Which school do we choose?

The following conversation lesson provides a fun proposition: If you could choose one of the following language programs in countries where English is spoken as a native language, which would you choose? Discussion of this question among small groups can lead to some very interesting insights about why students have chosen to study English - for the students, as well as the teacher. The functional focus is on expressing opinions and preferences, disagreeing and negotiation skills.

Aim: Conversational skills in expressing opinions, preferences, disagreeing and negotiation

Activity: Which school would you choose and why - discuss with partners and choose one school

Level: Intermediate

Outline:

• Have a short class discussion about the different reasons they have for learning English.
• Quickly review vocabulary used for expressing opinions, disagreeing etc. (look at worksheet).
• Ask students to divide up into small groups of 3 to 5.
• Give students worksheets and ask them to choose one of the programs while evaluating the pros and cons of the various school options according to their preferences.
• Hold short feedback session asking students which school they have chosen and why.
• If suitable, ask students how their choices reflect their English learning goals as a way of awareness raising about their own English learning objectives. This can be a rather surprising exercise, as well as insightful and useful for future lesson planning!

Which School Should We Choose?

Imagine that your group would like to study at an intensive English program in a country where English is the primary language. You have the following three schools from which to choose. Decide which school you would like to attend basing your decisions on whatever reasons you feel are valid (i.e. free time, English learning goals, cost, duration, curiosity about the country and its culture, etc.). Below you will find phrases and language helpful in expressing opinions, preferences and disagreeing.

Suggestions:

Where shall we...., Let's ..., Why don't we...., What about...., How about....

Opinions, Preferences:

I think..., In my opinion..., I'd like to..., I'd rather..., I'd prefer..., The way I see it..., As far as I'm concerned..., If it were up to me...

Disagreeing:

I don't think that..., Don't you think it would be better..., I don't agree, I'd prefer..., Shouldn't we consider..., But what about..., I'm afraid I don't agree...

School Choices
British Best

• London, England
• Language instruction 6 hours a day, Monday through Saturday
• Housing with a British family - breakfast included
• 14 days - 12 days of instruction
• Teachers qualified with TEFL Certificate
• 4 Outings included: Tate Gallery, Concert in Royal Albert Hall, The Countryside around London, Cats (Musical)
• Price: $1,500 round-trip airfare included

Hawaiian Paradise Learning

• School located in a park on Oahu Island 60 miles from Honolulu
• Language instruction 4 hours a day, Monday through Friday
• Housing in a bungalow 5 minute walk from the beach - breakfast, and dinner included
• 14 days - 10 days of instruction
• English native speaking teachers
• Beach Party, Scuba-Snorkel Safari, Wind-Surfing included
• Price: $1,700 round-trip airfare included

English Program at University of Whatchamacallit

• School located in the small town of Paluka in Wyoming, USA, population 40,000
• University staff - all teachers with Masters Degree
• Language instruction 5 hours a day, Monday through Saturday
• Dormitory style housing, breakfast, lunch and dinner included
• 14 days - 12 days of instruction
• Nature walks, meet American students party (party to make introductions between US students and international students), skiing at weekends included
• Price: $1,400 round-trip airfare included

Which School? Printing Page

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