"Different Christmas" B2 First

Activity title:

Different Christmas

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Skill(s):

speaking

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Level(s):

B2

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Exam part:

Speaking part 2 (FCE)

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Aim(s):

Ss will learn to organize a larger unit of discourse, compare, describe pictures and express opinions

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Materials needed:

Worksheets for each student

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Preparation:

1. Prepare the cards for taboo game (topic: Holidays and Celebrations).
2. Print the worksheets

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Procedure:

Step 1. Warm-Up - Holidays and Celebrations Taboo Game.

Step 2. Review of the vocabulary (Topic - Holidays and Celebrations). Ss get worksheets with two pictures and in pairs brainstorm words related to the pictures. Then they discuss their ideas as a full group.

Step 3. On the board there are two groups of words: for comparing (both, similarity, whereas, more, however, difference) and for speculating (probably, possibly, might be, could be, might have, as if, look like). In turns Ss make up sentences describing the pictures on the worksheet using either words for comparing or for speculating. The teacher puts down the ideas Ss mention on the board, e.g. clothes, weather, activity etc.

Step 4. The teacher announces the topic that may sound during the exam: Why have people chosen to celebrate Christmas in these different ways? Ss decide on the relevant ideas from those written on the board (step 3).

Step 5. Silent think time. Ss generate ideas to answer the exam questions and make notes if necessary.

Step 6. In groups of four, Ss discuss their ideas and choose the best three.

Step 7. Presentation. One representative from each group compares the pictures and answers the exam question in front of the class.

Step 8. Feedback.

Step 9. Assigning Homework. At home each student makes a recording of their speaking on the pictures and send it to the teacher.

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Variation(s)

1. If there is enough time, Ss discuss what way of celebrating Christmas they would choose and why.
2. The activity is appropriate only for Ss who already know structures for comparison and are well aware of the format of the exam. If not, the activity should be modified.

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Reflections

1. It may appear that some Ss do not remember the words and phrases for comparing, so it may be useful to incorporate a revision exercise for this purpose (e.g. gap filling).
2. Ss may show lack of ideas during step 3, so it is may be helpful to have a list of leading questions prepared in advance.
3. Pair and group work should be monitored by the teacher as some shy Ss may stay calm and have much less time to speak.
4. Feedback should be provided on accuracy as well as fluency. Peer-correction may be included.