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Pre-Listening

What are some common occasions to buy flowers where you live?

Listen and Read

Listen to the recording about flower shops, answer the questions, and then read along with the audio recording.

Last week, I went to a flower shop to buy some flowers for several occasions. When I went into the flower shop, I was surprised at the wide variety of flowers from which to choose. The florist told me that she could arrange beautiful bouquets of flowers for just about any event.

For starters, I ordered some roses for my wife’s birthday, and I asked the florist to deliver them, along with a balloon and a birthday card. I was also planning to attend the funeral of a dear friend, so I also ordered a floral arrangement to express my condolences to the family. Finally, I bought some nice cut flowers for my mom who has been ill recently, and I wanted to cheer her up. I delivered them myself along with a get-well card. The florist told me that the shop had their own website, so I might order flowers online next time.

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Discussion

What kinds of flowers are usually given for these occasions: birthdays, weddings, funerals, graduations, and a visit to a friend in the hospital? Are there specific colors of flowers that are set aside for specific occasions? Do people give cut flowers or potted plants in these cases?

Online Investigation

Your friend wants to buy the ideal floral arrangement for his girlfriend because he is going to propose to her this weekend. However, because your friend doesn’t have much money, he needs your help to pick out the best floral arrangement for the occasion. Find one online, print a picture of it, and share your picture with other students. Take a vote on your group’s number one choice.

Online Listening Practice (from www.esl-lab.com and dailyesl.com):

• Flower Shop: Buying Flowers for the Right Occasion
• Gardening: Growing Your Own Fruits and Vegetables
• Gardening Show
• Square Foot Gardening (Video)
• Growing a Garden and Your English (Video)

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