Showing Surprise and Interest - Functional Language
Practise showing surprise and interest at B2–C1 level with useful phrase patterns and short situation-based responses. A separate page of suggested answers supports checking and discussion of other appropriate responses.
What’s in the worksheet?
- Useful phrase patterns
- Situation-based response practice
- Space for written responses
- Suggested answers on page 2
Respond to achievements and unexpected information with specific, genuine engagement.
Worksheet preview
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Page 1 of 2 · A4 printable PDF
Page 2 of 2 · Answer key · A4 printable PDF
A simple way to teach it
Before the lesson
Give learners page 1 and use the suggested answers on page 2 after they have compared their own responses.
- Distinguish congratulating a marathon runner from asking about an unusual use of a product.
- Write the eight responses, using intrigued by, How did you manage…? or other suitable patterns.
- Develop the cycling or technical-problem situation into a short exchange with a relevant follow-up.
Support and extension
Offer achievement/process/experience prompts. Extend by choosing a less emphatic response when remarkable would sound exaggerated. Accept context-sensitive alternatives.
Suggested approach. Adjust the pace and number of questions to suit your class.
