An ideal present

Presents and present giving should be fun. The whole idea of giving a present is that you should enjoy planning an especial pleasure and surprise for someone. The value of a present is the least important thing about it. What matters is that it is a token of your love and appreciation of the person. Those who never give anything away, not even sympathy, are sure to be disappointed and unhappy people.

An ideal present should be something one will like and want, not just something you like. The simplest present is often the most appreciated. The most successful present givers I know shop all the year round for presents. They see just the right present for a friend, buy it and then put it away till it is wanted. In this case, I suggest you keep a list of suitable presents for your friends so that when the time comes, you can go out and buy something special.

Listening

Listen to the women talking. Where are they? What shops are they going to? What are they going to buy?

— Speaking

1.

In the United States people often buy chocolates to give as a present on Valentine’s Day. What are some of the common gifts that you buy for a special occasion or holidays in your country? Where do you shop for them?

2. Choose a present for a friend or relative from the presents shown. Say who the person is, what you are going to buy, and why?

3. Do you think that presents shown are good ones? Think of some more suitable presents, and explain why they are better.

— Speaking