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Discussing the Food and Drinks

While getting some refreshments, you engage in small talk with another guest about the delicious food or beverages available at the party.

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

1
Sarah (Female)
This spread is amazing, isn't it? I can't get enough of these mini quiches.
2
John (Male)
Absolutely! Everything looks so tempting. I just tried the shrimp cocktail, and it's fantastic.
3
Sarah (Female)
Oh, really? I was eyeing those. Are they spicy at all?
4
John (Male)
Not at all, just a nice zesty kick from the sauce. You should definitely give them a try.
5
Sarah (Female)
I will! And this lemonade is so refreshing. It's homemade, I think.
6
John (Male)
It definitely tastes like it. So much better than store-bought. Emma always goes all out for her parties.
7
Sarah (Female)
She really does. I heard she made that chocolate cake too. It looks incredible.
8
John (Male)
Oh, I haven't even gotten to dessert yet! I know what I'm trying next.

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

spread

In this context, 'spread' means a variety of foods served on a table at a party, like appetizers or snacks. It's a casual way to talk about the food selection.

tempting

Means something looks very attractive or appealing, especially food that makes you want to eat it right away. Use it to compliment food at social events.

zesty

Describes a flavor that is fresh, lively, and slightly tangy or spicy. It's often used for sauces or dishes with citrus or herbs to show they taste exciting.

refreshing

Means something that feels cool, light, and energizing, like a drink on a hot day. Perfect for describing beverages at parties.

homemade

Means made at home by someone, not bought from a store. It implies it's more special or tasty. Use it to praise the host's efforts.

goes all out

An idiom meaning someone puts in a lot of effort or does everything possible to make something great. Common in casual talk about parties or events.

incredible

Means extremely good or amazing, beyond belief. It's a strong compliment for food or the party's setup to show enthusiasm.

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

This spread is amazing, isn't it?

This is a tag question ('isn't it?') to seek agreement and start a conversation. It's useful for casual small talk at parties to compliment food and invite response. The grammar uses a statement plus a tag for confirmation.

Absolutely! Everything looks so tempting.

A strong way to agree ('Absolutely!') followed by a description. Use this to show enthusiasm in response to compliments. It's practical for mingling, as it keeps the chat positive and flowing.

I was eyeing those. Are they spicy at all?

'Eyeing' means looking at something with interest. This sentence asks for information politely. Useful when curious about food; the question 'at all?' softens it to avoid sounding demanding.

Not at all, just a nice zesty kick from the sauce.

'Not at all' means 'no' emphatically. This reassures and describes flavor positively. Great for recommending food; it uses contrast ('not... just...') to explain details clearly.

You should definitely give them a try.

'Definitely' adds emphasis for strong recommendation. This encourages others to try something. Use in social settings to be friendly; 'give it a try' is an idiom for attempting something new.

Emma always goes all out for her parties.

This praises the host's effort using the idiom 'goes all out.' 'Always' generalizes positively. Useful to compliment the organizer and build rapport at gatherings.