Story 8

A Surprise Visit – Intermediate Lesson
A Surprise Visit
Intermediate · Hospitality, Relationships, Unexpected Situations
VOCABULARY
1. Unexpected – (un-eks-PEK-tid) /ˌʌn.ɪkˈspek.tɪd/
(adjective) – not planned or predicted
Synonyms: surprising, unforeseen, sudden
Sample sentence: She received an unexpected gift from her friend.
2. Neighbor – (NAY-bur) /ˈneɪ.bər/
(noun) – a person who lives nearby
Synonyms: resident, local, nearby person
Sample sentence: My neighbor helped me water my plants.
3. Delighted – (dih-LY-tid) /dɪˈlaɪ.tɪd/
(adjective) – very happy or pleased
Synonyms: thrilled, overjoyed, pleased
Sample sentence: She was delighted to see her friend again.
4. Prepare – (prih-PAIR) /prɪˈper/
(verb) – to make ready in advance
Synonyms: arrange, plan, organize
Sample sentence: I need to prepare dinner before guests arrive.
5. Hospitality – (hos-pi-TAL-ih-tee) /ˌhɒs.pɪˈtæl.ɪ.ti/
(noun) – friendly and generous treatment of guests
Synonyms: friendliness, warmth, welcome
Sample sentence: Their hospitality made us feel at home.
STORY
A Surprise Visit
One sunny afternoon, Maya was cleaning her house when she heard a knock on the door. To her surprise, it was her neighbor Sarah with her two children. The visit was unexpected. Maya was busy but felt delighted to see them. She quickly prepared snacks and drinks, and they all sat in the living room, talking and laughing. Sarah thanked Maya for her warm hospitality. The surprise visit turned into a joyful afternoon.
KNOWLEDGE CHECK
1. Who came to Maya’s house unexpectedly?
2. How did Maya feel about the visit?
3. What did Maya do when her guests arrived?
4. Where did everyone sit?
5. What did Sarah say about Maya’s hospitality?
6. Was the visit planned?
7. How did the visit end?
DISCUSSION
1. Have you ever had an unexpected visitor?
2. How did you react?
3. What is important when welcoming guests?
4. Do you like surprises? Why or why not?
5. How do you prepare for visitors at home?
6. How can neighbors support each other?
7. Would you prefer a planned or surprise visit?
8. How do you show friendliness to neighbors?
9. What snacks or drinks do you usually offer?
10. How does hospitality differ in your culture?
11. What makes a good neighbor?
12. How do you feel about socializing with neighbors?
13. What would you do if a stranger knocked?
14. Can surprise visits build friendships?
15. Why or why not?