My Cup of Tea

Question

My Cup of Tea

When my Grandpa Wally passed away, Grandma Nini agreed to move in with my family. I volunteered to help her unbox all of her belongings. Hanging out with Nini is always amusing because she is full of fascinating tales. As we unpacked the final box, I found a mysterious treasure that sparked her most dramatic story yet.

While sitting on the floor surrounded by empty cardboard boxes, I grabbed something wrapped in an old newspaper. As I slowly peeled back the layers, I let out a gasp while simultaneously stifling laughter. How is it possible that I had never seen this ridiculous, impractical teapot before? It was shaped like a pig, standing up on its back legs, wearing a chef’s hat and wearing an apron with the words “AM I YOUR CUP OF TEA?” on it.

“Nini, where did you get this? I’ve never seen it before. It’s quite…bewildering since you don’t even like tea.”

“I was wondering when that little guy was going to show up! He is my most cherished keepsake, given to me by a secret admirer,” she said wryly with a twinkle in her eye.

“A secret admirer! Did Grandpa know?” I asked urgently as Nini bent down slowly to grasp the teapot, pulling it close to her.

As she placed it gingerly on the table, she recounted, “I was a junior in college, and my friend Lila implored me to attend her holiday party. She wanted to host a celebration before we all went home for winter break. Little did I know, she was participating in a scheme and subtly lending a hand to my secret admirer. I was wary until she revealed this was a special kind of get together – a White Elephant gift exchange.”

“Wait,” I interrupted, “what is a White Elephant gift exchange?”

Nini answered, “Well, each party guest brings a mysterious gift, something inexpensive and often silly. One person unwraps a gift from the pile of presents, and then the next person can either choose a wrapped gift or steal the first gift. Each person takes a turn. It’s so much fun, as people use strategy to end up with a gift they actually like. And so, I went to a secondhand store and was ecstatic to find this gaudy ceramic paperweight shaped like a frog on a lily pad. I wrapped it in colorful paper and embellished the package with a blue, sparkly bow.”

“I asked Lila to tell me who else was coming to the party, but she wouldn’t divulge the guest list. When I got to the party, Lila ran up to me exuberantly and started to introduce me to other party-goers. Later, I noticed a handsome young man that I knew from my Biology class. He had introduced himself to me at the beginning of the semester, and we had chatted a few times. Lila announced that it was time for the White Elephant gift exchange, and as we all gathered in the living room, he sat down next to me. I was so nervous, but after a few presents were unwrapped and stolen,” Nini giggled, “I relaxed and joined in the festive spirit.”

She continued, “After all the boisterous haggling and swapping was over, I was stuck with that hilarious pig teapot. When I wasn’t looking, Lila helped my secret admirer sneak something into the teapot, a note asking me on a date.”

Overcome with curiosity, I grabbed the piggie off the table, lifted his chef’s hat, and put my hand inside. My fingers touched a folded-up paper. Filled with anticipation, I gently pulled out the note and carefully unfolded it. The writing was faded, but I could still read that it was signed – “Hopefully, Walter.”

I stood up to hug my Nini, “Grandpa Wally was your admirer!”

She embraced me, with tears in her eyes, “Yes, for over 55 years, he was my cup of tea.”

Constructed Response Question
Some people believe a party is enhanced by organized party games. Others believe a party is best when party guests can socialize in an unstructured fashion.

Write an argumentative essay that asserts one of the party planning techniques is better than the other.

Be sure to:

Introduce your claim.
Support your claim with reasons and evidence from BOTH passages.
Acknowledge and counter alternate or opposing claims.
Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among claims, reasons, and evidence.
Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument.
​

no challenging words and dont make it to smart

Answer 1

Argumentative Essay: The Benefits of Organized Party Games

When it comes to planning a party, one key question arises: should the event include organized party games or allow guests to socialize freely? While some people prefer an unstructured setting for socializing, I believe that incorporating organized party games makes for a better party experience. Organized games not only break the ice among guests but also create lasting memories and help ensure everyone feels included.

First and foremost, organized games provide the opportunity for guests to interact in a fun and engaging way. In the story of Nini and her adventure at the holiday party, we see how the White Elephant gift exchange became a focal point for social interaction. Nini describes the excitement of unwrapping gifts and stealing them from one another, making people laugh and connect. Organized games like this take some of the pressure off individuals who might feel shy or unsure of how to start a conversation. Instead of awkwardly waiting to chat, guests can focus on the game, making it easier to bond over shared experiences.

Moreover, games can help create lasting memories that guests will cherish long after the party is over. When Nini reflects on her secret admirer’s note hidden in the pig teapot, it highlights how a seemingly simple game led to a significant life event. Her experience demonstrates that a structured activity can lead to unexpected outcomes and connection, creating stories that are told for years. Without games, these kinds of memorable moments may not happen as easily, leaving guests with only ordinary interactions that fade from memory.

On the other hand, some may argue that unstructured socializing allows guests the freedom to interact naturally and focus on deeper conversations. While this has its merits, it often leaves quieter guests feeling excluded. Without a game to engage everyone, those who are less outgoing may struggle to connect with others. Organized games create a level playing field where everyone can participate, ensuring that no one feels left out. This inclusivity can make a party more enjoyable for everyone.

In conclusion, organized party games are an essential element that enhances the party experience. They facilitate social interactions, create cherished memories, and encourage participation from all guests. While some may prefer unstructured mingling, the benefits of games clearly outweigh the drawbacks. A successful party is one where everyone feels included and engaged, and organized games make that possible. So, the next time you plan a gathering, consider adding some fun games to the mix; it might just be the best decision you make.