English Learning for Beginners: Birthday Party Chatter!

Dialogue

Current Situation

Birthday parties are joyful events where friends and family gather to celebrate someone’s special day. People often bring gifts, share a cake, and enjoy food and games. It’s a great chance to show appreciation for the person celebrating their birthday. In this dialogue, Alice and Bob are discussing their plans to attend a mutual friend’s birthday and trying to decide on the perfect gift.

Key Phrases

• Did you get an invitation?
  Example: “Did you get an invitation for the wedding next month?”
• Are you going?
  Example: “Are you going to the concert tonight?”
• I wouldn’t miss it!
  Example: “My favorite band is playing! I wouldn’t miss it!”
• What’s up? (An informal way to ask “What’s wrong?” or “What’s happening?”)
  Example: “You look worried. What’s up?”
• I can’t think of a good gift.
  Example: “It’s my mom’s birthday next week, and I can’t think of a good gift.”
• That sounds fun!
  Example: “Let’s go hiking this weekend!” “Oh, that sounds fun!”
• No worries! (An informal way to say “Don’t worry” or “It’s okay”)
  Example: “I’m sorry I’m late.” “No worries, the movie hasn’t started yet.”
• You’re on! (Used to accept a challenge, offer, or proposal)
  Example: “I bet I can beat you at chess!” “You’re on!”

Grammar Points

1. Talking About Future Plans: “To be” + verb-ing

We often use the present continuous tense (form of “to be” + verb-ing) to talk about future plans, especially when they are already arranged.

• Are you going? (Asking about a future plan)
• I am going to the party next Saturday.

This is common for social events, travel, and appointments.

2. “Can” and “Can’t” for Ability

“Can” means you have the ability to do something, while “can’t” (cannot) means you don’t.

• I can’t think of a good gift. (I don’t have the ability to think of one right now.)
• We can make a chocolate lava cake! (We have the ability to make one.)
• I can bake a cake. (I have the skill.)
• I can’t bake a cake. (I don’t have the skill.)

3. Asking Simple Questions (Yes/No and Wh-questions)

To ask questions, we often change the word order or use question words.

• Yes/No Questions: Start with “Did”, “Are”, “Is”, “Do”, etc.
  • Did you get an invitation? (Answer: Yes, I did / No, I didn’t)
  • Are you going? (Answer: Yes, I am / No, I’m not)
• Wh-questions: Start with “What”, “Where”, “Who”, “When”, “Why”, “How”.
  • What’s up? (Asking for information about a situation)
  • Any ideas? (A short way to ask “Do you have any ideas?”)

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences using words from the box: going, fun, miss, gift, worries

1. Are you ______ to the party next week?
   
   Show Answer

   going

2. I can’t think of a good ______ for my friend.
   
   Show Answer

   gift

3. Let’s go to the park! That sounds ______.
   
   Show Answer

   fun

4. It’s my favorite show tonight. I wouldn’t ______ it!
   
   Show Answer

   miss

5. “I’m sorry I broke your pen.” “No ______!”
   
   Show Answer

   worries

Exercise 2: Match the Questions and Answers

Match each question (1-4) with its correct answer (a-d).

1. Did you get the invitation?
2. Are you going to the party?
3. What’s up?
4. Can you bake a cake?

Answers:

a. Yes, I did!

b. No, I’m not good at it.

c. I have a problem with the gift.

d. Absolutely!

Exercise 3: Complete the sentences using ‘can’ or ‘can’t’.

1. I ______ speak English a little, but I ______ speak French.
Show Answer

can, can’t

2. A baby ______ walk, but it ______ crawl.
Show Answer

can’t, can

3. We ______ meet at 5 PM if you ______ make it earlier.
Show Answer

can, can’t