Adjective-Noun Game
Objective
To get students to think about and practice adjective-noun combinations.
Level
This game works well with all levels. Lower level students can make up simple sentences and higher level students more complex ones.
The Game
The purpose of this game is to give students the chance to practice adjective-noun combinations. Begin by giving them a male or female first name. They must then invent a sentence similar to the following:
• Albert likes awful apes.
• Betty likes baby boys.
• Linda likes little limes.
• Richard likes roaring racecars.
• Wendy likes wiggling worms.
The game should move fast, so you should be prepared with a list of names to fire at your students. You should go through the list ahead of time to make sure that you can think of matching adjective-noun combinations within the vocabulary range of your students. It is sometimes helpful to have a large list of alphabetized adjectives xeroxed off and ready to hand out, especially for lower level students.
Following are names for every letter of the alphabet to get you started:
Andy, Betty, Carmine, Daniel, Ed, Francis, Grover, Harry, Ingrid, John, Kris, Linda, Mark, Norman, Orville, Patty, Quentin, Rachel, Sam, Tom, Ursula, Victor, William, Xavier, Yolanda, Zelda.
An Activity for Teaching Intonation Awareness to ESL/EFL Students
What we teachers are looking for are ways to generate conversation and communication in class-and hopefully beyond. Getting learners to say something-anything at all-in a conversation class is great, but it must be built on. One way to achieve this is by sensitising students to the conversational tactics they use naturally when talking in their native tongue: turn-taking, supporting, challenging, questioning, expanding on statements, and so on. They don't tend to use these when interacting in English.
While the students in a conversation class must be exposed to the above conversation strategies they also must be made aware that the language they use in class owes part of its impact to aspects teachers do not normally work on: tone, facial expressions and body language. The words students employ in class often come together in sentences and the message gets across eventually, with a little help from teacher. However the message is very often tone-less and emotion-less, but nobody complains because the students are opening their mouths. In fairness, this lack of emotion and tone is more prevalent in the the lower levels, where students are still coming to terms with the new language.
As I found that many verbal exchanges in my classes were a little too polite, perhaps because of the neutral tone employed by the speakers, I decided to experiment with tone. To this end, I devised the following, very experimental, conversation idea.
The Intonation Awareness Activity
This activity could be used as a good ice-breaker or, if developed, could form the basis of a whole class. It would then combine conversation with a certain amount of conscious learning.
This activity does not need a huge amount of preparation and may help students to loosen up while speaking. The idea also hopes to sensitise students to the concept of tone and lessen the amount of monotonous, seemingly un-emotional exchanges which occur between learners. It could inject a bit of life and humour into the class. I used it as a warm-up.
Working on the assumption that some expressions or words can have as many as 9 or more different meaning or connotations depending on how they are said, try the following activity:
• Say the following in five different ways.
• Goodbye
• Hello
• How are you?
• Do we have to speak English, teacher?
• I never watch TV
• Etc. (Add more expressions liable to spark several interpretations when delivered with a different tone)
Your students will be inhibited at first, so the best thing to do is let them know what you are talking about. That is, give them a sample of how to use different tones when you want to insinuate different meanings. I did the following after the class had begun to grasp what I was looking for:
• Me: John, say "Hello" to me
• John: "Hello" (neutral, polite tone)
• Me: John, now say "Hello" to a friend
• John: "Hello" (much more upbeat tone)
• Me: John, say "Hello" to a 6-month-old-baby!!!
• John: "Hello" (contorted face, exaggerated fall-rise tone, etc)
Needless to say, there were laughs all round. I think the point was beginning to be made.
These expressions must be said with different settings and contexts in mind, ie police control; shopping check-out; a polite meeting; a romantic setting; a separation (holiday); Monday morning in the office; drunk-talk; condescending; nervous; an interview; talking to a baby; a funeral; an exam; ironic; a long-lost friend.
Note: Much of the "extra" meaning will derive also from facial expression and even body-language.
Examples
When I did "I never watch TV", I told them to imagine that the sentence was being uttered by a condescending intellectual to a TV addict! (It's just one example).
When I did "How are you", I told them to imagine they knew something very personal about the addressee involved. Or that they had not seen the person in 30 years, and so on.
At the end of the day, perhaps all you achieve is an enjoyable class without (perhaps) much interactional content. But at least the students relax a bit more and actually experiment with the language they are learning to use.
My Classmates
How well do you know really know your classmates? Find someone who fits each sentence and let that person sign his or her name in the space. Ask questions in English.
1. ___________________________ has a telephone number that ends with 5.
2. ___________________________ lives more than two hours from school.
3. ___________________________ plans to go to New York this summer.
4. ___________________________ went skiing during winter vacation.
5. ___________________________ rides a motorcycle to school.
6. ___________________________ will go to a movie on Saturday.
7. ___________________________ has two younger brothers.
8. ___________________________ rides a bicycle to school.
9. ___________________________ `s favorite color is blue.
10. __________________________ likes to play volleyball.
11. __________________________ has a birthday in June.
12. __________________________ eats bread every day.
13. __________________________ has a dog for a pet.
14. __________________________ likes to read books.
15. __________________________ can play the guitar.
16. __________________________ does not like cake.
17. __________________________ plays baseball.
18. __________________________ enjoys swimming.
A Handout for the First Class Meeting
Introduction
What follows is a handout we have used for a few years with our freshman English classes at Aichi Institute of Technology. Over the years, we have fine-tuned it into concise easy-to-understand English (for Japanese) while at the same time covering what needs to be covered. A lot of freshman university students come to us with a six-year background of English study with little emphasis put on listening, so we find it useful to give them something which we can read to them while they follow what is written. Students who still cannot understand, can take the paper home and use a dictionary. We also encourage students to paste this handout to the inside back cover of their textbooks.
How to Use It
Save this page "as text", and edit it in a word processor to suit your own needs.
English Conversation Class
Introduction
This class is an important class for you. It will help you improve your English and will give you a chance to use your English with a native speaker. It is probably the most important English class you will ever take. If you work hard, your English will improve quickly.
You will study the four basic skills of English: Hearing, Speaking, Reading and Writing.
You are lucky. Many students in Japan never have the chance to use their English with a native speaker or to hear "live" spoken English. At this school you have a chance to improve your hearing and speaking. This class gives you the chance to learn to understand naturally spoken English and to make your spoken English understandable.
This class meets for ninety minutes once a week. There will be classroom work, homework, quizzes and tests.
How to Pass This Class
1. You must come to class every time.
2. Do not be late for class.
3. You must finish all classroom work. If you do not finish classroom work during the class time, you must finish it before the next class time.
4. You must finish all of your homework.
5. You must take every test. If you are sick on a test day, talk to your teacher.
The Lessons
• [ Insert your syllabus here. ]
Useful American Idioms
These American idioms will be discussed in class and used in everyday conversational phrases. Students are encouraged to make up their own conversations using the American idioms.
Definition of Idiom: a word or group of words established by usage and having a meaning not understood from the word or words themselves; a certain type of expression common to a language or people.
Directions: Listen to the teacher explain the idiom and write down the definition on the first line. On the second line write your original sentence using the idiom.
1. A nut / nuts
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2. All part of the game
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3. Backfire
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4. Back seat driver
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5. Bank on
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6. Bankroll
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7. Beer belly / Pot belly
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8. Behind the scenes
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9. Benchmark
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10. Better safe than sorry
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11. Big mouth
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12. Bite off more than you can chew
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13. Blown out
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14. Bottom line
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15. Brand new / Second hand
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16. Break the ice
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17. Breathing room
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18. Burn your bridges
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19. Business as usual
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20. By word of mouth
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21. Calm before the storm
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22. Chain-smoker
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23. Chicken
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24. Come out on the short end of the stick
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25. Count on
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26. Cover all the bases
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27. Do the trick
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28. Doggie bag
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29. DonÕt hold your breath
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30. Earmark
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31. Elbow room
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32. Fall through
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33. Fat chance
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34. Fed up with
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35. Flash in the pan
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36. Foot the bill
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37. Freak out
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38. Fried up
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39. From hand to mouth
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40. Gain ground / Lose ground
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41. Get away with murder
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42. Get burned
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43. Get in over your head
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44. Get the green light
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45. Get to first base
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46. Get your act together
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47. Give a hand / Lend a hand
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48. Go for broke
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49. Go from bad to worse
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50. Go off the deep end
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51. Go over like a lead balloon
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52. Gravy train
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53. Green thumb
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54. Handy
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55. Have your cake and eat it, too
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56. Head to head
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57. Hear it through the grapevine
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58. His days are numbered
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59. Hit home
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60. Hit the jackpot
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61. In a nutshell
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62. In one ear and out the other
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63. In the red / In the black
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64. In the same boat
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65. Iron out
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66. Just around the corner
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67. Kick start / Jump start
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68. Kill time
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69. Keep an eye on
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70. Landslide
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71. Lay down the law
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72. Long shot
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73. Make a scene
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74. Make both ends meet
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75. Nest egg
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76. New lease on life
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77. No brainer
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78. Nose-dive / Skyrocket
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79. Not so hot
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80. Odds and ends
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81. On the right track
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82. One track mind
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83. Out of hand
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84. Out of your mind
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85. Out on a limb
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86. Out to lunch
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87. Over the hill
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88. Par for the course
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89. Pass the buck
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90. Personal agenda
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91. Play it by ear
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92. Play with fire
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93. Pot calling the kettle black
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94. Pull no punches
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95. Read between the lines
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96. Red-light district
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97. Redneck
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98. Red tape
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99. Right under my nose
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100. Rock the boat
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101. Rub it in
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102. Run circles around
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103. Scapegoat
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104. Scratch the surface
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105. Slush fund
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106. Soapbox
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107. Step up to the plate
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108. Up the creek
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109. Uphill / Downhill
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110. Upper hand
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111. Upside / Downside
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112. Take it or leave it
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113. Tear jerker
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114. The ball is in their court
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115. The jury is still out
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116. The real world
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117. The whole nine yards
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118. Three time loser
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119. Tie up loose ends
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120. Tip of the iceberg
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121. To be in a bind / To be in a jam
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122. To blow up
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123. To check out
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124. To crack up
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125. To do oneÕs homework
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126. To draw a line
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127. To drink like a fish
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128. To fall back on
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129. To go through the motions
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130. To have one foot in the grave
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131. To pass away
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132. To play with fire
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133. Track record
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134. Treading on thin ice
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135. Turn the tables
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136. Wait and see
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137. Watch your step
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138. Water under the bridge
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139. Watered down
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140. Wear the pants
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141. Wet blanket
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142. When hell freezes over
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143. Where thereÕs smoke, thereÕs fire
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144. White elephant
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145. Windfall
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Life
5 Activities
1. Most Important Things in Life
2. Life is:
3. Life's Ages
4. Necessities in Life
5. Pleasures in Life
Level: Intermediate up
Age: Adult
Most Important Things in Life
Activity A
Get students to list off their spontaneous answers. They must justify and explain as they talk.
Activity B
Using the ideas below as well as your own, get the students to list off the ten most important things in life, putting them in order of importance.
• Money
• Love
• Ambition
• Friendship
• Self-esteem
• To feel useful
• Family
• Food
• Job
• Health
• English
• Etc.
Life is:
Activity A
Brainstorming activity; get the students to define "life". Below are some student answers which shouldn't be shown to students until they have contributed something.
• Is an adventure.
• Can be wonderful.
• Is a big theatre.
• Life is like an onion: when you remove all the layers, there is nothing
• left.
• Life is a path leading to nowhere.
• Life is a dream.
• Life is a journey to nowhere.
• Life is a series of unexpected and expected experiences.
• Life is a cartoon.
• Life is what you make of it.
• Life is a journey whose destination is unknown.
• Life is a treasure and the proof of that is that few people want to die.
• Life is hard but beautiful, too.
• Life is a very high mountain.
• Life is a series of trials which are created by yourself, a superior being, destiny, chance ...
• Life is a maze: you know what you want in the near future (to get out of the maze) but don't know the way, or maybe the best way-and you have to make a choice.
• Life is a film in which you are the main character.
• Life is ... all of these.
Activity B
You could even devote a whole class to discussing student comments.
Life's Ages
Life is said to have four stages, according to a Peter Laslett:
• Childhood.
• Working and family.
• Freedom from work and family.
• Decrepitude and death.
Activity A
Discuss these with your students.
Activity B
Get your students to draw up their own list of life's ages; for example, they may choose to start off with "baby" stage and end up with "octogenarian". Beside each step they choose, they could give an explanation of their opinion. They could give details of the aspects that differentiate, say, children from adolescents. Most students agreed that childhood, adolescence, adulthood and old age were the top four stages; but are there more? Infancy? Young adults? Middle-age? Incidentally, the word "infant" comes from the combination of the prefix "in" (= not) and the present participle of the Latin verb "For" (To talk). The literal translation of "infans" is "not talking", which is one way of looking at a toddler: A being who cannot talk.
Activity C
Which age is the best? Why? Does life "begin" at 40? I asked the latter question and then got my students to finish off the following sentence:
Life, for me, begins/began at:
• Thirty, because I have a job; a flat; I feel settled; I have money to travel.
• Twenty five/six, because I have finished my studies and started to work.
• Thirty, because I ended a boring relationship-and started to live!
• Twenty two, because I got my first job.
• Fifteen, because I moved home to a better place.
• Etc.
Activity D
Discuss about old age. How are the elderly called in your country? Senior citizens? Old folk? How are they treated by the government? Do they get free travel? Is this right? Do the elderly just pass time, or can they be useful to society? How?
Finish this sentence: When I am old, I am going to/would like to:
Activity E
What did you want to be as a child?>/p> In theory, a simple brainstorming activity. But it could lead on to many other topics. My students produced the following: F = Female M = Male
• An Economist (F)
• An Actress(F)
• Somebody with authority (M)
• Hostess, Hairdresser (F)
• A Bird (F)
• A Fireman; I loved taking risks (M)
• A Doctor (F)
• A millionaire (F)
• Etc.
Necessities in Life
Activity A
Sound out your pupils on what they feel is a necessity for them in life at the moment/in general
Activity B
Get each L2 to choose what he believes are the three most relevant necessities from the following list.
• A certain amount of good food is necessary in order to live.
• Water is necessary to live.
• Friends are necessary.
• Romance is necessary.
• Sex (?).
• Cars are necessary.
• Alcoholic drinks.
• School.
• Politeness.
• Money.
• Holidays are necessary.
• Praise.
• Roads.
• Taxes are.
Activity C
Debate and see whether there is a male-female differences.
Activity D
You could also do the following: Ask them to eliminate the "necessities" that they could, if pushed, do without. The "things that are not necessary in life at all?
Pleasures in Life
Activity A
Put these in order of preference.
• Watching TV
• Eating out
• Sex(?)
• Listening to music
• Shopping
• Drinking alcohol
• Sleeping
• Smoking
• Holidays
• Doing sports
Activity B
Debate the above list. Are there any pleasures missing? Which ones?
Using Postcards in the Classroom
An idea l've been using successfully for several years in all my junior and senior high, college and business classes is postcards! I collect them whenever I travel and ask all my friends to send me their favorites from their hometowns or holidays. I keep them all in a special postcard file book available at most large bookstores. The book is easy to carry to class and keeps everything neatly organized and clean. Look for colorful or unusual cards in addition to the usual famous scenes. My own books are divided into various sections. I have postcards from all over the Americas, Europe, Asia and the Pacific. From scenes of my hometown to great monuments to scenic wonders -- it's all here! In addition to noted tourist attractions, I have sports scenes, people at work, religious motifs and a few "joke" cards. I can use the cards to practice many different structures such as:
1. Where is this? What country, city, continent?
2. What do we call this building/monument/sport/etc. in English?
3. What color/shape/condition is this?
4. What are they doing?
5. What are they wearing?
6. What religion are these people practicing?
7. Would you like to visit this place? Why or why not?
8. Would you like to play this sport? Why or why not?
9. Have you ever been here/done this?
10. What would you like to do if you visited this place?
The questions and structures that you practice are limited only by the students' level. There is nothing "built-in", so the whole excercise is up to you. For that reason, you should probably do a little thinking about how you want to use your collection before you go to class. If you don't want to build a lesson around the postcards, just take a few to talk about as you wait for late students to show up or for a warm-up before or a wind-down after your regular lesson. They can also be used as "Realia" to supplement your texts. It will add interest to your class and hopefully generate some enthusiasm for a more international outlook in your students. Happy colllecting!
Predictions for This Year
Activity A
As the title says, think of as many things or events that will take place (or that you think will take place) in the coming year. If the students do not want to commit themselves too much, then they don't have to use the pure future (will). They could list off the possible developments that lie ahead this year, by using the modal auxiliaries (may, might, could, should), or verbs like "think". They can also use "going to" or the present continuous for imminent happenings or planned events or arrangements. If they cannot name some major international event, they could just make predictions about themselves.
My students came up with the following:
• Clinton will stay on as president.
• Monica Lewinsky will write a book.
• A vaccine for AIDS will be discovered.
• The situation in Israel will remain the same.
• Man will discover something more about Mars.
• The weather will get worse.
• TV will get worse as more and more programmes are offered.
• My quality of life will get better because I am going to get a job.
• The situation in Africa will not improve.
NB I found that some people had problems thinking of a "definite" prediction; if it does not work, you could move the goalposts and allow the students to use a possibility modal verb (may, might, could).
Activity B
Now do the same for your city, town or neighbourhood.
Activity C
Fifty Years from Now
You could get the students to complete the following: (or think up new ideas yourself).
• Life will ...
• I will ...
• Houses will ...
• People will ...
• Rivers will ...
• My present friends will ...
• TV will ...
• Newspapers will ...
• Men will ...
• Women will ...
• Cars will ...
• Work ...
• Money ...
• Food will ...
1 The sentences do not have to start off with the words I have given; these may figures in the middle, so that you could have "Fifty years from now, money will not exist", for example. 2 You could mention genetic engineering, cloning, diseases, hobbies, schools, shops, public transport, car parks, hospitals ...
Comprehension Questions for the Movie "Men in Black"
Scene 1. The border control stops the car.
How many cars are blocking the road?
Four.
What does the driver said he has been doing?
Fishing.
How many people are in the black car?
Two.
What is the name of the first Alien?
Mikey.
What color are the Alien's entrails?
Blue.
Scene 2. A policeman is chasing someone.
How many policemen are chasing, in the beginning?
Three.
What does the first man (the alien) jump off?
A bridge.
What is the policeman wearing around his neck?
His badge and some chains.
How does the policeman get inside the big, white, building?
He shoots the glass, to break it, and then climbs through.
How does the alien die?
He jumps off the top of the building.
Scene 3. At the Farm.
What is the man inside the house doing?
Eating dinner, and complaining.
What happens to the truck?
A spaceship lands on it, and it is smashed.
Is the cow hurt by the spaceship?
No, It walks away before the spaceship crashes.
What is the farmer (Edgar) carrying?
A gun.
Scene 4. Inside at the farm.
What is the first thing that the alien (wearing Edgar) says?
Sugar.
What does he want?
Sugar in water.
What does the woman do when she sees the alien pull his skin tight?
She faints.
Scene 5. The policeman is being debriefed.
How many people are in the room?
Three.
What rank is the fat policeman in uniform?
Sargent.
How long does the young policeman think the fat policeman needs on a "stair master"?
10 minutes.
Where does the woman say the morgue is?
On 26th.
Scene 6. At the pawnbrokers.
Who goes into the shop first?
The policeman.
What is on the counter?
A lamp, a newspaper, and a tray of Rolex watches.
What does the man in black (K) say he will count to?
Three.
How does the alien make the guns appear?
He presses a button.
Scene 7. At the restaurant.
What does K say, the woman says "it"is eating?
Her Popcorn
What did K and officer Edwards have to eat?
Egg rolls
What name does K call Officer Edwards?
James
What drink has Edwards been having?
Tequila
What time should they meet?
9.00
How many bottles do we see on the table in front of Officer Edwards?
3
What does K give to Officer Edwards?
His calling / business card
What is the number of the place Edwards has to go to?
504 Battery Drive.
Scene 8 Back at the farm.
What is the man with the tank on his back going to do?
Kill the cockroaches and bugs in the barn.
What does the alien do to the man?
He kills him. (By sticking the nozzle down his throat).
What does the alien do with his spaceship?
He rolls it up a plank into the back of the truck.
Scene 9. 504 Battery Drive.
What is the guy in the suit called?
Z.
Why are they all there?
To take the test.
How many are they looking for?
Only one.
How many are taking the test?
Six.
In the shooting scene did Edwards (the policeman) kill any monsters?
No.
Who did he shoot?
A little girl.
What was the (guy) monster hanging from the light doing?
Working out.
What about the snarling beast guy, what was he really doing?
Sneezing
How old is little Tiffany (the girl)?
About 8 years old.
How many books is she carrying?
Three.
What is strange about the books she is carrying?
They are much too difficult for her.
What is the last test that they have to administer?
An eye test.
Scene 10. Walking K explains to Edwards.
What does K give to Edwards?
A folder.
What date did the aliens first make contact?
March 2nd, 1961.
How many people were there that night?
Nine.
How did they conceal all evidence of the landing?
They held a Worlds fair (expo').
Why does Edwards think that K needs a CAT scan?
He thinks that he is crazy.
Does Edwards believe K's story?
No he keeps being sarcastic.
Scene 11. In the coffee room.
How many aliens are in the room?
Four.
Does K want decaf coffee?
No.
Scene 12. Sitting in the park.
How many aliens does K say are on the planet at one time?
About fifteen hundred.
What job does Edwards think that most aliens do?
Cab drivers.
How long does K give Edwards to think it over?
Until sunrise.
Scene 13. Back at 504 Battery Drive.
What does the Immigration officer ask the really tall alien? "
Any fruit or vegetables?.
Do they report to the government?
No. K said that they ask too many questions.
When was the great New York black out?
1977.
What is the relationship between the two aliens who are running the observation center?
They are twins.
What planet did Edwards think his teacher was from?
Venus.
What name does Edwards now become?
J.
What does J say is the difference between K and himself?
He makes this look good.
Scene 14. (After we see the Edgar alien) J and K are being briefed.
What was the red letter about?
An unauthorized landing somewhere in upstate New York.
What is a "skimmer"?
An landed alien, who is out of zone.
Where is the alien called "Redglick" stuck?
On the New Jersey Turnpike.
A keg is a big container of beer, What do you think to host a Kegger means?
To have a party.
Z knows that J doesn't like being called names like "son" or "sport" but he calls him two different names to annoy him what are they?
Tiger and Junior.
What kind of car do they drive?
Ford P.O.S.
What does J think that K has to work on?
His people skills.
Scene 15. At the restaurant.
Where is the cat?
In the bag on the floor under the table.
What has the older alien brought for the other alien's children?
Diamonds.
Has the tall alien ordered?
Yes, Pirogi.
What is the table number they are sitting at?
Six.
Who does the bug (the Edgar alien) kill first?
The older one.
Scene 16. On the New Jersey Turnpike.
Where does Reggie's card have him restricted to?
The island of Manhattan.
How many times is J pulled through the car?
Once.
What does K said the baby is?
A Squid.
Scene 17. At the newspaper seller's.
What other newspaper is mentioned?
The New York Times.
How many papers does K buy?
Four.
What does the head line say on the paper he throws on to the car?
Alien stole my husbands skin.
Scene 18. The M.I.B. go to the farm.
What doesn't the F.B.I .have?
A sense of Humour.
What does she offer them to drink?
Lemonade.
Does J like the lemonade?
No. J pulls a face and then spits it back into the glass.
What is Edgar holding in the photograph?
A rifle (gun).
What does J tell her to get from the store called Bloomingdales?
Some dresses and shoes.
What colour does K say "please not............."?
Green.
Scene 19. The morgue.
What does the policeman ask the woman to do?
Sign Here.
When the woman is dictating notes K finishes off a sentence for her what word does he say?
Weird.
What is special about the Heart, liver, lungs of the older alien?
They are all missing.
What name is J pretending he is called?
Dr White.
Where does the alien say the Galaxy is?
On Orion's belt.
How many times, in this scene, does K use the "flashy thing" on the woman?
Twice.
Scene 20. The bug in his van.
Where did he get the thing, he is trying to open, from?
He took it off the table in the restaurant.
What is inside?
Diamonds.
What did he think was inside?
The Galaxy.
Scene 21. Back at H.Q.
Where is Orion in the sky?
In the Northern sky.
How many stars are galaxies made up of?
Billions.
What words appear on the screen of the computer that K is working on when J interrupts him?
Subject lost.
Does K agree with J when he quotes "It is better to have loved and lost then never to have loved at all"?
No. He says try it.
Scene 22 (After J is given a weapon) At the Jewelry store.
How many display cases does the bug break?
Three.
What does the bug see that makes him snort and grunt?
He sees the photograph of the cat and it's collar.
What is happening to his car?
It is being towed away.
What does the bug say to the tow truck driver? "
Hey this is my truck".
What makes J turn around and see the bug?
He hears a gunshot.
How many times does J shoot at the bug?
3 times.
What does the bug steal from the street seller?
A post card.
Scene 23. The Men in Black talk to the dog.
Which one does J think is the alien?
The gaunt looking man.
Which one is the Alien?
The dog.
What is the dog's name?
Frank.
Why can't the dog talk now?
His flight is leaving.
What two excuses does J say to passers by when K is shaking the dog?
The dog owes him money and they are practicing for a ventriloquist act.
How small does the dog say the galaxy is?
Tiny, like the size of a marble or a Jewel.
What does J see that makes him say "K"?
A cat with a bell on it's collar.
Scene 24. The alien goes to the morgue.
Why does the woman suddenly jump?
The cat lands on her table, and surprises her.
What name is on the cat's collar?
Orion.
What is inside of the pendant on the cat's collar?
The Galaxy.
What is the bug carrying?
His gun.
How does he get the desk clerk's attention?
He rings the bell.
What does the bug tell him not to do?
Do that. (Kill the bugs on the counter with the fly swat).
Scene 25. K and J arrive.
How long does K give J before he will come in there?
Two minutes.
What does the bug say that he is looking for?
The animal.
Why does the bug stop dragging the woman?
He hears J ringing the bell.
What name does J call himself?
Sargent Friday.
What time is it?
6.20 pm
What does J say the cat has witnessed?
A Murder.
Why does K look up?
Something drops from the ceiling and extinguishes his match.
What does he see?
The desk clerk stuck to the ceiling.
How does the bug leave the morgue?
Through a window.
What does he take with him?
The woman and the Galaxy.
How does the bug get away?
In a taxi.
Scene 26. Chasing the bug.
Why does the bug say he is taking the women with him?
It is a long journey and he might need a snack.
Why is J surprised that K is taking the tunnel?
It is going to be packed.
What button is J told to push?
The little red button.
Who is the singer of the song K plays?
Elvis Presley.
According to K, is the singer dead?
No he just went home.
Why is the bug happy that a war could start?
More food for his family.
When the guys arrive at Queens, how much longer until the destruction of the Earth?
7 minutes and 56 seconds.
What number is the Mets baseball player wearing when he doesn't catch the ball?
23.
When the bug emerges from the "Edgar suit" what is the first thing it does to the M.I.B.?
He takes their guns.
What does K say, that J mustn't let the bug do?
Leave in the second ship.
Where does K say he is going?
To get his gun back.
What is the last part of K that we see ?
The bottom of his shoes.
What does J throw at the bug?
A rock.
How many roaches does J step on?
Three. (Actually he steps on at least two more when he is talking to the bug, but we only clearly see him crush three).
What relation does he think they are to the bug?
Auntie and Uncle.
Who does K call on his cellular telephone?
Z. To tell him that they have the Galaxy.
Who finally kills the bug?
The woman.
Scene 27. Outside of H.Q..
Who does K say that the flashy thing is for?
For himself.
What four things does K explain about the flashy thing?
Months, days, years and always facing forward.
Scene 28. The new J.
In the newspaper headline, what city has a car that defies gravity?
Detroit.
What does the other paper say about the man who used to be K?
Man awakens from 35 year coma.
Vocabulary Words for the Movie "Men in Black"
Scene 1. The border control stops the car.
goddamn
bugs
shit
crap
a catch
Slang, Idioms and Expressions. etc.
....the dick
come on
to throw back
bucks a head
Scene 1a. The Men in Black arrive.
N.I.S
division six
a chat
fellas
bull shit
Slang, Idioms and Expressions. etc.
to have money on
tough call
break your face
got a winner
hit the road
Scene 1b. The Men in Black talk to the alien Mikey.
pesos
political refugee
treaties
violated
flippers
Slang, Idioms and Expressions. etc.
to bet
that's enough
Scene 1c. Kay explains to the border guards.
entrails
pal
neuralizer
isolate
electronic impulses
specifically
splay burn
perimeter
gullible
Slang, Idioms and Expressions. etc.
calm down
from out of town
figment of your imagination
exercise caution
discharge a firearm
get checked out
E.M.S.
chase
Scene 2. A policeman is chasing someone.
Freeze!
N.Y.P.D
knock ...down
punk ass
ledge
Slang, Idioms and Expressions. etc.
All yours
Freeze means stop
What the hell?
trying to catch a beat down
To piss someone off
watch that..!
Scene 3. At the Farm.
poison
skulk
heck
projectile
weapon
pry
proposal
Slang, Idioms and Expressions. etc.
work my butt off
make a living
looks like
swear to god
make up my mind
ain't
pulls its weight
goddamn
Figures!
Scene 4. Inside at the farm.
what on earth...
hanging off
your bones
Scene 5. The policeman is being debriefed.
perpetrator
blinked
eyelids
claim
evaporated
soggy
midsection
Slang, Idioms and Expressions. etc.
two sets
you mean..
you know..
high beams
low beams
a million pieces
and why is it that...
I guess.
to keep up
half the man I am...
What's your problem?
being all up
in my damn face
best shot
tough guy
a stair master
pudgy bastard
Scene 5a. Two other people came to talk to the policeman.
deputy
medical examiner
the morgue
coroner's office
gills
paperwork
Slang, Idioms and Expressions. etc.
wait a minute
the John Doe
Right?
out of breath
Absolutely!
take a ride
tons of
all done
ran down
on foot
that's tough
double tough
Scene 6. At the pawnbrokers.
N.S.A
F.B.I.
bureau
monitors
chain-snatchers
crack dealer
weird
imports
stable
insensitive
stings
merchandise
mutate
capacity
unlicensed
cephlapoid
assassination
the target
confiscate
Slang, Idioms and Expressions. etc.
Who are you with?
put my thing down
slide up
proper authorities
something hotter than..
smart ass
hold on a second
drop the weapon
reverberating
carbonizer
handle on the moment
Scene 7. At the restaurant.
bright
Egg rolls
lap
lay off
Slang, Idioms and Expressions. etc.
Gotta go.
Did you get it?
the sauce
be there or be square
Scene 8. Back at the farm.
eviction notice
pest
pest problem
infestation
undeveloped
barely conscious
scum
scurry
pointless
Slang, Idioms and Expressions. etc.
In the worst way.
wanna'
'em
Scene 9. 504 Battery Drive.
marines
air force
navy seals
Army rangers
motor skills
stamina
conclusion
workin' out
treadmill
snarling
beast
ghetto
quantum physics
administer
Slang, Idioms and Expressions. etc.
The best of the best.
Y'all
ain't
Let's get going
get down on this?
how'd
bust me in my ass
start some shit
up to something
eased up off my back
Scene 10. Walking K explains to Edwards.
mid-1950s
underfunded
laughable
device
administer
astronomer
dumb
intergalactic
refugees
apolitical
zone
concealed
flying saucers
cover-up
cat scan
Slang, Idioms and Expressions. etc.
Yo
aw
mm-hmm
'cept
Show me the door.
Scene 11. In the coffee room.
Slang, Idioms and Expressions. etc.
How you doin'?
fellas
decaf'
Scene 12. Sitting in the park.
decent
a clue
handle it
smart
panicky
sever
exist
Slang, Idioms and Expressions. etc.
Here's the deal
good bead on things
the catch
worth it
Scene 13. Back at 504 Battery Drive.
precisely
grouchy
cranky
trillion
patents
confiscated
gadgets
velcro
liposuction
primitive
infectious
practical joke
observation
endeavor
surveillance
Slang, Idioms and Expressions. etc.
Pops
I'm in
next level shit
beaming me up
Cool.
slick
dick
stay away from
kinda'
whoo
funny as hell
Scene 14. (After we see the Edgar alien) J and K are being briefed.
deposed
unauthorized
upstate
stuck
turnpike
Slang, Idioms and Expressions. etc.
touching down
red letter
a kegger
warm up on
Scene 16. On the New Jersey Turnpike.
registration
midwife
clearance
rush
newborn
Slang, Idioms and Expressions. etc.
goin'
handle this
peekin'
ace
the crasher
warp jump
Scene 17. At the newspaper seller's..
investigative
a tip
tabloids
Slang, Idioms and Expressions. etc.
the hot sheets
go ahead
Scene 18. The Men in Black go to the farm.
impression
to be stumped
swamp gas
thermal pocket
personal note
facial
a decorator
spectral
trail
carnage
consume
stung
inferiority complex
short temper
Slang, Idioms and Expressions. etc.
to go smoother
make fun of
full out
writ' down
pokin' fun
come to
weak ass
come up with
to kick out
messer-upper
thingy
terror-assing
What's the move?
Scene 19. The morgue.
contestant
what's with....
buddy
autopsy
indicating
verify
rectally
rectum
triple
skeletal
laparotomy
lesser
curvature
gastroesophageal
junction
pyloric
intact
unit
galaxy
long-term
fricassee
Slang, Idioms and Expressions. etc.
you boys
a home life
check out
okeydokey
dive in
nope
be sure of
guy
under stress
freak out
you're up
slugger
keep under wraps
Scene 21. Back at headquarters.
psychotic
episode
billions
grumpy
battle cruiser
midget
Slang, Idioms and Expressions. etc.
get used to
heard wrong
come into focus
lem sat four
proton induction thermoscan
speak of the devil
pissed
step on it
to turn up something
talkin' about
de-atomizer
Scene 22 (After J is given a weapon) At the Jewelry store.
impound
discharge a weapon
cover-up
plague
exodus
containment
Slang, Idioms and Expressions. etc.
a crush
bull shit
death ray
Zed and Kay talk
Slang, Idioms and Expressions. etc.
a moot point
hold responsible
Scene 23. The Men in Black talk to the dog.
furry
disguise
pound
stray
source
claws
rehearsing
ventriloquist
tiny
marble
Slang, Idioms and Expressions. etc.
butt
nothin'
two-bit
guardian
to kiss goodbye
beats me
Get outta' here.
Scene 24. The Alien goes to the Morgue.
notarized
proof
kinship
deceased
Slang, Idioms and Expressions. etc.
Means what to me?
means worlds to me
Scene 25. K and J arrive.
leukemia
med' school
name tag
stud
Slang, Idioms and Expressions. etc.
not hard
lay your...
Jack Webb
hit the gas
I got to drive.
get down
not getting this
Christ!
thick
prom date
shit eater
monkey boy
evolutionary ladder
on the top rung
can it
cure all your ills
get even
Don't bet on it.
meat sack
At headquarters.
detection
fusion
ultimatum
vehicle
a pug
Slang, Idioms and Expressions. etc.
bio net
friends upstairs
a way out
protonic
sucks
huh?
interstellar
fellas
Scene 26. Chasing the bug.
sub sonic
implosion
factor
matter
swat
smear
slimy
gut
intestinal
parasite
attitude
migration
Slang, Idioms and Expressions. etc.
be packed
pulsar
milk suckers
don't matter
busted ass
didn't go
eat and run
a soft spot
ruckus
two by four
---o-meter
Scene 27. Outside of headquarters.
partner
replacement
gullet
Slang, Idioms and Expressions. etc.
To bust something.
hang out with
Scene 28. The new J.
defies
gravity
high consulate
floor seats
knicks-bulls game
Teacher's Notes for the Movie "Men in Black"
Scene 1. The border control stops the car.
To cover the use of various idioms and phrases in the first scene, study these questions before watching the movie.
What term is used for the fish someone has caught?
Their catch.
What idiom do we use, to talk about the fish that are put back into the water after they are caught?
To throw them back.
What slang words do you know for a US dollar ($)?
Bucks and greenbacks.
What does the counter "a head" mean?
Per person.
What do you think I.N.S means?
A). Insurance, B). Inspector, C). Immigration and Naturalization Service
The answer is C.
What do you think "to have your money on" means?
Who are you betting it is.? Who do you think it is?
If somebody breaks your face is it a good, nice thing to happen?
No, that is why it is strange that the big illegal immigrant laughs.
Is a "figment of your imagination" something real or is it something only in your mind?
Only in your mind.
If a person is easily fooled or cheated what adjective do we use to describe them?
Gullible.
Some General Observation Questions about the First Scene.
How many people in the back of the truck are wearing hats?
What is written on the police-like cars?
Border Patrol.
What is the drivers name?
Nick (The Dick).
What is behind the drivers ear?
A cigarette.
When the M.I.B. drive up and get out of the car, what division do they say they are from?
I.N.S Division Six.
What is the older M.I.B. called?
D.
How many treaties did Mikey violate?
Seven.
What colour are Mikey's entrails?
Blue.
What colour is the eye of the neuralyzer?
Red.
After K has used the neuralyzer, can the border guards remember anything?
No.
The older M.I.B. said that he will "miss the chase" but the other agent, K, said "no you won't". Why won't D miss the chase?
He won't remember anything about his job or who he was in his life at M.I.B.
Scene 2. A policeman is chasing someone.
The next scene, has an officer chasing after a suspect, we see four people of which three are important to the scene.
• Edwards is the police officer in the orange suit. (1)
• The suspect who is running away from Edwards. (2)
• A fat police officer who gives up the chase. (3)
As you watch listen and see who says what, label the speech (1), (2), (3).
Freeze
1
N.Y.P.D
1
Freeze
1
Freeze means stop.
1
All yours Edwards.
3
What the hell?
1
It just be raining black people in New York.
1
Do you see this, Huh?
1
N.Y.P.D. means I will Knock Your Punk Ass Down!
1
He's coming. He's coming.
2
Yeah and when he gets here I will arrest his ass too!
1
You trying to catch a beat down huh?
1
Some Observation Question for this Scene
How did the suspect get away when Edwards caught him up against the wall?
He runs up the wall and does a back flip off it.
What does Edwards land on when he follows the suspect by jumping off the bridge?
He lands on the top deck of a bus.
How did the suspect get up the building?
He ran up the side.
How did the police officer get inside?
He shot a hole in the glass door and climbed in.
How many doors does the suspect try to open?
3.
What did the officer say about the suspects eyes before he jumps?
We can get these eyes fixed.
Scene 3. At the Farm.
Before you watch the next scene, match up the quotes on the left with the explanations on the right.
1. skulk around a. If what I say isn't true God will
punish me.
2. pulls it's weight b.To move with the intention of not
being seen.
3. like poison c. Hasn't
4. on the table d. food served at dinner
5. work my butt off e. To do your full share of work.
6. swear to God f. Doesn't look very good.
7. ain't g. To work hard.
Answers (b, e, f, d, g, a, c,)
Scene 5. The policeman is being debriefed.
In this next scene we meet the two police officers again. The fat officer who gave up the chase and Edwards are in a room with their chief.
Listen and number the following lines in the order they are said.
After, Sir."
7
"You mean blinked with both eyes."
2
"You know, like high beams and low beams."
5
"and why is it that none of the other officers saw either of these two events."
8
"I am half the man that you are."
11
"Take 10 minutes on a stair master you Pudgy bastard."
17
"The perpetrator then blinked two sets of eyelids."
1
"Was that before or after he drew the weapon, that you claim evaporated into a million pieces.
6
"Hey what is your problem?"
12
"Some of the other officers are soggy around the midsection. I guess that's why they weren't able to keep up."
9
"I think he threw him off the roof."
14
"10 minutes, You take your best shot tough guy"
16
"No, Sir."
3
"He blinked one set then he blinked a completely different set."
4
"Edwards if you were half the man I am...."
10
"My problem is you being all up in my damn face."
13
"I want to talk to you."
15
Stop the tape at the end of this conversation and go through the following questions to clarify any vocabulary the student might need. This will then lead into the next scene.
Scene 5a. Two other people came to talk to the policeman.
In this scene K fixes everything so that everbody who has come into contact with the ceph' alien has their mind wiped.
Some possible words and phrases to explain.
• Dude
• on foot
• that's tough
• that's double tough
Then watch the movie and check if students understood using these questions.
If you are the deputy, are you the boss?
No. (Refers to the fact that the woman is the deupty medical examiner.
What do you find at the morgue?
Dead bodies.
What does on 26th mean?
It is the name of the street that the morgue is on.
If there is a body with no identity, what name it is given?
John Doe for male and Jane Doe for female.
What office is in charge of such places?
The coroner's office.
What does a fish use to breathe?
Gills.
What is paperwork?
The reports that have to be written up explaining what has happened.
"I've got tons of. " is a figure of speech. What does it mean?
A lot of. A large amount of.
Scene 6. At the pawnbrokers.
The two guys go to a pawn brokers shop. Edwards knows the place and is still very sure of himself. He tells Kay that he will deal with the situation.
Who goes into the shop first?
The policeman.
What is on the counter?
A lamp, a newspaper and a tray of Rolex watches.
What does the man in black (K) say he will count to?
Three.
How does the Alien make the guns appear?
He presses a button.
Edwards has just seen his second alien and is standing outside the pawn shop. He doesn't remember the first one and he is very confused, It is impossible for him to understand so Kay zaps him with the neuralyzer.
Kay wants to get to know the young officer a bit more. This leads to the next scene.
Scene 7. At the restaurant.
Explain the new words which are on the vocabulary list.
Watch the scene two or three times and answer the following questions.
Where does she set "it" back down?
In her lap.
What is "it" eating?
Her popcorn.
What did K and officer Edwards have to eat?
Egg rolls.
What name does K call Officer Edwards?
James.
What drink has Edwards been having?
Tequilla
What time should they meet?
9:00
Watch the scene one more time and get the students to answer the following observation questions.
How many bottles do we see on the table in front of Officer Edwards?
3
What does K give to Officer Edwards?
His calling card (business card).
What is the number of the place Edwards has to go to?
504 Battery Drive 504 Battery drive.
Scene 8 Back at the farm.
We go back to the ranch for a short time and see a pest controller arrive to take care of the cockroachs in the barn. The bug is angry when he sees the man, killing his brothers and sisters. The bug needs wheels and doesn't like the pest controller and so he kills two birds with one stone..
What is the man with the tank on his back going to do?
Kill the cockroaches and bugs in the barn.
What does the alien do to the man?
He kills him by sticking the nozzle down his throat.
What does the alien do with his spaceship?
He rolls it up a plank into the back of the truck.
Scene 9. 504 Battery Drive.
Edwards arrives at the address on the back of the card. He goes into the elevator and ends up in a room full of other men. They are all military men who have been taught strict discipline. They can't think for themselves, they don't ask questions and they only follow orders. They are all going to be given an exam,
Watch the scene and then answer the following questions.
THE M.I.B. EXAM....
What is the guy in the suit called?
Z
Why are they all there?
To take the test.
How many are they looking for?
Only one.
What is West point?
The name of a militaty school.
In the shooting scene, did Edwards kill any monsters?
No.
Who did he shoot?
A little girl.
What was the (guy) monster hanging from the light doing?
Working out.
What about the snarling beast guy, what was he really doing?
Sneezing.
How old is little Tiffany?
About eight years old.
How many Quantum physics books is she carrying?
3.
What is strange about the books she is carrying?
They are much too difficult for her.
What is the last test that they have to administer?
An eye test.
Explain that Zed and K have decided that Edwards is good enough to become a M.I.B. K takes him aside and as they walk they talk.
Scene 10. Walking K explains to Edwards.
After the test.
Students try to rewrite K's explanation into easy English.
This is a possible answer.
In the 1950's, a small unimportant agency was started by the government. This agency was to try to contact aliens. The first contact was made by the aliens on March 2nd, 1961 near New York. Nine people met the aliens. There were seven agents, one astronomer and a yound man who was there by accident. The aliends were all refugees. They didn't have anywhere to live and wanted to use the earth as a place where other refugees could come and live. This idea was accepted and the evidence of the alien landing was hidden and kept secret. Every year, more and more aliens come to live peacefully and secretly on the earth.
Then watch the scene again and ask the following comprehension questions.
What do you think?
Does Edwards believe K's story?
No, he keeps being sarcastic.
Who do you think "The Dumb kid who got lost.."was?
K.
Why do you think the kid brought the tall man flowers?
He didn't buy anything. The flowers were for somebody else.
How did they conceal all evidence of the landing?
They held a World's Fair (Expo).
Why does Edwards think that K needs a CAT scan?
He thinks that he is crazy.
Does K like decaf coffee?
No.
Scene 12. Sitting in the park.
Edwards now has seen the coffee spilling aliens so he knows that all that K has told him is true. In the next scene we see K and Edwards sitting in Battery Park.. K is explaining more.
K walks away and Edwards is left alone to decide if he wants to be a M.I.B. Agent. He has until the next day to decide.
Meanwhile we see the bug and his van, complete with the flying saucer in the back, arrive in New York city.
Next morning Edwards goes back to Battery Drive to become an M.I.B.
Scene 13. Back at 504 Battery Drive.
Edwards is still really full of himself and tells K that they should remember that they chose him. But K tells him that those skills he learnt in the outside world are of no use here.
They go down into the arrivals area and we see many different aliens arriving. K explains where the agency gets its funding from.
We meet the twins who control, and monitor all the alien activity on Earth and we see some of the aliens.
Edwards also remembers when he was at school that he thought his teacher then was an alien. He find out that he was right.
Some questions.
What evidence of his existence is deleted?
His finderprints are erased, driving license, social security number, and birth certificate are all deleted.
What rules does he have to follow?
Dress only in attire specially sanctioned, conform to the identity we give you, eat where we tell you and live where we tell you.
How does he fit into the system?
He is no longer part of it. He is above the system, over it and beyond it.
The next scene we see is the bug driving up outside an antique shop, the bug is having difficulty moving now, the body is getting stiff.
We don't know who the man is but he has a cat with him that he seems to love very much.
The bug follows him. . . . .
Meanwhile back at the M.I.B. office, K and J are being briefed about the last 24 hours.
Scene 14. (After we see the Edgar alien) J and K are being briefed.
As you listen and watch, answer the following questions.
Who is Bee going to meet?
The deposed Sur Prefect of Singalee
What was the red letter about?
An unauthorized landing somewhere in upstate New York.
What is a "skimmer"?
A landed alien out of zone.
Where is redglick stuck?
On the New Jersey turnpike.
A keg is a big barrel of beer, What do you think to host a kegger means?
To have a beer party.
Zed knows that J doesn't like being called names like "son" or "sport" but he calls him two different names to annoy him what are they?
Tiger and Junior.
What kind of car do they drive?
Ford Pos.
What does J think that K has to work on?
His people skills.
Scene 15. At the restaurant.
The next scene starts with a yellow cab arriving outside a greasy spoon restaurant.
Directions to the students:
Watch this scene, write down any words that you don't know then write 10 questions about the scene itself.
Scene 16. On the New Jersey Turnpike.
K is puzzled. He doesn't understand why someone would take the risk of flying large distances at high speeds with a new born baby. He knows that there was a "crasher" last night and so he wonders if the two events are connected. He needs more information. So he goes to get the "hot sheets".
Scene 17. At the newspaper seller's..
Questions.
What other newspaper is mentioned?
The New York Times.
How many does he buy?
Four.
What does the head line say on the paper he throws on to the car?
Alien stole my husband's skin.
Scene 18. The M.I.B. go to the farm.
The two heroes go to the farm J, the policeman, rushes up but K, the one who is the old hand at this tells him to slow down. The farmers wife, Beatrice now looks different.
Watch this scene, and then watch the scene when we first meet her.
Write down 3 ways that she is different.
1. She is dressed. 2. She is wearing make up. 3. Her hair is washed and brushed.
Watch the scene again and answer the following questions.
What doesn't the FBI have?
A sense of humour.
What does she offer them to drink?
Lemonade.
Does J like the lemonade?
No. He pulls a face and spits it back into the glass.
What is Edgar holding in the photograph?
A rifle.
What does J tell her to get from the shop called Bloomingdales?
Some dresses and shoes.
What colour does K say "please not............."?
Green.
K has checked the soil where the UFO landed and he now knows that it is a bug because no other life form craves sugar water and leaves a green spectral trail. K says that with a bug in town there are going to be a lot of deaths and if there are a lot if deaths then the bodies will be taken to the morgue.
Scene 19. The morgue.
The medical examiner does an autopsy on the bodies from the restaurant, she has three bodies to look at so she is there working into the night. She of course discovers that two of the bodies are not "normal" and she records her findings, using medical jargon, on tape. The M.I.B. arrive and they tell her that they are with the department of public health. K calls themselves, Dr.Leo Manville and Dr. White. She is surprised to them as its so late.
She believes that they are also doctors and J and her start to do another autopsy on the body, again she talks in medical jargon and J doesn't understand but he knows that he likes her.
J can't remember K's made up name and so the real Doctor realizes that they aren't who they say they are, but before that something happens when the ear of the dead body is touched.
Watch the scene and retell what happens.
Scene 20. The bug in his van.
The next scene is the bug in his van. He is trying to open something.
Where did he get it from?
He took it off the table in the restaurant.
What is inside?
Diamonds
What did he think was inside?
The Galaxy
Scene 21. Back at H.Q.
J heard the alien said that The Galaxy was on Orion's belt. Zed, shows J the stars that make up the group known as Orion. There is no room for a galaxy and Zed thinks that he must have misheard. J doesn't agree.
Where is Orion in the sky?
In the northern sky.
How many stars are galaxies made up of?
Billions.
How does J tell Zed that he disagrees with him?
Whatever, I know what I heard.
Meanwhile K is playing on his computer and he is trying to locate someone. Who do you think it is?
The girl he was going to meet the night the aliens landed.
K is interrupted by J and switches off his computer too quickly, so that J reckons that there is must be a reason... suddenly it all becomes clear to him.
J says "It's better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all." What does K answer?
Try it.
Does he agree?
No.
However more important things are happening and Zed calls them over. Now watch the scene without sound. What is happening?
• All the aliens are leaving.
• We see various views of the earth.
• We see a space ship.
• Zed tells them to do something.
• Something happens to stop them for a second.
As Zed has ordered, J is given a weapon (the noisy cricket) whereas K has the series 4 de-atomizer. What does J say to show he thinks this situation is unfair?
Nah, Nah, come on man...(You get the series 4de-atomizer and I get the midget cricket.)
In the next scene we meet the bug again but before we do answer the following questions.
If you park illegally in some cities, what can happen to your car?
It can be towed away, clamped or given a ticket.
If you break glass forcefully what verb do we use?
To smash.
What is the name given to the place where stray dogs and cars that have been parked illegally, are taken?
The impound or the Ôpound'.
Scene 22 (After J is given a weapon) At the Jewelry store.
Questions.
What does the bug see that makes him snort and grunt?
He sees a photo of the cat and it's collar.
What is happening to his car?
It is being towed.
Do you think the tow-truck driver has seen a gun carrying angry driver before?
Yes, because he isn't frightened by the bug and his gun. Also, he has his own gun.
What makes J turn around and see the bug?
He hears a gunshot.
How many times does J shoot at the bug?
Three times.
Every time that J fires his gun a lot of things happen, describe some of them. Because of the recoil action he flies through the air, he shoots the window out, he shoots the bug's truck off of the tow truck, he landed in some rubbish and another time he lands on a car windshield.
J is just a trainee he doesn't have the experience that K has, He is over reacting to the fact that there is a battle cruiser waiting to blow up the earth. K explains that there is always a battle cruiser or a death ray or something..... but they have the bug's ship, he isn't going anywhere.
K has to clean up after the J's firing spree and so he called for a "containment crew" but Zed has news for him.....
An exodus is when a lot of people move from one place to another................
When Zed says " the exodus continues what does he mean?
Not people but aliens are all leaving.
A moot point is a subject that different people might have different ideas about... So why does Zed think that "containment might be a moot point"?
K thinks that they need a crew, but Zed thinks they don't and that they won't be an earth soon.
"It's like the party's over and the last one to leave gets stuck with the check"....What image does this create for you? Does everyone want to pay the check? The image should be one of everybody trying to get out first. Nobody wants to have to pay the bill. No one wants to be the last one.
Describe the aliens.
They are small, walk on their hind legs, have webbed feet, are loud and a bit rowdy
What are they carrying?
One has a statue of liberty souvenir, another has four cartons of cigarettes and the other two have suitcases.
Where have we seen them before?
They are the coffee aliens.
Do you know what placement advertising is?
It is when a company pays to have it's product placed in a film. In this case, Marlboro cigarettes.
Zed also says that the Arquillians are holding "us" responsible. Who are us?
The M.I.B.
What part of the message says so?
It says so on the screen.
And what are they responsible for?
Delivering The Galaxy.
The bug meanwhile is looking for the dead.
Point out the mistake made by the seller and the word you.
What did he take? How many are for a dollar?
Scene 23. The M.I.B. talk to the dog.
Back with the MIB K realizes that they need help, someone who is used to talking between different galaxies, a professional. K says "I hope the little prick hasn't skipped town" He hasn't they go and see him.... Questions to ask.
Which one does J think is the alien?
The gaunt looking man.
What does the alien say to J in response to J's comment on his disguise?
If you don't like it, you can kiss my furry little butt.
What is the dog's name?
Frank.
Why can't the dog talk now?
His flight is leaving.
What does "Kiss something good bye" mean?
You'll never see it again.
What is the difference between "beats me" and "beat me"?
Beats means I don't know. Beat me means hit me.
What two excuses does J say to passers by when K is shaking the dog?
The dog owes him money and they are practicing for a ventriloquist at.
How small does the dog say The Galaxy is?
Tiny like the size of a marble or a jewel.
What does J see that makes him say "K"?
He sees a cat with a bell on it's collar.
Scene 24. The alien goes to the morgue.
Watch the following scene and then answer these observation questions.
Why does the woman suddenly jump?
The cat lands on her table and surprises her.
What name is on the cat's collar?
Orion.
What is inside of the pendant on the cat's collar?
The Galaxy.
The bug enters.
What is the bug carrying?
His gun.
How does he get the desk clerk's attention?
He rings the bell.
What does the bug tell him not to do?
Do that. (Kill the bugs on the counter with a fly swat.
Scene 25. K and J arrive.
Answer the following questions.
1. To "handle this" means to
a). to talk about.. b). to be in charge of .... c). to help...
2. "It isn't that hard" means
a). it isn't difficult b). it is still soft
3. "To wind up with" means to
a). be talking about the weather b). being with c). to finish with
Answers. 1. b, 2. a, 3. c
Who wants to be in charge of the situation?
J
How long does K give J before he will come in there?
Two minutes.
What does the bug say that he is looking for?
The animal.
J and the woman start to have a conversation she wants to "go" with him i.e. leave he thinks she is making sexual advances towards him.... Meanwhile K walks in.... The two minutes are nearly up.
The "gas" is another name for the accelerator pedal in a car, what did J say about the "the gas"?
Slow down girl, you don't need to hit the gas like that.
Why does K look up?
Something drops from the ceiling and extinguishes his match.
What does he see?
The desk clerk is stuck to the ceiling.
Watch the following scene and explain what happens after K bursts into the room.
The following are all insults that are thrown about during this scene.
Who (the woman,the bug, K or J) says what?
Who are they insulting when they say it?
• "you are thick" The woman to J
• "coming on like some drunken' prom date" J to the woman.
• "shit eater" K to the bug.
• "monkey boy" The bug to K.
• "that piece of space trash" K to the bug
• "meat sack" The bug to K
The bug tells them to "can it", what is another way to say the same thing?
Shut up, be quiet.
Stop the video and ask the following questions.
How does the bug leave the morgue?
Through the window.
What two things, does he take with him?
The woman and The Galaxy.
How does the bug get away?
In a taxi.
At the end of the scene how does K say the bug isn't leaving the planet?
In a taxi.
The men in black go back to the Headquarters, K is busy giving instructions to make sure the bug can't leave Manhattan, let alone the planet.
Meanwhile the Arquillians give an ultimatum if the M.I.B. can't deliver The Galaxy in 1 hour the Earth will be destroyed, it is better that the Earth is destroyed than the bug have The Galaxy, or so the Arquillians think.
K and Zed discuss all the ways that he could leave, they talk about all the space ships available...some of these are actually famous, but ugly or infamous places, such as mile island...J spots the one way he could leave....
Scene 26. Chasing the bug.
The next scene jumps between the site of the world's fair in Queens and the M.I.B who are trying to get there. Laurel, the woman, tries to get the bug to let her go, she says that she is a very important person on her planet and because she is being taken by the bug it could start a war.
Why does the bug say he is taking the women with him?
It is a long journey and he might need a snack.
Why is J surprised that K is taking the tunnel?
The tunnel is going to be packed. This means there will be many cars in the tunnel.
What button is J told to push?
The little red button.
Who is the singer of the song K plays?
Elvis Presley.
According to K, is the singer dead?
No, he just went home.
Why is the bug happy that a war could start?
More food for his family.
When the guys arrive at Queens, how much longer until the destruction of the Earth?
Seven minutes and 56 seconds.
What number is the Mets baseball player wearing when he doesn't catch the ball?
23.
The M.I.B. shot the space ship and one angry alien comes out. Again there are a lot of insults thrown around, as before:
Who (K,J, or the bug). says what? Who do they say it to?
"You Milk Suckers"
The bug to K and J.
"you don't matter in fact soon you won't even be matter"
The bug to K and J.
"busted ass vehicle"
J to the bug.
"you are nothing but a smear on a newspaper to me"
K to the bug.
"you slimy, gut sucking intestinal parasite"
K to the bug.
"y'all look alike"
J to the Bug.
Watch the scene again, and answer the following observation questions.
When the bug emerges from the "Edgar suit" what is the first thing it does to the M.I.B.?
He takes their guns.
What does K say, that J mustn't let the bug do?
Leave in the second ship.
Where does K say he is going?
To get his gun back.
What is the last part of K that we see before he is swallowed?
The bottom of his shoes.
What does J throw at the bug?
A rock.
How many roaches do we see J step on?
Three.
What relation does he think two of them are to the bug?
Auntie and uncle.
Who does K call on his cellular telephone?
Z. To tell him that they have The Galaxy.
Who finally kills the bug?
The woman.
Scene 27. Outside of H.Q..
Who does K say that the flashy thing is for?
For himself.
What four things does K explain about the flashy thing?
Months, Days, years, and always facing forward.
Scene 28. The new J.
In the Newspaper headline, what city has a car that defies gravity?
Detroit
What does the other paper say about the man who used to be K?
Man awakens from 35 year coma.
Who is J's new partner?
The woman, Laurel.
What kind of seats do they want for the Knicks - Bulls game?
Floor seats.
Word Associations
Level: Intermediate to advanced
Age: Adult
This activity needs only a few words to start the ball rolling, just make sure the words you choose lend themselves to some sort of comment.
There are many words in the English language which mean the same thing for everybody or mean something different for everybody. It depends on the actual word, the experiences people have been through and their imagination. But everybody has something to say about the following words,and the mental images that they evoke when heard.
Activity A
What is the first thing that comes into your mind when you hear ...?
• The word "Friday" (I got: Fun, Night-life, Friends, Partying)
• The word "Africa" (I got: Tarzan, Poverty, Animals, Heat, Dryness, Safari, Pyramids, Colours, Huts, Tribal dancing, Views, Sunset)
• The word "Hippie" (I got: Peace, Songs, Long hair, Dirty, Hash, Flowers, Daisies, Herbs, Necklaces, Low-productivity, Love)
• The word "Beauty" (I got: Scenery, Flowers, Women)
• The word "Hero" (I got: Superman, Rambo, Ronaldo (a footballer), Lady Di, Elvis)
• The word "Catastrophe" (I got: Plane, Hurricane, Floods, Earthquake, Hiroshima)
• The word "rain" (I got: Ireland, Umbrella, Floods, Sadness, Wet, Trains)
• The word "Intelligent" (I got: Books, Stephen Hopkins, Success, To be open, To be able to assimilate, To listen, Able to retrieve information from your memory and use it when you need it)
• The word "California" (I got: Surf, Weather, Sand, Skating, Beverley Hills, Drugs, Big cars)
• Money
• Politicians
• Poverty
• Unemployment
• An ambulance siren
• Holidays
Activity B
Get more words and images from the students. If, of course, any of the above leads on to a digression, seize upon it and enjoy the chat.
Activity C
In a slight variation on this, I gave the students several words which aimed to generate full-blown conversations rather than just focusing on spontaneous thoughts and images (and some of the words above will lend themselves to this too). I gave them the following list of words, each one followed by suspension points:
• Vegetarians ...
• Christmas ...
• My best friend ...
• Going abroad for a holiday ...
• I once dreamt that ...
• Etc.
We looked at the first word, and I basically asked them to "finish the sentence". With "vegetarians" we got:
• ... are strange.
• ... don't look healthy.
• ... are more imaginative because they have less at their disposal
• ... are a little fanatical.
• ... are usually thin people who have no problems with weight.
Note: Here, as the success of the class was unexpected, I jumped on the occasion and asked them the following questions:
• Why do people become vegetarians?
• Are vegetarians healthier?
• Is meat bad for you?
• Are there any other types of names involving restricted diet?
As in many cases, you simply have to be on your guard and seize the moment, when somebody says something interesting or when a good idea occurs to you during a conversation. If you are a divergent-type teacher, who loves speaking topically and letting the topic drift, then this type of activity is for you.
An Activity for Teaching Prepositions Associated with Time
• Use:
• Many language learners have a problem learning the prepositions associated with references to year, month, date and hour. The following activity is based on the explanation of prepositions of place provided in A University Grammar of English, as represented by the diagram.
• Teaching:
• Provide students with the diagram and an explanation regarding the meaning of these prepositions when teaching prepositions of place and direction e.g.
• I'll meet AT the bus stop ON Main Street.
• The tickets will be IN and envelope ON my desk.
• The bus stopped AT the traffic light.
• When working on references to time use the diagram again, but this time bring a diary or calendar, which has slots for hourly appointments. Ask students to consider the following.
• A year is a SPACE, and so is a MONTH or a WEEK. Therefore they would require the preposition IN. e.g. IN 1997, IN August, IN the third week of August.
• Next, you would show that the actual date is a column or line IN that week/month and thus requires ON Monday.
• The hour would be a point on the day line and thus require AT, as in AT 6 a.m., AT 16:30 IN the afternoon.
• Practice:
1. Tell students to walk around the class and find out exactly when people were born and see if they can find someone who was born IN the same year, or the same month, or perhaps ON the same day. (at night is, of course, an exception--language not being math).
2. Students report their findings, who they interviewed, and when that person was born.
3. Provide a fill-in exercise or cloze passage which makes references to dates (year, month, day and time). You can use an incident such as what happened to the Titanic on the night it sank, or a dialogue between two busy people trying to set up an appointment.
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