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

Summary

This 90-minute ESL lesson for A2 learners explores Party planning: using 'will' and 'should' for future plans through a real article. Across 10 interactive exercises, you'll develop reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, practical communication, speaking skills — all built around authentic English content.

What you'll practise:

• 5 key vocabulary items with definitions and usage notes
• Grammar focus: Using 'will' and 'should' with examples and practice
• Real-world phrases for making plans with friends
• Gap-fill and cloze exercises to test vocabulary in context
• Matching exercise to connect terms with their meanings

Lesson activities (10 exercises)

Each exercise builds on the previous one. Work through them in order for the best learning experience.

1. Warm-up — Discussion questions to activate what you already know about the topic.
2. Comprehension — Answer questions to check your understanding of the main ideas and supporting details.
3. Vocabulary — Learn key words and expressions from the article, with definitions and usage notes.
4. Matching — Connect words, phrases, or concepts to their correct counterparts.
5. Grammar — Study Using 'will' and 'should' — explanation, examples, and key rules.
6. Fill the gaps — Complete sentences with the correct vocabulary. Drag and drop or type your answers.
7. Practical English — Learn phrases for making plans with friends — ready to use in real conversations.
8. Multiple choice — Choose the correct answer from four options — testing comprehension and language use.
9. Discussion — Reflect on the topic and share your opinions using the language you've learned.

Vocabulary

This lesson introduces 5 key terms drawn directly from the article:

• throw a party — to organize and have a party
• make a guest list — to write a list of all the people you want to invite
• send out the invitations — to mail or email the invitations to your guests
• put up decorations — to hang things like balloons and banners to make a place look nice for a party
• get a gift — to buy a present for someone

Grammar

This lesson focuses on Using 'will' and 'should'.

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 from the lesson:

• 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 rules:

• 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'.

Practical English

Making plans with friends

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.

Phrases you'll learn:

• "What about...?" — Use this to make a suggestion.
• "That's a great idea!" — Use this to agree with a suggestion you really like.
• "I'm not so sure." — Use this to politely disagree with an idea.
• "Who should be in charge of the...?" — Use this to ask who will do a specific job.
• "I'll take care of it." — Use this to volunteer for a task.