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. Listen to Leo and see how much you can understand!
After you’ve finished the exercises, read the transcript to check what you heard is correct.
Contents
Listen in full
Watch the video and listen to Leo’s story. Then, answer the questions and start the exercises.
Gist questions
Answer these general questions about Leo’s talk:
1. What does Leo enjoy most about the experience?
a) The history b) The fireworks, food, and cosy atmosphere c) The gift giving and decorations2. How does Leo describe the mood of Bonfire Night?
a) Relaxed and silent b) Formal and serious c) Exciting and cosy3. How does Leo feel about the weather during Bonfire Night?
a) He thinks it ruins the fun b) He finds it uncomfortable and stays home c) It’s bearable if you dress up warmDetail questions
Here are some more detailed questions about Leo’s talk. See how many you can answer:
5. Who does Leo usually go to Bonfire Night events with?
a) His classmates b) His neighbours c) Friends or family6. Why does Leo think the bonfire helps during the event?
a) It adds colour to the fireworks b) It keeps people warm c) It stops the rain7. What historical reason does Leo mention for the tradition?
a) A failed attempt to blow up the English king b) An ancient harvest ritual c) A war celebration8. What does Leo say most people know about Bonfire Night history?
a) Most people study it in school b) People usually know the full story c) Most don’t know much about the historyTrain your ear
Listen for words
Listen 1
Listen and write the words you hear.
It’s on the 5th of November, a nice vibe.
Listen 2
Listen and write the words you hear.
It’s .
Listen 3
Listen and write the words you hear.
It’s really cold outside.
Listen 4
Listen and write the words you hear.
, aren’t they?
Listen 5
Listen and write the words you hear.
!
Dictation
Listen to Jade and write down what she says in the box below. Then, check what you wrote. Any mistakes you make will be in blue.
Listen and read!
Read the transcript of Leo talking and listen at the same time. Click on any part of the text to listen again.
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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