❖ Unit 8 ❖ International Organisations ❖ Functions ❖

Responding to Good & Bad News

A vital social function. Whether you're celebrating with someone or comforting them, your words show empathy and emotional intelligence.

Responding to good news

Sounds great!
Great news!
Superb! / Wonderful!
Oh, how wonderful!
That's good / nice / great / fantastic / wonderful!
Congratulations!
I'm happy / glad to hear that!
Really? I can't believe that!
Well done! / Way to go!
That's amazing! You deserve it!

Responding to bad news

Oh, dear!
Poor you!
That must be awful!
That's too bad!
My goodness!
I'm sorry to hear that!
I do sympathise with you!
What a shame! / What a pity!
I know how you must be feeling.
My condolences. (in case of death)
That's terrible. I'm here if you need anything.

Practice 1 — Complete the exchanges

Use the right function

Teacher: "We're planning to set up a citizenship club. Would you like to be a member?" → You: "That sounds great / fantastic!" I wouldn't miss such an important opportunity.
Friend: "Have you seen the news? There was a violent attack in France." → You: "Oh, my goodness! / How terrible!" I hope there weren't many casualties.

Practice 2 — Respond to news

Use a different phrase each time

Your friend just passed his driving test. → "Congratulations! That's fantastic news! I'm so happy for you — let's celebrate this weekend!"
Your neighbour had a terrible accident and is in hospital. → "Oh, dear! That's awful! I'm so sorry to hear that. Please tell me if there's anything I can do to help."
Your father has become the manager of the company. → "Wow, that's wonderful news! Congratulations to him — he really deserves it after all his hard work!"
Your friend's grandmother passed away. → "Oh, I'm so terribly sorry to hear that. My condolences to you and your family. Please let me know if there's anything I can do."

Useful follow-ups

A good response doesn't stop at one phrase. Always follow up with:

For good news: a question or a celebration suggestion. "Congrats! How will you celebrate?"
For bad news: an offer of help or comfort. "I'm so sorry. Is there anything I can do?"
Show empathy: "I can only imagine how you must be feeling."

❖ Key Takeaways ❖

① Match the tone

Good news = enthusiasm, smiles, exclamation marks. Bad news = sympathy, calm voice, gentle words.

② Avoid clichés

"I'm sorry" sounds sincere; "That's life" or "Get over it" do NOT — they may seem cold or rude.

③ For death

The most appropriate phrase is "My condolences" or "I'm so terribly sorry for your loss."

❖ Exam tip

The exam often gives a situation like "Your friend won a scholarship" or "Your friend lost their job." Always use TWO different responses: one set phrase + one personalised follow-up.