My Favourite Tradition – B1/B2 Listening
Do you have a favourite tradition in your culture?
In this B1/B2 English listening lesson, you will listen to Leo talking about a British tradition which he really looks forward to.
After you’ve finished the exercises, read the transcript to check what you heard is correct.
Listen and understand
Answer the questions about Leo’s favourite tradition. Check answers when you have finished all of the questions.
What does Leo enjoy most about the experience?
How does Leo describe the mood of Bonfire Night?
How does Leo feel about the weather during Bonfire Night?
When is Bonfire Night celebrated?
Who does Leo usually go to Bonfire Night events with?
Why does Leo think the bonfire helps during the event?
What historical reason does Leo mention for the tradition?
What does Leo say most people know about Bonfire Night history?
Train your ear
Listen and complete ONLY the missing words.
It’s on the 5th of November a nice vibe
It’s
It’s really cold outside
aren’t they
Dictation and transcript
Listen to the speaker again, and write what you hear. Then check your answers. Pause, replay or restart if you want to.
Words and phrases
Here are some useful words and expressions from the text about Bonfire Night that you might want to learn and use.
Words
a festival (n) – a special day or time when people celebrate something
a vibe (n) – the feeling or atmosphere of a place or event (informal)
a bonfire (n) – a large outdoor fire for celebration
a sparkler (n) – a thin stick that gives off bright sparks when lit
a display (n) – a public show of something, such as fireworks
a stall (n) – a small stand or table where things are sold outdoors
nippy (adj) – a bit cold (informal)
to wrap up warm (v) – to wear warm clothes when it’s cold
to keep (something) at bay (v) – to stop something unpleasant, like cold, from affecting you
a tradition (n) – something that people have done for a long time
to blow up (v) – to destroy something with an explosion
cozy (adj) – warm, comfortable, and pleasant
magical (adj) – special and full of wonder
Phrases
Bonfire Night – a British festival on 5th November with fireworks and bonfires
has got a nice vibe – feels friendly and enjoyable
firework display – a planned show of fireworks
wood burning – the smell of wood when it is on fire
all wrapped up – wearing lots of clothes to stay warm
part of the fun – something that makes an event enjoyable
pretty nippy – quite cold (informal)
wrap up warm – put on warm clothes before going outside
keep the cold at bay – stop yourself from feeling cold
look forward to (something) – feel happy thinking about something in the future
one of my favourite festivals – a festival I really like the most
Grammar from the transcript
This Bonfire Night description contains several B1/B2-level grammar patterns, including complex structures and common spoken chunks.
Complex sentences with multiple clauses
Complex sentences combine one main clause with a dependent clause:
- It’s always a fun night, especially if you go to a big event
- When I go to bonfire night, it’s usually with friends or family
Tag questions
Tag questions check agreement or invite the listener to respond.
- ..they’re still fun, aren’t they?
Cleft sentences
Cleft sentences start with a long noun phrase to highlight a key idea right at the start of the sentence.
- One festival I really love is Bonfire Night
- The part of Bonfire Night that everyone comes to see is the firework display
- Another thing I really love about Bonfire Night is that it’s a really old tradition
Relative clauses (who / that / where)
Relative clauses add descriptive information about a person, thing, or event.
- people who celebrate Bonfire Night
- something that… started so long ago
- the part of Bonfire Night that everyone comes to see
Time clauses with “when”
“When” phrases show when one action happens in relation to another.
- When I go to Bonfire Night, it’s usually with friends or family
- It’s really nice when it’s cold outside
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