General Listening Quiz

“Happy New Year”

Level:	Topic:	Speakers:	Length:
easy	holiday celebrations	man	01:36

Pre-Listening Exercise

How do you celebrate the new year in your country with family or friends?

Speak Up, Take a Stand! Instructions for Getting the Conversation Started

These statements are designed to get everyone thinking, moving, and talking! The goal is to explore ideas, share opinions, and get ready for the next part of the lesson.

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? Then, pair students with members of the other group and have students explain their reasons. Rotate partners for more practice.
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. What do others think? Do you agree or disagree with them?
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. This helps you get ready to speak and join real conversations in English. Consider recording your ideas and self-assess your progress.

1. New Year’s is the most exciting holiday of the year.
2. Fireworks are the best way to celebrate New Year’s.
3. People should always stay up until midnight on New Year’s Eve.
4. Special food is an important part of New Year’s celebrations.
5. Making New Year’s resolutions is a good idea.
6. It’s better to celebrate New Year’s with friends than family.
7. Watching the countdown on TV is boring.
8. Every country should have its own New Year’s traditions.
9. You don’t need a party to enjoy New Year’s.
10. The way you start the year affects the rest of the year.

Idioms

“turn over a new leaf” = change personal habits
“I’ve decided to turn over a new leaf; I’m going to exercise three times a week and not play so many video games.”

“ring in the new year” = celebrate the new year
“We’re going to ring in the new year at my sister’s house next week.”

Listening Exercise

A. Listen to the recording and answer the questions.

Post-Listening Exercise

What things did you do with family and friends to ring in the new year? What special foods did you eat? Do people in your country have any special traditions they do on that day?

Online Investigation

Choose a country you want to learn about and study more. Use the Internet to find answers to these questions:

What is the name of the country?
What unique activities do people do on this day to celebrate the new year?
What special clothing do people wear?
What special foods do people eat?
Do people give or send any special gifts to family and friends? If so, explain them.

See Listening Script

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