TWO TEACHERS RECORD A CONVERSATION TALKING ABOUT DIFFERENT PEOPLE....

2. Two teachers record a conversation talking about different people. They exchange information by asking and answering questions about the categories in the left hand columnof the table, discuss the information briefly, and then try to decide which person is happiest. Students make notes in the table. It is also useful to design activities which require students to listen and identify questions asked by the speakers. Listen to Roger and Darren talking about two "happy" people and make notes in the table. Roger DarrenNameAgeAccommodationFamilyHobbiesOpinionWhich one do they decide is the happiest and why? Do you agree? Language PracticeQuestions of various kinds are needed for the speaking activity. This could include standard questions such as "How old is Pierre?", short conversational questions such as "What about Pierre?" once age has been established as the topic, or indirect questions such as "Do you know how old Pierre is?" Different question forms have already been demonstrated in the listening activities, but may be targeted for intensive preparation before the pair and group conversation stage. Question Practice. A Happy Person Complete the following questions and then write another possible question in each box: Name WhatAge HowAccommodation What kind of Family What can you tell meHobbies What Opinions DoesPossible key Name What’s the name of your "happy person"?Age How old is s/he? Do you know how old s/he is?Accommodation What kind of accommodation does s/he live in? Can you describe their home?Family What can you tell me about his/her family? Does s/he have a large family?Hobbies What does s/he do in her/his free time? What about his/her hobbies?Opinions Does s/he have anything interesting to say about "happiness"? What does s/he think leads to a happy life?

Setting up the Group Speaking Task in Stages

After the listening and language exercises have been completed, the students should have a repertoire of questions available to them for exchanging information on the topics they willneed. The following steps are intended to bring about a smooth transition into an independent small-group conversation between three or four students.