PRE-LISTENING VOCABULARY

conjure up (imaginar / evocar) = to create an image or idea in your mind

dress up (disfrazarse / arreglarse) = to wear special or unusual clothes

end up (terminar) = to finally reach a situation or result

give up (rendirse / dejar de intentar) = to stop trying

live up to (estar a la altura de) = to be as good as expected

think up (inventar / idear) = to create an idea

look forward to (tener ganas de) = to feel excited about something in the future

make someone feel better (hacer sentir mejor a alguien) = to improve someone’s mood

think up an idea (inventar una idea) = to create a new idea or plan

LISTENING TASK

FIRST LISTENING

Listen and answer the question:

What problem did Mia try to solve for her friend?

COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

SECOND LISTENING

Choose the correct answer.

1. Why was Mia worried about her friend?
   a) He lost his phone
   b) He seemed unhappy
   c) He failed an exam

2. What did Mia decide to do?
   a) Buy a new computer
   b) Think up an idea for a surprise party
   c) Cancel the celebration

3. What did the guests do for the party?
   a) They dressed up
   b) They studied together
   c) They travelled abroad

4. What almost happened before the party?
   a) Mia wanted to give up
   b) The guests got lost
   c) The food disappeared

5. Did the party live up to expectations?
   a) No, people were bored
   b) Yes, everyone enjoyed it
   c) Nobody came

6. How did Mia’s friend feel at the end?
   a) Angry
   b) Nervous
   c) Much better

LANGUAGE FOCUS

give up → stop trying
dress up → wear special clothes
live up to → meet expectations
look forward to → feel excited about the future
think up → create an idea

SPEAKING QUESTIONS

1. Have you ever dressed up for a special event?

2. What helps you feel better when you are stressed?

3. Have you ever thought up a creative idea for a party or event?

4. Is it easy for you to give up when something is difficult?

5. What are you looking forward to this year?

ANSWER SECTION

First Listening

Mia tried to solve the problem of her friend feeling unhappy.

Second Listening

1. b) He seemed unhappy

2. b) Think up an idea for a surprise party

3. a) They dressed up

4. a) Mia wanted to give up

5. b) Yes, everyone enjoyed it

6. c) Much better

AUDIO SCRIPT

Mia noticed that her best friend had been feeling stressed and unhappy for several weeks, so she decided to think up an idea to make him feel better. After thinking carefully, she managed to conjure up a plan for a surprise party with all his close friends.

At first, Mia worried that the party would not live up to her expectations. Some people cancelled at the last minute, and she almost wanted to give up because organising everything became stressful. However, her friends encouraged her to continue.

On the night of the party, everyone decided to dress up in funny costumes, which immediately created a cheerful atmosphere. Mia’s friend was completely surprised when he arrived and saw everyone waiting for him. In the end, the evening ended up being a huge success, and Mia’s friend thanked everyone for making him feel much better.