Seeing Old Friends

1.READ and LISTEN to the dialogue below and answer the following questions:

1. Are Sarah and Cindy good old friends? Why?
2. What are Sarah and Cindy mainly talking about?
3. What news do they share?
4. Do they agree to meet soon? Why or why not?

Sarah: Cindy, hey there! It’s been ages! How have you been?

Cindy: Hi Sarah, oh wow, it really has! I’ve been good, you know, just trying to catch up with life. How about you?

Sarah: Same here. Life’s been a rollercoaster. I came across your old photos the other day and thought, “I really need to reach out.” 

Cindy: Really? That’s funny because I was just thinking about the time we bumped into each other by chance at that random cafe. Those moments seem far and few between now.

Sarah: Ah, the cafe! I remember. Those were the days. We used to be down to hang out whenever, wherever. Now, it’s like chasing a comet.

Cindy: Tell me about it. Adulting got us busy, huh? But hey, we’re finally here, trying to fill in the gaps. So, what’s new?

Sarah: Well, I started a new job last year. It’s been challenging, but I’m loving it. How about you?

Cindy: I’ve been on a bit of a journey myself. Explored some new places, met new people. But it’s good to be back, catch up, and start out where we left off.

Sarah: Absolutely! Let’s make sure we don’t let it go far and few between from now on. Life’s too short for that, right?

2. Read the dialogue once again and decide if the statements below are True (T) or False (F):

1. Sarah has recently started a new job.

2. Cindy randomly came across old photos of Sarah.

3. The friends used to hang out frequently in the past.

4. Cindy has been exploring new places and meeting new people.

5. The friends first met at a cafe and reminisced about it.

6. Life has become busier for both friends due to adulting.

7. The friends agreed to try to make their get-togethers be more frequent. 

3. Based on the dialogue, match the expressions on the left with their definitions on the right:

Word/ phrase	Definition
1. catch up and fill in the gaps	a. happening at rare intervals.
2. come across by chance	b. open to do an activity.
3. far and few between	c. Encounter or find something without planning.
4. be down to	d. Resume the point where the previous meeting or event ended.
5. start out where we left off	e. Reconnect and share updates not to have any information or time gaps.

 

4. Fill in the blanks using the words from Exercise 3:

1. In today’s hectic world, meaningful conversations with friends seem to be _______.

2. I was cleaning out my attic when I ______ an old letter from you. It brought back so many memories.

3. It’s been so long since we last met; let’s grab a coffee and _____ on each other’s lives.

4. After years of not talking, we finally met again and decided to _____ as if no time had passed.

5. I’m always _____ try a new restaurant. How about we explore that new place downtown together?

 

5. Use the new words in writing or speaking:

1. What’s your favorite place to meet up with friends to catch up and fill in the gaps on each other’s lives?

2. Have you ever come across a friend in a place you didn’t expect? What happened?

3. In our busy lives, meaningful gatherings can be far and few between. How do you ensure you make time for these special moments with friends?

4. Are you usually down to try new places when meeting friends, or do you have a go-to spot? (a go-to spot = a place you prefer to visit)

5. When you reconnect with a friend after a long time, do you prefer to start out where you left off, or is there a specific way you like to rekindle the friendship?

(to rekindle = make a relationship warmer after a break)

6. Practice using the vocabulary in Speaking Parts 1-2-3: 

Record yourself – listen to your answers – make necessary corrections.

Part 1 (4-5 minutes):

1. What is your name?
2. What shall I call you?
3. Can I see your ID, please?

1. Do you work or study?
2. Where do you work/ study?
3. Do you enjoy your time there?
4. How could your work/ student life be improved?

1. How often do you talk to your friends?
2. What makes people have a long friendship?
3. Is friendship important to you? why or why not?
4. Do adults and children make friends in a similar way? 

Part 2 (3-4 minutes):

You have one minute to take notes if you wish. 

You have to speak for two full minutes. 

Describe a friend who has played an important part in your life.

You should say:

• how you met this person;
• how long you’ve known them;
• the kind of thing you did or do with them;
• explain why they have been important in your life

Follow-up question: 

Has your relationship changed somehow since you met them?

Part 3 (4-5 minutes):

First of all, let’s consider childhood friendship:

1. Do you agree with the saying that childhood friends are the best? why or why not?
2. Do you think childhood friendship can last forever? why or why not?
3. Are friends important to people your age? why or why not?

Now, let’s discuss how people make new friends:

1. Do you think friendship is important nowadays?
2. In your opinion, what is the best age to make new friends? why?
3. How important is it to stay in touch with your friends throughout the years?

7. Practice applying the vocabulary in Writing Part 2 Essay: 

Friendships can be very meaningful, but also complicated. What are the qualities of a great friend? What are some things that can weaken a friendship over time? 

Write at least 250 words.

You have 40 minutes to plan – write – proofread your task. 

ANSWERS:

EXERCISE 1:

Answers may vary:

1. Yes, Sarah and Cindy are good old friends because they warmly greet each other, talk about the past, and want to catch up soon.
2. They are mainly talking about catching up on each other’s lives, their shared past, and changes in their routine since they last communicated.
3. Sarah shares that she started a new job, and Cindy mentions her recent journey of exploring new places and meeting new people.
4. While there isn’t a specific agreement to meet soon, they express the importance of seeing each other again soon.

EXERCISE 2:

1.True 2.False 3.True 4.True 5.True 6.True 7.False

EXERCISE 3:

1e 2c 3a 4b 5d

EXERCISE 4:

1. far and few between 2. came across by chance 3. catch up 4. start out where we left off 5. down to