Party planning: using 'will' and 'should' for future plans

A2
90 min
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1

Think about these questions before reading. Share your ideas with a partner.

  1. What is a special day you celebrate with your family or friends? What do you do?
  2. Think about a good party. What makes a party fun for you?
  3. Tell your partner about a birthday party you remember. Who was there and what did you eat?
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Planning a Surprise Party

Listen to the dialogue. Notice how the vocabulary and grammar from the lesson are used.

3

Answer these questions in your own words. Support your answers with evidence from the article.

01Why are Emma and Marco planning a party?
Sample answerThey are planning a party for their friend Maria's birthday, which is next week.
02What is the first thing they need to do to plan the party?
Sample answerThe first thing they need to do is make a guest list.
03Who will send the invitations?
Sample answerEmma will send the invitations.
04What job will Marco do for the party?
Sample answerMarco will get a gift for Maria.
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Key phrases for planning

Vocabulary
Learn these useful phrases to talk about planning a celebration.
Examples
throw a party — to organize and have a party
Usage note: This is a very common and informal way to talk about having a party. For example, 'Let's throw a party for her birthday!'
make a guest list — to write a list of all the people you want to invite
Usage note: This is usually the first step when you plan a party. You can ask, 'Who should we put on the guest list?'
send out the invitations — to mail or email the invitations to your guests
Usage note: You do this after you have the date and place. For example, 'We will send out the invitations next week.'
put up decorations — to hang things like balloons and banners to make a place look nice for a party
Usage note: This is an action you do before the party starts. For example, 'Can you help me put up the decorations?'
get a gift — to buy a present for someone
Usage note: You often do this for a birthday or a special celebration. For example, 'I need to get a gift for my friend.'
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Party planning vocabulary

Learn some new words for planning a celebration.

Match each word on the left with its meaning on the right.

Drag or click to match
Definitions
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Grammar: Using 'will' and 'should'

Grammar
When we plan a party, we make decisions and suggestions. We use 'will' to talk about a decision or a plan for the future. We use 'should' to give advice or suggest a good idea.
Examples
It's decided. I will order the pizza for the party.
Use 'will' for a decision you are making now.
We should make a playlist with good music.
Use 'should' to make a suggestion or say something is a good idea.
You should invite Sarah. She will be happy to come.
'Should' gives advice (invite Sarah). 'Will' talks about a future result (she will be happy).
Key points
  • Use 'will' + verb for a definite decision: 'I will buy the cake.'
  • Use 'should' + verb for a suggestion or advice: 'You should send the invitations soon.'
  • Common mistake: Don't use 'to' after 'will' or 'should'. Say 'We will decorate', not 'We will to decorate'.
7

Complete the sentences with words from the box. One word is extra.

Word bank
01We need to send the to our friends next week.
02Let's buy some balloons and other for the party room.
03I need to buy a birthday for my brother. What should I get?
04How many people are on the list for the wedding?
05My sister passed her exams! We should this weekend.
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Useful phrases: Making plans with friends

Vocabulary
When you plan a party or an event with friends, you need to make suggestions and decisions together. Here are some useful phrases to help you share your ideas and organize the plan.
Examples
"What about...?" — Use this to make a suggestion.
Register: Informal. This is a great way to start sharing an idea. For example: 'What about a barbecue party?' or 'What about ordering pizza?'
"That's a great idea!" — Use this to agree with a suggestion you really like.
Register: Informal/Neutral. This shows you are happy with the idea. You can also say 'Sounds good to me' for a simple agreement.
"I'm not so sure." — Use this to politely disagree with an idea.
Register: Informal/Neutral. This is softer than saying 'No'. After you say this, it's good to explain why or offer a different idea. For example: 'I'm not so sure. It might rain.'
"Who should be in charge of the...?" — Use this to ask who will do a specific job.
Register: Informal/Neutral. Use this to organize tasks. For example: 'Who should be in charge of the music?' or 'Who should be in charge of the drinks?'
"I'll take care of it." — Use this to volunteer for a task.
Register: Informal/Neutral. This is a clear way to say 'I will do it'. For example, if someone asks 'Who will buy the cake?', you can say 'I'll take care of it.'
"So, the plan is..." — Use this to confirm the final decisions.
Register: Informal/Neutral. Use this at the end of your conversation to make sure everyone understands the plan. For example: 'So, the plan is: we'll meet at 7 pm and I'll bring the snacks.'
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Choose the best answer for each question based on the article.

01Who is the party for?
02What is the first step in their plan?
03What job will Emma do?
04Who do they think should put up the decorations?
10

Discuss these questions with a partner. Try to use vocabulary from the lesson.

  1. In your country, what is the most important part of planning a big family party? Is it making a big guest list, having lots of decorations, or preparing special food?
  2. Do you think a surprise party is always a good idea? Why or why not?
  3. Imagine you want to throw a party for a friend but you have very little money. What are some good ideas for the invitations, decorations, and food?