A2 : Socializing : Invitations

Useful Expressions

Make complete sentences by choosing the best expression in each blank.

a. We’ve all had too much to drink. Let’s _______________.

You’ve been away far too long. It’s so _______________.

_______________ I had a great time in spite of the rain.

That color really _______________.

You’re very kind. I really _______________.

Listening & Speaking

Model Dialog
Listen as the teacher reads the model dialog.
(Scenario – Katrina and Axel, her male friend, are talking on the phone.)




Katrina: Hello Axel. Were you invited to the Art Museum opening?
Axel: Yes, Katrina. I have some paintings on display there.
Katrina: That’s great! You can meet a lot of important people.
Axel: Katrina, you know I’m awkward around strangers.
Katrina: Axel, this could really help your career!
Axel: I know. I know. Will you be there?
Katrina: Yes, I will. Just come and try to enjoy it.
Axel: OK. I must admit, it will be good to see you again.
Katrina: You too, but I can’t decide what to wear.
Axel: Your dark green evening gown really looks good on you.
Katrina: Thank you. That’s a good idea.
Axel: What time shall we meet?
Katrina: How about 7:30, at the door on State Street.
Axel: That sounds good Katrina.
Katrina: Promise me you will meet ten new people before you call it a night.
Axel: Thank you for your concern. I promise. See you soon.

Practice the conversation with a partner.

Focus on Usage (expressions of time and frequency)

• I work out five days a week.
• I have a study group meeting at 7:00 p.m., Monday, June 8.
• I go to bed during the week at 11:00 p.m.


Talk about your habits using expressions of time and frequency.

Example : I read a book everyday.

Reading and Discussions

Invitation and Reply

To: Mike Charles
You are cordially invited to attend the official retirement of Mr. Kevin Dugas, CEO of Lighthouse Publishing. Mr. Dugas is retiring after 35 years in the business. As one of Lighthouse’s most respected clients, we would be delighted if you could join us in saying goodbye to Mr. Dugas, who as the founder of our company, an award-winning businessman, and a regular on the factory floor, will be greatly missed. Please RSVP by returning the enclosed reply card to Stella Davis by August 25th. We hope to have the pleasure of your company.
• • •
From: Mike Charles
Thank you so much for the invitation. I’d love to go, but I’m afraid I won’t be able to make it. Mike Brothers are opening their first overseas branch the Friday before, and so I’ll be in Seoul to oversee things. I won’t be getting back to Seattle until the 7th, and then I’ll have to fly straight back to the head office in New York. I suppose I’ll just have to send him a card. I’m sure that Kevin will have plenty of interesting stories to tell and many hilarious anecdotes to share. Too bad I’ll miss it all. I hope you get a good crowd to send him off. Thanks again for the invitation.

3 cordially: in a hearty manner
3 retirement: withdrawal from one’s occupation
7 founder: a person who establishes something
8 regular: a person who does something often
8 RSVP: to respond to an invitation
21 hilarious: very funny
21 anecdote: an interesting short story

1. According to the reply, why can’t Mr. Charles attend the official retirement of Mr. Dugas?

opening, branch, oversee, Seoul

Your answer may begin like: His company is opening its first overseas branch in Seoul. He’ll ....

2. What are some appropriate ways to respond to formal invitations?

quickly, thanks, regrets, decline, reply card

Your answer may begin like: First, respond as quickly as possible no matter whether you will attend or not. Second, ....