← Student lesson

Christmas in New Zealand — Teacher Answers

A2 · 50–60 minutes

Learners can compare Christmas with another celebration or describe an imagined gathering. Read the listening script from the teacher answers twice. Present traditions as examples: people celebrate in different ways.

1–2. Goals and reading

Gather ideas from the illustration. Read once for the main idea and again for details. Clarify new words through examples.

3. Vocabulary

1–E; 2–F; 3–C; 4–B; 5–A; 6–D. Original sentences vary.

4. Reading comprehension

  1. 25 December.
  2. Summer.
  3. Any two: a barbecue, a beach visit or a picnic.
  4. Pavlova with fruit and cream.
  5. Its bright red flowers appear around Christmas time.
  6. The birth of Jesus.
  7. Donate food, volunteer or invite someone to share a meal.

5. Grammar

1. am; 2. are; 3. is; 4. are.

6. Listening and speaking

Read this script twice at a clear, natural pace. Allow learners to read the questions first.

Our family is going to have Christmas lunch in the garden. Mum is going to make a salad, and Dad is going to bring a pavlova. My aunt is going to visit with her two children. After lunch, we are going to walk to the beach. If it rains, we are going to eat inside and play a board game.

Listening answers: 1. In the garden. 2. A pavlova. 3. Eat inside and play a board game.

Speaking responses vary. Look for relevant answers, reasons and turn-taking. Model one response and offer sentence frames as needed.

7. Writing

Look for 60–80 words, relevant details, connected ideas and the requested language. Accept other sensible responses.

Possible model: We are going to have a small celebration in our garden. My cousins and two friends are going to join us for lunch. I am going to make a salad, and my cousin is going to bring fruit. After lunch, we are going to play a game. We want to invite our neighbour because she lives alone. If it rains, we are going to move the table inside.

8. Something New

C → B → D → A → E.

9–10. Reflection and final challenge

Answers vary. Check the response against the final challenge on the student page. Ask learners to explain one choice and identify one improvement.

Suggested timing

Goals and warmer: 5 minutes; reading: 8; vocabulary: 6; comprehension: 7; grammar: 6; listening and speaking: 10; writing: 10; game and reflection: 5. Use the final challenge as an extension or homework.