logo
episode-header-image
Jan 2023
16m 47s

Episode #36: A Birthday Party

Mrs. Asma Benmoussa
About this episode

Please follow: https://www.instagram.com/coraltipaza/

Text: 

" I am throwing a party for Aissa tomorrow. It’s his birthday. He’s turning 20. He said that he never had a birthday party before, even when he was a child. It kind of broke my heart a little because in my family birthdays are a big deal. We love to celebrate each and every one of us with a party, a big cake, gifts and lots of music. It’s going to be a surprise party. He has no clue. All he knows is that he needs to be at Slimane’s store at two. He thinks that Slimane needs help. The plan is to have a picnic at the beach. I wish I could do more but the money is tight. I hope he likes it anyways. I called all his friends and most of them RSVPed. Sam won’t be able to come. I wish he could. He’s usually the life of the party. I made a birthday cake and I bought him a book from his favorite author.  I’m a bit nervous. I hope it goes well. Aissa is my classmate. I like him. I like, like like him. I wish we could be more than friends. I want to be his girlfriend. I hope he gets the hint. This party was such a hassle to organize, I really hope he gets the message. "

Comprehension questions: 

  1. What is the occasion for the party being thrown?
  2. How does the writer feel about birthdays in their own family?
  3. Who is the surprise party for?
  4. Why does the writer think Aissa believes he needs to be at Slimane's store at 2pm?
  5. How many people RSVPed to the party?
  6. Who is Sam and why is the writer sad he can't come to the party?
  7. What does the writer hope Aissa gets from this party?
  8. What did the writer buy for Aissa and why?
  9. How does the writer feel about the party?
  10. What does the writer hope for his relationship with Aissa to be?

Writing task:

  1. Is it appropriate for the writer to throw a surprise party for Aissa without his knowledge or consent?
  2. Is it necessary for birthdays to be a big deal in a family?
  3. Is it necessary for the party to be extravagant for Aissa to have a good time?
  4. Is it fair for the writer to use the party as a way to communicate their feelings for Aissa, or should they have expressed them earlier?
  5. Is the writer's concern about their tight budget a valid excuse for not doing more for the party?
  6. Are surprise parties an effective way to show someone you care about them?
  7. Is it important to include friends in birthday parties?
  8. What is more important, the writer's hope to send a message or Aissa's enjoyment of the party?
  9. How much thought and effort is enough to make a party special?
  10. Should the writer be more honest and direct with Aissa about their feelings or could this kind of hinting through a party would be more effective?
Up next
Jul 2
Lesson #56: Why I Think Working for Yourself is Better | Algerian Podcast | Learn English |تعلّم الإنجليزيّة بالدّارجة الجزائريّة
‏6-Week Online Zalamit Method English Course Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1s5HYg7ihblrL0FohKQfBNy_bPseUP0a7FITtUOdHO58/editCours de Chinois En Ligne: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YhuD2lihEdoAcxpuhnV-oC8MDC89XgOdIhrn82nwp-4/editText: " You know, people always say that ... Show More
30m 9s
Mar 2025
Lesson #55: Every Friday, Our House is a Zoo I Algerian Podcast | Learn English |تعلّم الإنجليزيّة بالدّارجة الجزائريّة
‏Text: On Fridays, Our House is a ZooMost people get Fridays off so they are special for almost everyone. But at our house, they’re not just special—they are wild. Every Friday, our big family gathers, and it’s chaos.Mom wakes up early to prepare couscous. The smell of spices and ... Show More
18m 44s
Feb 2025
Lesson #54: We Make a Good Team | Algerian Podcast | تعلم الإنجليزية
‏Zalamit Speaking Club Form: https://forms.gle/BHoktFS9dXnbuCQn8Text: We Make a Good Team"Soraia and Fatma worked in the same advertising company. They were great teammates. One day, their boss called them into his office. He said it was urgent. “Brace yourself, this is gonna be ... Show More
23m 13s
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2021
حزب الدعوة العراقي
‏كان عام ١٩٥٩ هو البداية لتأسيس عمل إسلامي سياسي شيعي في العراق، وذلك بعد الإعلان عن إنشاء ما عرف بـ "حزب الدعوة الإسلامية"، والذي كانت ملامح نشأته انعكاسا لتجربة الأحزاب الإسلامية السياسية السنية المبكرة على الساحة العراقية. فما مدى تأثر حزب الدعوة العراقي ورجاله بفكر حسن البنا ... Show More
1h 10m
Dec 2024
شاهد رؤية يسلم متهم ليد عشماوي في واقعة بدون دليل فني | بودكاست أوراق القضية
‏شاهد رؤية يسلم متهم ليد عشماوي في واقعة بدون دليل فني. كيف يمكن قانونا الحكم في قضية بدون العثور على الضحية؟ ولماذا قد لا يحصل المتهم على براءة ولو كان الفعل دفاعا عن الشرف وكيف تأتي البراءة بعنصر المفاجأة ؟ وهل يعيب المحامي خسارة قضية؟ الدكتور عمرو عبد المنعم المختص بالقانون ال ... Show More
56m 40s
Apr 2021
Episode 3: Food ; الحلقة الثالثة: أكل
‏Hi everyone! Welcome to the third episode of the podcast 'Marhabtayn'. In this episode, Lina and I talk about my favourite topic - food! I hope you enjoy it :) New Vocabulary (مفردات جديدة):   درجة الحرارة : temperature موضوعي المفضل : my favourite topic  صحي : healthy ... Show More
12m 9s