B) discuss the answers in small groups

1. Why do you think "Puzzled Jane" is not happy with the invitation?

2. What is her husband's point of view?

3. What advice will you give to the author of the letter? What would you do if you were in her place?

C) READ MRS. GENTLY’S ADVICE. THEN ANSWER THE QUESTIONS

Dear Puzzled, In all my many years of dispensing advice on matters of taste and manners, I have never heard of such a preposterous solution to financial embarrassment. Does your friend think that she's operating a restaurant? The lack of money does not excuse such rudeness. If your friend wants contributions from guests, she should plan an informal potluck dinner. It's perfectly acceptable to ask guests to bring a main dish or salad or dessert to a party. It is truly tasteless to ask for a contribution of money. My advice is simple. You should politely but firmly decline this "invitation." Mrs. Gently

1. Does Mrs. Gently agree with Jane or with her husband? Why?

2. What is a "potluck dinner?"

3. Do you agree with Mrs. Gently’s advice? Why/why not?

D) SIT IN A SMALL GROUP AND READ THE "DEAR MRS. GENTLY" COLUMN AGAIN. THEN DISCUSS THE MEANINGS OF THE WORDS AND PHRASES BELOW. DECIDE ON A DEFINITION OR A DIFFERENT WAY TO SAY THE SAME THING. SHARE YOUR WORK WITH OTHER GROUPS. USE A DICTIONARY TO HELP YOU IF YOU ARE NOT SURE.

Word or Phrase	My group’s definition
1. wedding anniversary 2. contribution 3. incredibly rude 4. refuse 5. out of a job 6. short of money 7. to dispense advice 8. preposterous 9. financial 10. to decline

E) WRITE A FEW SENTENCES EXPLAINING WHY YOU AGREE OR DISAGREE WITH MRS. GENTLY'S ADVICE. YOU CAN GIVE PERSONAL REASONS, OR YOU CAN TALK ABOUT WHAT IS OR ISN'T GOOD MANNERS IN YOUR COUNTRY. SHARE YOUR SENTENCES WITH THE CLASS

EXERCISE 19. CAN YOU SPEAK REAL ENGLISH?