An amusing yet effective way to practise speaking skills – particularly giving descriptions and explanations. Plus ideas for related writing work and suggested variations for those for whom a dating agency scenario is not appropriate.
Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
English
SLc/E2.3
SLc/E3.3
ESOL
ESOL Sc/E2.3d Give an explanation
ESOL Sc/E2.3f Give a short description
ESOL Sc/E3.4d Give an explanation
ESOL Sc/E3.4f Give a short description and make comparisons
Problem Page is a great way to encourage paired reading, writing and discussion skills. Students discuss a typical problem from a tabloid newspaper page and then, in pairs, work on different problems and how they would solve them. For Entry 3, L1/2 ESOL and Literacy.
Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
AL Rt/E3.1 Understand longer texts
AL Rt/L1.1 Understand continuous texts
Rt/L2.1 Trace and understand the main events of continuous descriptive, explanatory and persuasive texts
Use a copy of Auto Trader (or similar) to select and buy cars – working out deposits and monthly payments. Then buy cars to do up and sell at a profit!
Level
Level 1
Level 2
Maths
N2/L1.10
N2/L1.8
AN N2/L1.9 Find simple percentage parts of quantities and measurements
Statistics investigation that involves extracting information from tables; tallies and general number practice based on past World Cup statistics and a Feb 2007 England and Australia match.
Level
Entry Level 3
Maths
HD1/E3.3
HD1/E3.1
AN N1/E3.1 place value <1000, odd / even, count in 10s /100s
Fabulous statistics investigation that involves extracting information from tables; reading, comparing and calculating with measures; and much discussion about healthy (unhealthy?) eating!
If you like Saul’s resources he has a book: ‘58 quick activities that don’t need a photocopier’.
Give me some advice is a great way to encourage students to provide non threatening advice, whilst improving their writing and listening-speaking skills.
Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
Adult Literacy Rs/E3.2 Use implicit & explicit knowledge of word types/order to help with decoding/predicting meaning
SLlr/E3.5
SLlr/L2.4
SLc/L1.4 Present information and ideas in a logical sequence, and include detail and develop ideas where appropriate
Adult Lit SLc/L2.4 Present information and ideas in a logical sequence and provide further detail and development to clarify or confirm understanding
Premier League numeracy. Makes a great beginning of term activity for mixed ability (E3-L2) groups – especially if the group includes some footie fans!
With lots of questions about the 2007 Premier League table. Covers a range of number elements inc. fractions, tables, percentages and formulae. A small research question is also included that requires learner to find the latest league table.
Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
Rt/L1.5
Maths
N2/E3.1
N2/L1.1
AN N2/L1.9 Find simple percentage parts of quantities and measurements
N2/L1.11
AN N1/L1.3
N1/L1.5
AN N1/E3.1 place value <1000, odd / even, count in 10s /100s
Moral Dilemmas is a great game aimed at 16-18 year olds (easily adapted for other age groups) that provides focus points for group discussion along with reading, writing and listening practice.
Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
Adult Literacy Rs/E3.2 Use implicit & explicit knowledge of word types/order to help with decoding/predicting meaning
SLd/E3.1
SLd/E3.2
SLd/L1.1
SLd/L2.1
Adult Lit SLd/L2.4 Support opinions and arguments with evidence
