IN CLASS
Preparation
With a partner, choose one topic each. For example...
My topic is Ireland
Work together and make a mind map for each topic
- First do some creative brainstorming...
location - climate - politics - population - history - nature - national symbols - sport - literature - music - dance - industry - natural resources - Irish economy - Irish people abroad - Ireland & movies - language - places of interest - Ireland and the EU - Irish names - Japanese perceptions - Irish food - alcohol
- Then categorize
- geography
- people and demographics
- history
- entertainment
- the arts
- business
- current affairs
- international relations
- lifestyles
- Finally make a mind-map
Choose six ideas from your mind-map to use as talking-points
1. lifestyles 4. Ireland and international relations
2. people 5. tourism
3. symbols 6. climate
Work together and make lists of at least 6 useful words---one for each talking-point.
shamrock - Bono - multi-national corporations - Celtic Tiger
ancestors - snakes - character
Make questions about the talking-points
- Start with easy or very general questions.
- Then make them increasingly difficult.
- Use as many WH-questions as possible.
- Prepare questions for at least 15 to 20 minutes conversation.
- Do not use only one question pattern.
Try some opinion questions...
What do you think about... ... ... ?
How do you feel about ... ... ...?
What would you say about ... ... ...?
Requests for information are useful too...
Can you tell me ... ... ...?
I'd like to know ... ... ...?
I'd be interested in hearing about... ... ...?
Here are my examples...
What do you know about Ireland?
What images do you associate with Ireland?
How does the climate of Ireland compare with Japan?
What famous Irish people do you know?
Do you think Ireland is a good tourist destination? Why or why not?
What aspects of the modern Irish lifestyle are the same as or different to Japan's lifestyle?
What are some good souvenirs to buy in Ireland?
Ireland has very few natural resources and a relatively small population. What industries do you think are most successful in Ireland?
What are the national symbols of Ireland?
AT HOME
Completing the Conversation-leader's Worksheet
Vocabulary section
You'll need at least 6 useful words for each talking-point.
Choose words that make it easier for the other students to talk about the topic. Then list them in the left column (with the numbers)
Find English definitions for each word. Add one extra definition that looks appropriate, but does not match any of the words.
Then list the definitions in the right column (with the letters)
IT'S IMPORTANT TO LIST THEM IN RANDOM ORDER!
Introduction section
Write your six ideas about the topic here.
During the actual conversation, you'll introduce your topic to the other students in your group. You should also give a few details to give the other students a better idea of the topic.
Questions section
Check the grammar of each question before you make your final handout of your worksheet.
Prepare a small mind-map for yourself, to help you present your introduction.
- Avoid simply reading aloud. It's usually boring even if your grammar is correct.
- Talking from a mind-map makes you think while you speak. It makes your presentation spontaneous and interesting. (Even if your grammar is not always perfect.)
Finally prepare 4 copies of your completed worksheet.