Introduction
(5 min)
Welcome to an engaging journey to improving conversational skills in English! This exercise delves into the art of conversation through listening, matching dialogues, and practicing key elements like asking questions, expressing interest, and keeping the conversation flowing. From discussing the weather to sharing experiences, this exercise aims to enhance your conversational abilities by exploring various topics and encouraging active participation. Let's dive in and explore the nuances of effective communication in everyday English!
Task
(20 min)
Making conversation
1. Obviously, it is impossible to tell someone how to have a conversation, but here are some things that help.
• Ask questions.
• Show that you're interested.
• Don't just answer yes or no.
• Try to add a comment of your own.
• Don't let the conversation stop.
Find examples of these in the tapescripts on p119.
2. Match a line in A with a reply in B and a further comment in C.
3. Think of three questions to ask someone about each of these subjects.
• job
• home
• free time
• last holiday
4. Invent a new name and background for yourself. [ My name's James Bond. I'm a spy. I have homes in London, Moscow, and Beijing...]
Stand up! You're all at a party. Try to make some friends.
Now let's play Kahoot!
https://create.kahoot.it/creator/b8cd6fe5-ee9b-41e7-b227-12397986ccf5
Process
(5min)
1. **Conversation Application (10 points):**
- Assessing the use of provided conversation tips.
2. **Dialogue Matching & Questions (15 points):**
- Grading accuracy in matching dialogues and question quality.
3. **Persona & Social Engagement (15 points):**
- Evaluating creativity in persona creation and engagement in social scenarios.
4. **Overall Communication Skills (10 points):**
- Assessing general conversational proficiency.
5. **Total (50 points):**
- Combined score reflecting the student's performance across these criteria.
Evaluation
(8 min)
In this comprehensive journey, students delved into a multitude of exercises aimed at refining their conversational abilities. They demonstrated a solid understanding of fundamental conversation techniques, showcasing their adeptness in asking questions, displaying genuine interest, avoiding brief responses, and ensuring the smooth flow of dialogue. Their proficiency extended beyond the basics as they ventured into the nuanced realm of matching dialogues and constructing thought-provoking questions across a diverse array of subjects, ranging from professional pursuits to personal experiences. This showcased not just their proficiency but also their versatility in fostering engaging conversations on various topics.
Moreover, their imaginative prowess shone through the exercise of persona creation. They intricately crafted diverse identities, each with a detailed background and vibrant scenario. This task not only highlighted their imaginative capabilities but also their adaptability in assuming different conversational roles, as evidenced by their active engagement in simulated social settings.
Conclusion
(7 min)
In this comprehensive journey, students delved into a multitude of exercises aimed at refining their conversational abilities. They demonstrated a solid understanding of fundamental conversation techniques, showcasing their adeptness in asking questions, displaying genuine interest, avoiding brief responses, and ensuring the smooth flow of dialogue. Their proficiency extended beyond the basics as they ventured into the nuanced realm of matching dialogues and constructing thought-provoking questions across a diverse array of subjects, ranging from professional pursuits to personal experiences. This showcased not just their proficiency but also their versatility in fostering engaging conversations on various topics.
Moreover, their imaginative prowess shone through the exercise of persona creation. They intricately crafted diverse identities, each with a detailed background and vibrant scenario. This task not only highlighted their imaginative capabilities but also their adaptability in assuming different conversational roles, as evidenced by their active engagement in simulated social settings.
Credits
Soars, J. and Soars, L. (2016) New Headway course book, apoyan blog. Available at:https://apoyanblog.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/new-headway-pre-intermediate-students-book.pdf(Accessed: 23 November 2023).