~ Basic English ~ Basic Vocabulary and Role Plays ~ 106 ~

~ Make a Lesson ~ As You Like ~ Suggestions ~

Pre-Lesson Journal-Talk: Each student takes a turn at the beginning of class

1) In the first section, fill in the blanks, then practice your role plays on your own.

2) Then, as a class, in groups, or in pairs, perform the role plays you have created.

3) After that, perform your role play in class with a partner/several partners.

4) Finally, challenge yourself by performing the role play with no written cues.

5) In the second section, briefly discuss the form as a class. Avoid over-analysis.

6) Select two questions from the list. Practice with a partner, then in front of the class.

7) You may wish to discuss the form (section two) before the role play (section one).

The Language Works ~ Fun English ~ Lesson 6

Section One ~ Basic-Talk 106 ~ Vacation ~ Role Play Practice ~

A) Where did you go on your last trip?

B) I/We______________________________________.

(We went to Thailand/I went to my grandparents home/We took a package tour.)

A) Who did you go there with?

B) I/We went there with_____________________________________.

A) How did you travel there?

B) I/We__________________________________________________.

(We went there by bus and train/We flew/I took a ship.)

A) Where did you stay?

B) I/We stayed___________________________________________.

A) How long did you stay?

B) I/We stayed_______________________________________.

A) Tell me about one of the things you enjoyed.

B) Well... ___________________________________________________.

(The scenery was great/The food was delicious/The people were kind and helpful.)

A) Was there anything that you didn't enjoy?

B1) Let me see. No, everything was just fine.

B2) Let me see. Yes. __________________________________________.

(It was noisy and crowded/The restaurants weren’t so clean/My camera was stolen.)

A) Overall, would you do it again?

B) ____________________________.

(Yes. We plan to go there next year/No, I’d like to go somewhere else.)

Notes:

“Holiday” in British English is time off from work or school.

“Holiday” in North American English is a special day like Christmas.

“Vacation” in North America is time off from work or school.

“Vacation” isn’t often used in British English except when a university is closed.

“Trip” is used flexibly. It could be a day or a month, but it includes travel.

Section Two ~ Form-Talk 106 ~ Comparative Adjectives ~ Dialogue Practice ~

A comparative adjective is used to compare two things.

List of comparative adjective forms:

1) One syllable or ending in y:

old – older / young – younger / pretty – prettier / happy – happier

2) Two or more syllables:

respectable – more/less respectable ~ beautiful – more/less beautiful

preferable – more/less preferable ~ hardworking – more/less hardworking

3) Different forms:

good – better / bad – worse

Examples: Choose questions, write answers, or study/read the samples. Discuss.

Q1: Are you more or less intelligent than your parents? How?

Anyone much older than me should have more intelligence. Yet, I'm not sure.

Q2: Are some people luckier (in love/money) than others? Explain.

Maybe some people are born "under fortunate stars" but I'm a normal human being.

Q3: Would it be better to be rich and dumb or poor and smart? Why?

This is a case of bad choices. If I were rich and dumb, most likely I'd be happier.

Q4: Is it worse for you to be really hungry or to eat too much?

Another case of bad choices. I guess eating too much. Really hungry can go really bad.

Q5: Which is more delicious, (Italian) or (Chinese) food? (Thai, Indian, French, Mexican)

Italian is better for lunch and Chinese is better for dinner. Thai soup is best for breakfast.

Q6: Is your friend/spouse friendlier/more friendly than you? Tell.

Definitely my spouse is friendlier than me. As they say, "She is my better half".

Q7: Are some families happier/sadder than others? Tell.

Yes, but this may change over time depending on income, health, and marriage troubles.

Q8: Is it better for you to study or to enjoy your time? Explain.

They say, "Too much work and no play makes Jack a dull boy". I strive for balance.

Q9: Is it worse for you to sleep too much or too little? Why?

Too little. Too much sleep is OK if your dreams are good. Too little can make you cranky.

Q10: Are Chinese clothes more fashionable than American? Explain.

Fashion is subjective. Everyone has their signature style. I prefer comfort over fashion.