Teresa was a student from Sao Paulo. She was studying English at a language
school in London. There were twenty other students in her class. Teresa wanted to talk
with them, but there was a problem. She was very shy. At lunchtime, the other students
all talked to each other. Their English was very good. Teresa didn’t think her English
was good. She wanted to talk to the other students, but she didn’t have the confidence.
So she ate lunch alone.
After lunch on Thursday, the teacher said, “We are having a welcome party tomorrow
night. It will be in the school cafeteria. It will start at seven pm. The students from other
classes will come too.”
Teresa was excited about the party, but she felt a little nervous.
What should I wear? she thought. What do people wear to parties in England?
The class finished at 3:00pm. The other students walked out of class. They were all
talking about the party and laughing. The teacher was cleaning the board.
I’ll ask the teacher, thought Teresa.
“Excuse me Ms Mills, can I ask you about the party?”
“Sure,” said Ms Mills.
“What should I wear?”
“Wear something fancy. Everyone usually dresses up at the parties,” said Ms Mills.
“Something fancy?”
“Yes. A fancy dress.”
“OK, thank you. I will.”
“Good! See you tomorrow!” said Ms Mills.
Teresa walked out of the school and got on the bus to go back to her apartment.
Ms Mills said wear something fancy. Everyone usually dresses up. What does fancy
mean? Teresa had been too shy to ask. She looked it up on her smartphone.