This is a way to practice language that doesn't easily fit into a scenario based activity. Of course, it's better to apply a scenario and try to create a mock real-use situation for practicing language, but it's not always so easy. This activity may work in some of those cases.
Basic Info
| Time: | 15 mins |
|---|---|
| Level: | Junior high |
| Works with: | Uncooperative target grammar |
| Class size: | Medium to large |
You will need:
- some scrap paper
(see Variations section below for a no-paper version)
Description
- Students makes groups.
(You will have to check the answer from each group so this may help determine group size.) - Teacher writes a question or statement on the board.
- Students discuss how to reply using the target grammar. (See example below.)
- One student writes the answer on a piece of scrap paper and brings it to the teacher.
- Teacher checks answers and (optional) assigns points.
- Students pass the writing pen to the left and repeat from step 2.
E.g. If you are studying Sunshine 2 Program 2, the target grammar is "Will it be sunny?" You may give the students the opening statement of "You have a test tomorrow." Students then have to think of a question in the form of "Will it be ~?"
Some examples of opening statements you might use:
- We're going to watch a movie.
(Response: Will it be scary/busy?) - We're going to go to the beach.
(Response: Will it be hot/sunny?) - We're going to a Mexican restaurant.
(Response: Will it be busy/spicy?
Tips
- Before each question, have the writing student (which should change each round) write their group number on the paper. This will make it easier to assign points.
- You may wish to provide students with a template for answering (write it on the board) "Will it be ____?" and explain they have to fill in the rest.
- You may wish to erase the template after a couple of rounds.
Variations
- You can make this paper free (and thus preparation free) if you have the students write their answers on the blackboard. Of course, with large classes this can prove tricky, space wise. In this case, students still discuss their responses as a groups, but send one student (from each group) to write the answer on the blackboard. Again, make sure the writers change each round.
Comments
This game works well with section 3 from Sunshine 2 Program 2, with the target grammar being "Will it be sunny?"