TRANSCRIPT

# Introduction to the Episode

Host Alex:
Hi, everyone! Welcome back to another episode of English on the Go, where we help you learn English anywhere and everywhere. I’m Alex, your host for today’s episode. We’ve got a fun topic lined up for you, so I hope you're ready to listen, learn, and improve your English!

# Introduction to the Topic

Host Alex:
Today, we’re going to talk about something everyone enjoys: birthdays! Birthdays are special moments in our lives, and we all celebrate them differently. Whether it's a big party with friends or a quiet dinner with family, it's a great chance to connect with loved ones. In today’s conversation, Lisa and Clem will share their thoughts about how they celebrate their birthdays. So, let's jump in!

# Pre-listening Questions

Host Alex:
Before we dive into today’s conversation, I want you to think about a few questions to prepare yourself. These will help you focus on the main ideas and get you thinking about the topic.

How do you usually celebrate your birthday?
What is your favorite birthday memory?
Do you prefer big birthday parties or small gatherings with family?

# Conversation

Lisa: Hi Clem! Guess what? My birthday is coming up next week!
Clem: That’s exciting, Lisa! Do you have anything special planned?
Lisa: I do! I’m going to have a small gathering at home with my family. It’ll be a simple celebration with my favorite cake.
Clem: That sounds lovely. What kind of cake are you having?
Lisa: Chocolate, of course! It’s my favorite. What about you? When’s your birthday?
Clem: My birthday is in July. I usually don’t have a big party, but I like to go out with friends for dinner.
Lisa: That’s a nice way to celebrate. Do you have a favorite place to go for your birthday?
Clem: There’s a pizza restaurant I love. They always make me feel special when I go there on my birthday.
Lisa: Pizza sounds great! I like keeping birthdays simple, too. Have you ever had a surprise party?
Clem: I have! Last year, my friends surprised me with a party at the park. I didn’t expect it at all!
Lisa: Wow, I’ve never had a surprise party before. That must’ve been so much fun!
Clem: It really was. I couldn’t believe they planned it without me knowing! Are you expecting any special presents this year?
Lisa: I’m hoping to get a new bike. I’ve been wanting one for a long time now. What about you?
Clem: I’m not sure what I’ll get, but I don’t really ask for anything specific. I’m happy with anything thoughtful.
Lisa: That’s a good attitude. I think the best gift is spending time with people you care about.
Clem: Absolutely ! It’s all about making memories. I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful birthday with your family.

# Vocabulary Analysis

Host Alex:
Now that you’ve heard the conversation, let’s look at some useful words and phrases. Here are five words to help you talk about birthdays:

Gathering (noun): A small group of people meeting together.
Example: "I'm having a small gathering at home for my birthday."
Celebrate (verb): To do something special for an event.
Example: "How do you usually celebrate your birthday?"
Surprise party (noun): A party planned in secret to surprise someone.
Example: "Last year, my friends surprised me with a party at the park."
Present (noun): Another word for "gift."
Example: "Are you expecting any special presents this year?"
Memories (noun): Things we remember from the past, often happy times.
Example: "It’s all about making memories."

Now, let's listen to the conversation again. As you do, pay close attention and try to identify the vocabulary words we discussed earlier. See how they are used in context

# Comprehension Questions

Host Alex:
Let’s take a moment to check your understanding of today’s conversation. I’ll ask a few questions to help you reflect on what was discussed. Try to answer them based on what you heard.

1. What kind of celebration is Lisa planning for her birthday?

2. What type of cake does Lisa like?

3. How does Clem usually celebrate his birthday?

4. Where does Clem like to go for his birthday?

5. What special present is Lisa hoping for?

# Post-listening Questions

Host Alex:
Now, let’s go beyond today’s conversation and apply what you’ve learned. I have a few more questions for you to consider. How can you relate these ideas to your own life?

Do you prefer having a small gathering or a big birthday party?
What’s the most memorable birthday present you’ve received?
Have you ever had a surprise birthday party? How did it make you feel?

# Conclusion

Host Alex:
Thanks for joining me today! I hope this conversation inspired you to talk about your birthday in English. We’ve also prepared a special free PDF for this episode, full of useful tips and vocabulary to help you learn more. Make sure to check it out! See you next time on English on the Go!

# Vocabulary Summary

Word	Type	Definition	Example
Gathering	Noun	A small group of people meeting together	"I'm having a small gathering at home for my birthday."
Celebrate	Verb	To do something special for an event	"How do you usually celebrate your birthday?"
Surprise party	Noun	A party planned in secret to surprise someone	"Last year, my friends surprised me with a party."
Present	Noun	Another word for "gift"	"Are you expecting any special presents this year?"
Memories	Noun	Things we remember from the past, often happy times	"It’s all about making memories."

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EXERCISE

EXERCISE 01: Fill in the Blanks

Instructions: Listen to the conversation and fill in the blanks with the missing words.

Lisa: Hi Clem! Guess what? My __________ (1) is coming up next week!
Clem: That’s exciting, Lisa! Do you have anything special __________ (2)?
Lisa: I do! I’m going to have a small __________ (3) at home with my family.
Clem: That sounds lovely. What kind of __________ (4) are you having?
Lisa: Chocolate, of course! It’s my favorite. What about you? When’s your __________ (5)?
Clem: My birthday is in July. I usually don’t have a big __________ (6), but I like to go out with friends for dinner.
Lisa: That’s a nice way to celebrate. Do you have a favorite __________ (7) to go for your birthday?
Clem: There’s a pizza __________ (8) I love. They always make me feel special when I go there on my birthday.
Lisa: Pizza sounds great! I like keeping birthdays __________ (9), too. Have you ever had a __________ (10) party?

Answer Key

1. birthday

2. small gathering

3. simple celebration

4. chocolate

5. favorite

6. birthday

7. pizza restaurant

8. surprise party

9. special presents

10. new bike

EXERCISE 02: Multiple Choice

Instructions: Choose the correct answer for each question based on the conversation.

What kind of cake is Lisa having?
a) Vanilla
b) Chocolate
c) Strawberry
When is Clem’s birthday?
a) In April
b) In July
c) In December
Where does Clem like to go for his birthday?
a) A pizza restaurant
b) A burger joint
c) A sushi place
What special present is Lisa hoping to get?
a) A new phone
b) A new bike
c) A new dress
What does Clem think is the best gift?
a) A surprise party
b) A thoughtful present
c) Spending time with loved ones

Answer Key

1. (b) A small gathering at home with her family.

2. (a) Chocolate.

3. (d) Pizza restaurant.

4. (c) A new bike.

5. (b) A surprise party at the park.

EXERCISE 03: True or False

Instructions: Write “True” or “False” for each statement.

Lisa is having a big party with lots of friends.
Clem had a surprise party last year at a park.
Lisa’s favorite type of cake is vanilla.
Clem prefers to have big parties for his birthday.
Lisa thinks the best gift is spending time with family.

Answer Key

1. True

2. False (Clem’s birthday is in July.)

3. True

4. False (Clem’s friends threw him a surprise party at the park.)

5. True

EXERCISE 04: Sentence Reordering

Instructions: The sentences below are out of order. Rearrange them to form the correct sequence as in the conversation.

a) Lisa: I’m hoping to get a new bike.
b) Clem: My birthday is in July.
c) Clem: That’s exciting, Lisa! Do you have anything special planned?
d) Lisa: Wow, I’ve never had a surprise party before.
e) Lisa: Hi Clem! Guess what? My birthday is coming up next week!

Answer Key

1. Lisa → (c) Wants a new bike for her birthday

2. Clem → (a) Likes to go out for pizza on his birthday

3. Clem's friends → (b) Threw him a surprise party

4. Lisa's birthday → (e) Next week

5. Clem's birthday → (d) In July

EXERCISE 05: Matching

Instructions: Match the items from Column A with their descriptions in Column B.

Column A	Column B
1. Lisa’s birthday	a) Took place at a park last year
2. Clem’s birthday	b) Next week
3. Surprise party	c) Chocolate cake
4. Lisa’s favorite cake	d) Hopes to receive a bike
5. Lisa’s gift wish	e) In July

Answer Key

1. Lisa: My birthday is next week!

2. Clem: I love going out with my friends for my birthday.

3. Lisa: I’m having a small gathering at home with my family.

4. Clem: Last year, my friends threw me a surprise party at the park.

5. Lisa: I’m hoping to get a new bike for my birthday.

EXERCISE 06: Choose the Correct Word

Instructions: Choose the correct word from the list below to fill in the blanks in each sentence. Use each word only once.

Word List: cake, friends, pizza, park, simple, bike, family, July, chocolate, thoughtful

Lisa is having a small gathering at home with her __________.
Clem’s birthday is in __________.
Lisa’s favorite type of cake is __________.
Clem likes to go out for __________ on his birthday.
Lisa hopes to receive a new __________ as a birthday present.
Clem had a surprise party at the __________ last year.
Clem thinks any __________ gift is a good present.
Lisa likes to keep her birthday celebrations __________.
Clem usually goes out with __________ for his birthday.
Lisa is going to have her favorite __________ for her birthday.

Answer Key

1. family

2. July

3. chocolate

4. pizza

5. bike

6. park

7. thoughtful

8. simple

9. friends

10. cake

How to Talk About Your Birthday | 🎧 English on the Go! | Beginner

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