Australia Day. People bring their own cockroaches and let them race on a track.
The first cockroach to reach the finish line wins!

In England, people take part in the Black Pudding Throwing Competition. Black pudding is a
type of sausage, and the goal is to throw it as far as possible. This tradition is over 100 years
old!

There are even more strange competitions, like Cheese Rolling, Bee Wearing, Nailympia,
Mobile Phone Throwing, and Toe Wrestling. These events may sound crazy, but they bring
people together and create a lot of fun memories!
1. Where does the World Tin Bath 3. What is black pudding?
Championship take place? a. A type of cake
a. England b. A kind of sausage
b. The Isle of Man c. A fruit pudding
c. Australia
2. What is the goal in the cockroach 4. Which of these is NOT mentioned as
racing competition? a bizarre competition in the text?
a. To catch a cockroach a. Wife carrying
b. To train a cockroach to do tricks b. Cheese rolling
c. To make the cockroach race to the c. Toe wrestling
finish line first
5. Why do people participate in these bizarre competitions?
___________________________________________________________________

C. Discuss with your partner. Which of these competitions would you like to try? Why?
VOCABULARY
SPORTS & ED AND -ING ADJECTIVES
A. Match the sports vocabulary 1-15with its correct picture A-O.

B. Fill in the blanks with the words or phrases from the box. There are some extra options you won’t
use.

coach bat team racket match

fan winner hit the ball kick the ball race
soccer player score a goal throw the ball pitch court

1. The football player ran across the _____________ and prepared to shoot.
2. In basketball, you need to __________________to your teammates.
3. The ____________ trained the players every day to improve their skills.
4. The tennis player used a ___________ to hit the ball over the net.
5. A baseball player uses a ___________ to hit the ball.
6. The fastest runner won the___________.
7. He was very happy when he managed to __________ a goal in the final minutes of the game.
8. The soccer player had to ___________ the ball into the goal.
9. A basketball game is played on a ___________.
10. The excited ___________ cheered loudly when their team won the match.

ADJECTIVE TYPES: -ED and -ING

Adjective Type When to use It? Example Sentence
To describe feelings or emotions of a person I am bored because the match is
-ED Adjectives
or animal. too slow.
ADJECTIVE TYPES: -ED and -ING

Adjective Type When to use It? Example Sentence

To describe the cause of a feeling (a thing, The match is boring, so I don’t want
-ING Adjectives
situation, or person). to watch it.

A. Choose the correct form of the adjective (-ED or -ING).

1. The football match was really (boring / bored). I almost fell asleep!
2. The fans were (exciting / excited) when their team won the championship.
3. Running a marathon is very (tiring / tired).
4. The coach looked (worried / worrying) because his team was losing.
5. That tennis match was very (interesting / interested)! I watched it until the end.
6. After the long race, the athlete felt (tired / tiring) and needed to rest.
7. The final score was very (surprising / surprised). No one expected that team to win!
8. The basketball game was so (exciting / excited) that the fans couldn't stop cheering.
9. She was (relaxed / relaxing) after a long training session at the gym.
10. The player was (bored / boring) because the training was too easy.

GRAMMAR

CAN / CAN’T & HAVE TO / HAS TO

Form CAN / CAN’T (Possibility) HAVE TO / HAS TO (Obligation)

We can go to the amusement park. She has to finish her homework. The
Affirmative
It’s so exciting! test is worrying.
We have to wake up early. The trip will
He can sleep now. He looks very tired.
be tiring but fun!
I can’t concentrate. This book is really He doesn’t have to go to work today. He
Negative
boring. feels so relaxed.

She can’t stop smiling. She’s really They don’t have to take an exam. Their
excited about her trip. teacher is surprised by their progress.

Can they go home now? They feel Does she have to work late? Her job is
Question
relaxed after the spa. interesting but demanding.
Can you believe this news? It’s really Do we have to walk all the way there? It
surprising! sounds boring.

Short Yes, they can. Yes, she does.

Answers No, they can’t. No, she doesn’t.

A. Fill in the blanks with "can" or "can't".

Complete the sentences using can or can’t.
1. Rob __________ play basketball very well. He’s the best player on the team!
2. I __________ swim, but I want to learn next summer.
3. My brother __________ run very fast. He always wins races.
4. She __________ play tennis because she has a broken arm.
 5. You __________ play football in the street. It’s too dangerous!
6. We __________ ride bikes in the park on Sundays. It’s our favorite activity!

B. Select the correct answer for each sentence.

1. She ( has to / doesn’t have to ) wake up early for school, so she feels sick.
2. We ( have to / don’t have to ) do homework on the weekend, so we feel relaxed.
3. He ( has to / doesn’t have to ) learn more English words.
4. Do we ( have to / has to ) go to the party? I'm really tired.
5. She ( has to / doesn’t have to ) clean her room today, so she’s happy.

C. Choose the correct option (CAN / CAN’T / HAVE TO / DON’T HAVE TO).

1. He ___ drive a car because he is only 14

years old.
a. can
b. can’t
c. don’t have to
2. We ___ leave now, we need to catch
the train.
a. can
b. can’t
c. have to

3. You ___ bring your own towel; the hotel

gives you one.
a. don’t have to
b. can’t
c. have to
4. She ___ swim very fast! She is an
athlete.
a. can
b. can’t
c. have to
SPEAKING
AN UNUSUAL COMPETITION IN YOUR CITY
A. Work in pairs. Have you ever heard of a strange competition in your city or country? Which
one?
B. Work in groups. Think of or invent an unusual competition that could take place in your city or
country.

Guiding questions
What is the name of the competition?
Where does it happen?
What are the rules?
What do participants have to do?
What does the winner receive?

C. Tell the class about your competition.

Useful phrases
Our competition will be _____
The (event) is (in June).
It starts at (9 a.m.) in _______.
The winners get (a prize).
(People/participants) have to/don't have
to/can/can't …
(bring water, run, jump, eat, etc.)
2.8 SPEAKING AND COMMUNICATION:
Speaking: Make plans to meet

A. Pair work. Look at the pictures above and answer the following questions.

a. Have you ever done these things with your friends?

b. How often do you meet with your friends?
c. What kind of plans do you have with your friends?
d. What was your last plan with your friends?

B. Listen to the conversation and answer the following questions. (track 2.8)

Questions Answers
1. Where does Sophia invite Jake to
go?
2. Why can’t Jake meet at 2 o’clock?
3. What time do they decide to meet?

4. Where will they meet?

5. Who is unsure about coming?

C. Listen to the conversation again, and put the sentences in the correct order (1-6)

a. Jake suggests inviting Mia and Tom. 1. ________

b. Sophia and Jake decide to meet at 4 o’clock. 2. ________
c. Sophia invites Jake to the park on Saturday. 3. ________
d. Jake explains that he has a dentist appointment at 4. ________
2.
e. Mia agrees to come, but Tom is unsure. 5. ________
f. They plan to bring snacks and drinks. 6. ________

D. Work in pairs. Create a conversation. Making plans to meet. Choose one scenario from the
chart below. Use the useful expressions presented in the lesson.
Inviting People
Would you like to come?
Do you want to meet up
(this Friday)?
Do you want to join us?
Responding to Invitations Scenario 1: Inviting a friend to Scenario 2: Inviting a classmate
I'd love to! the cinema to a party
Yes, that sounds
(fun/great).
I don't think I can, sorry.
I'm sorry I can't, I'm busy.
Organizing When and
Where to Meet
Where/What time shall we
meet?
Shall we meet (at ten/at the
park)? Scenario 3: Inviting a friend to Scenario 4: Inviting a friend to
Let's meet (in front of the play football study together
bank/at five o'clock).
Responding to Suggestions
That's a good idea.
I'm not sure about that