Adult Speaking Class, Level 3: USA … sun, surf & sand.

18th May 2020

Holidays Stateside

Surfin' USA! On the trail of the Beach Boys in the sun-kissed ... — The Beach Boys exemplified the American dream of fun, fun, fun !

You are going to the USA. How will you prepare ?

Before you go

What do you need to do ? Use the following words to build long sentences with linking words (also, as well as) and adverbs (extremely, absolutely, quite):

research // compare // vaccination // insurance // thermal underwear // sunblock // visa // traveller’s cheques // adapter // currency // medication reservation route // travel books (fiction and/or guides)

EXAMPLE: Before I book my ticket, I will need to research flight prices online as some airlines charge considerable more than others.

Look at this website:

http://www.gapyeartravelstore.com/blog/top-20-travel-gift-ideas-2016/

30 Inspiring Gap Year Travel Ideas — Meeting the locals is part of the travel experience

[A ‘gap – year’ is when young people travel before, or during, their university studies. It creates a gap – a space – between school and university or between the three or four years of study.]

Make a short presentation – what do you think of the items ?

Which do you consider to be:

essential / useful / unnecessary / a waste of space ! / totally useless

You are allowed to choose five items – which would you choose and why ?

GRAMMAR

‘Have to’ and ‘must’

When packing, which items do you HAVE TO bring ? Which items MUST you bring ?

Remember: have to = requirement // must = personal choice

EXAMPLE: to travel, I have to bring my passport and I must buy some shampoo.

Travelling to USA

Usa Tourism Map - Tourism Company and Tourism Information Center

Make a list. Be sure to include paperwork, important personal items and non-essential personal items.

I have to bring // I must bring

At passport control

You will hear questions like these. Write them down. Practise asking and answering: https://www.youtube.com/watchv=RFV0hZpmmr4&index=1&list=PL97HViQblvdEM3zsauRxnIg1baFTNmsDM

However, where to go ?

The USA is enormous, stretching from the sun-kissed Hawaiian Islands to the bitter winters of New England.

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In the next blog, we’ll focus on three cities: Boston, Chicago & San Francisco … what do you know about them ?

Have a good day 🙂

I miss you already

Always See You Later Never Goodbye SVG, JPEG, High Definition, DXF ...

Adult Speaking Class, level 2: Conversation practice

15th May 2020

How to introduce yourself

Hello, my name is Peter. I am 31. My job is teacher.

Link sentences to make longer, more interesting sentences and use contractions

Hello, my name’s _______, I’m ___ and I work as a _________________ .

[Culture note – in English, we usually say our age only – don’t say ‘years old’ e.g. I’m 25, not I’m 25 years old]

I am = I’m // you are = you’re // he is = he’s // she is = she’s // they are = they’re // we are = we’re

Tell me about the other members of the group or class.

Example – Her name’s Ms Thanh, she’s 22 and works as a nurse.

Grammar note: In the third-person, he add an -s to the verb

1^st person I work

2^nd person you work

3^rd person he / she / it / name works (Ms Thanh works)

Work Dialogue: two friends are at the office

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This is a natural conversation, with expressions, idioms and contractions.

New expressions:

same old, same old = doing the same thing all day, every day.

bear with me = wait for me a very short time

A: Hello, how’s it going ? How are you ?

B: Great, thanks. What have you been up to ? What have you been doing ?

A: Oh, same old, same old. Nothing new. Same as everyday. Are you busy ?

B: A little. Bear with me a moment … there, finished. Wait a little, please.

A: Do you want a hand ? (Dya wanna hand ?) Do you need some help ?

B: That would be wonderful. Would you like a coffee ?

A: Absolutely ! Yes, very much !

The weirdest excuses office workers give for the tea round | Daily ...

Conversation practice:

Pretend you are just meeting. Introduce yourself to your partner. Remember to ask:

Name, job, company ? Do they like their job ? Where do they work ?

Are they married ? Children ?

Where do they live ? Do they live alone or with family ?

What do they like to do in their free time ? What are your hobbies ?

Queen’s English

Practice saying the following three sentences as if you were the Queen, or King, of the UK.

My Husband and I are delighted to meet you

The weather is frightfully hot for the time of year

Do give my best to your family

Now listen to the Queen speak:

Adult Speaking Class, level 2: Deciding what to buy.

11th May 2020

This was a one – to – one lesson for a lady about to retire and move from Vietnam to Boston, USA. The assigned book work was about a young man climbing mountains and hang-gliding; I felt this was more appropriate to my student’s needs.

Deciding what to buy

You are on a shopping trip to the USA

Which of these items would you buy ? Which appeal to you ? Which hold no interest ?

Vocabulary

That looks wonderful // I need to try it (them) on first // That’s good quality

No, that’s a rip off (too expensive) // That’s not my style // That really suits me

You must be joking ! // Brilliant ! // Wrap it up ! // Do you take credit cards ?

Adult Speaking Class, level 2: The gift of the gab

10th may 2020

Today’s blog, or activity sheet, is about persuasion; the ability to change someone’s opinion or make them do what YOU want THEM to do. This is known as having ‘the gift of the gab.’

This skill is mostly associated with salesmen who, without cheating or lying, make their product sound so wonderful that you simply HAVE TO buy it … and then you get home and realise you have parted with your hard-earned money for something you don’t want, don’t need and will never use.

The Cowboy Market Trader: The Fly, The Dustbin, The Alien. The ...

Before we kick off, let’s roll out some new expressions:

One born every minute = negative, means that the person is an idiot, who bought something useless.

He/She saw you coming = negative, means the seller thought you would buy the poor quality item or pay too much for it.

Paid over the odds = negative, means paying too much for something.

Could sell sand to an Arab = positive, means the seller is so persuasive, he could sell anything to anyone (here, people who live in the desert do NOT need to buy sand).

Unique = positive, only one or something totally different and special.

Examples:

You paid £50 for that shirt ? He must have seen you coming !

The hotel was $75, I think I paid over the odds.

She’s such a great seller, she could sell sand to an Arab.

I can’t believe he though it was a real Rolex watch … for €30. Oh well, there’s one born every minute !

Activity

Welcome to

Mr Paul’s Wonderfully useful store

Here, you can find all sorts of incredibly useful and wonderful items.

The students have to practise their selling and persuasive skills, in order to sell these … ‘wonderful’ … items. As always, an example:

One grey sock

A truly wonderful sock (one), almost nearly perfect

Ladies and gentlemen, step right up, I have an absolute unique items for you. As you see, I have, just today ONLY, one beautiful delightful almost never-used silver-coloured sock, perfect for men, women or even children, yes, they can grow into it !

This amazing item, one of a kind, can be used for so many things, for example … have crying children ? Simply put the sock on your hand and … a PUPPET ! Guaranteed to stop all tears. Been shopping and have so many dirty, heavy coins ? No problem, simply put the coins in the sock. Having a party ? What would look better than this magnificent sock hanging proudly above the door ? Can use it for Christmas, Thanksgiving, Tet Holiday, Easter, Passover, Ramadan, Birthdays, Weddings … you name it … You CANNOT live without it …

You can have this priceless item for just £100 … OK, to you, today only … £75

Now … your turn

Write a ‘sales pitch’ for one of these items, think of some uses for it, then set a price. Try to convince your classmates to buy your unique item.

Some ideas for uses are at the end of the blog

Stormville Flea Market Cancels Opening Weekend — A flea market where people can sell … anything. One person’s junk is another person’d treasure

Tips and ideas:

teabag – mint tea – gets rid of spiders & mice : put on eyes to reduce puffiness

wine cork – floating key ring

banana skin – clean / shine shoes

broken umbrella – a dog coat !

Old T-shirt – cloth for cleaning

Transparent Dog Raincoat Pet Jacket Outdoor Puppy Clothes ...

Never judge a book book by its cover.

Adult Speaking Class, Level 2: Cinema … what shall we see ?

9th May 2020

Cinema Choice

A lesson designed to encourage speaking and student interaction, especially useful for upper-intermediates or IELTS students, who are expected to be able to speak for two minutes fluently, with a good range of vocabulary, a knowledge of phrases and expressions, not to mention said speech to be delivered with pacing, rhythm and intonation. Furthermore, as previously demonstrated, long, complex sentences with ideas linked together with discourse markers.

Without further ado … let’s take in a movie

(to take in a movie = to go and see a movie, as opposed to watching a DVD, streaming etc)

Why going to the movies is [occasionally] worth the money | DECU

Vocabulary

I prefer / choice / my taste / not my taste / trailer / concession stand

all-star cast / director / film studio / controversial/ family film / book online

What’s on at the cinema ? What’s playing this week ? Not my cup of tea.

ACTIVITY 1: Use some of the words or expressions to talk about these photos:

Example

Alfred Hitchcock, a famous director from London, is demonstrating to the cameraman what shot he wants. Hitchcock was born near my house in east London and went on to work in Hollywood with all-star casts. However, I prefer his early films made in the UK although the famous or infamous film ‘Psycho’ is one of my favourites despite being extremely controversial.

Now … your turn

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Activity 2: What types of film can you name ?

Horror // Action Stories // Sci-fi // Drama // Thriller // Romance // Biopic // Comedy // Western // Animation (Anime) // Musical // Documentary // War //

Stories about people’s lives and emotions // Space films, or films set in the future // Films about fighting and soldiers // Stories about real famous people // Loud, exciting films with explosions and fast cars // A cartoon, illustrated film // True stories with real people, not actors // Stories about police or spies or crime // Scary films about ghosts or monsters // A film about cowboys, set in USA // Love stories // Funny films // with singing and dancing

Which genres are these ?

Which do you prefer ?

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Prefer– to like one thing more than something else

I prefer drinking coffee to tea

He prefers living in Sai Gon rather than Hanoi

The students prefer the small room

Activity 3:

Look at an up-to-date cinema listing. Discuss what is on this week. Which films (if any) appeal to you ?

Which do you prefer ?

Going to the cinema, watching a DVD or streaming a film online ?

What are the advantages or disadvantages to each one ?

Must or have to ? Revision

The new Spider Man film may be sold out. We ______ buy tickets NOW !

I hate comedies ! Do I _____ to go ?

You _______ eat too much popcorn; it’s bad for you.

You ________to be over 18 to see this film

You don’t ____ to bring your passport to get intoa cinema in Viet Nam.

Adult Class, Level 3: Generally speaking …

28th APRIL 2020

This is a review blog, a chance to take stock of recently acquired language, and to practise using it.

My lovely students are very interested in learning British culture, notably the art of drinking tea:

101 — How to drink your tea? - Millennial thoughts on business ...

As opposed to the rather uncouth, uncultivated drinking habits of Vietnamese men:

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Is this true of ALL Vietnamese men … of course not, hell no !

I also have another lovely young lady, but sometimes she can look a little scary, like the ghost from the Japanese film, ‘The Ring’:

The Murdered Japanese Girl That Inspired "The Ring," One Of The ...

This is a very strange film so all Japanese films are weird. Is that a fair statement ? No way, you don’t know what you’re talking about.

Our last lesson was based on stereotypes – and a link to a previous blog can be found here:https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/08/16/adult-class-level-3-class-1-stereotypes/

From the book, we came across:

Generally speaking // in general // tend to // usually

Adverbs of probability:

definitely // probably // possibly // unlikely // definitely not !

Adverbs of time:

always // frequently // usually // sometimes // occasionally // rarely // never

From the blog, we studied agreeing:

To what extent do you agree ?

I agree / I agree 100% / I agree to an extent / There may be some truth there /

I disagree / I totally disagree / That is very unfair / That is offensive /

That’s just a stereotype / I know for a fact that isn’t true !

Now combine to form some stunning, well-constructed responses.

Example: Apple computers never break

Generally speaking, I would tend to agree as I have had a Mac Book for several years without any serious problems, whereas with my Windows laptop, I frequently have issues such as waiting for updates or very slow downloads.

Exercise – How do you react to these contentions:

Men should earn more money than women for the same job.

Everything from Korea is top quality.

All tourists from USA are obese and unhealthy.

All British people are exceptionally polite, helpful and utterly charming.

You will ONLY get a good job IF you speak English.

All Vietnamese students are lazy, disrespectful and only want to sleep.

JokyLand.com | SLEEPING STUDENTS — A typical Vietnamese student … to what extent do you agree ?

Adult Speaking Class, Level 1: What will you do … ?

24th April 2020

What will you do after work ?

This blog will teach you how to talk about plans – what you will do later in the day.

The grammar will be future tense, and I’ll show you standard English and some everyday expressions.

I will … after work OR After work, I will … (standard English)

Example: I will play football after work OR After work, I will play football

Try these:

watch a movie // cook for my family // go shopping // play computer games

When I finish work, I’ll (I + will = I’ll) … a contraction

Later, when I knock off work … (knock off = finish) a UK expression / phrasal verb

Practice:

Make sentences, using these phrases. I give you an example:

I’m going to // I will (I’ll) // I plan to // I intend to // I’m thinking of …

After work, I’m going to a restaurant

Try to extend the sentence by giving more information:

After work, I’m going to take my family to a restaurant.

When I knock off, my family and I will go to a fast food restaurant because my son loves fried chicken and chips.

Now your turn:

What will you do after work ? See how long you can make your answer.

Tell me what you see in the photos.

I have some answers at the end of the blog.

Sample answers:

After work, I plan to drink beer. // I intend to drink beer after work with my two best friends.

When I knock off, I’m going to stay home // After I knock off, I’m going to play computer games and eat junk food. // After work, I plan to watch TV and eat crisps, chocolate and cake.

Tonight, I’m thinking of singing karaoke. // Later, I’m thinking of meeting my friends and going to sing karaoke because it’s a lot of fun.

After work, I will take my girlfriend to a restaurant. // Tonight is special because I will take my girlfriend to a romantic restaurant. // This will be a special night because I intend to ask my girlfriend to marry me so I’m going to take her to an expensive romantic restaurant.

Adult Speaking Class, Level 1: Reading and asking for information

16th April 2020

Today we shall focus on reading adverts, posters and internet posts to find basic information.

Additionally, you will learn how to ask and answer questions in order to give or receive information.

Let’s start with a poster for the rock band REM, who were formed in the 1980s

REM Live Concert Webcast Rumored (Updated) | WIRED — REM live in concert

Seeing a band perform live is very exciting.

There is a great atmosphere.

Hundreds or thousands of people are singing and clapping.

It is a unique experience.

When a band goes on tour, they advertise. They can advertise online, in newspapers or by using posters.

This poster is for a REM tour from 1989. The band had a new CD called ‘Green’. They perform live to promote the CD, to encourage people to buy their CD.

Read the poster carefully and answer the questions:

Where is it ? (The name of the concert hall)

What time does it kick off (start) ?

When is it ? (The date)

How can we buy tickets ? (There are different ways to buy tickets – how ?)

They were touring in support of their new LP ‘Green’

What do you associate with the colour green?

How about:

blue

red

yellow

white

black ?

Here is some information. What questions would you need to ask ?

National Museum Of Korea - The Seoul Guide

Visitor Information

Address:

137 Seobinggo-ro, Seobinggo-dong, Yongsan-gu

Nearest train station:

Ichon (National Museum of Korea) Station is a station in Yongsan-gu, Seoul on Seoul Subway Line 4 and Gyeongui–Jungang Line.

Hours:

Opening times:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday : 10:00 ~ 18:00
Wednesday & Saturday : 10:00 ~ 21:00
Sunday & Holidays : 10:00 ~ 19:00
Closed days: January 1^st, Seollal (Jan. 25, 2020), Chuseok (Oct. 1, 2020)

Admission

Admission is free to the Main Exhibition Hall and the Children’s Museum.
There is a separate charge for the special exhibition in the Special Exhibition Gallery.

Further information:

http://www.museum.go.kr/site/main/content/tour_guidance

How would you ask question for:

The address

Opening times

The cost (admission fee)

Nearest train station

More online information

Moving on to Las Vegas

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We want to stay 4 nights at a hotel. What information can you find in this image?

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Look for the cheapest hotel. What information can you see ?

Look for somewhere that is very expensive

Is there any extra money to pay ?

Where is this information from ?

Beginners’ English: Short dialogues.

8th April 2020

Beginners dialogue 1

Here are some short speaking exercises to help you practice speaking.

Hope you enjoy them.

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Kim: Hello, how are you ?

Jan: I’m very well, thank you. How are you ?

Kim: I’m great ! What are you doing ?

Jan: I am reading a book. I am learning English.

Kim: Oh, excellent ! I am surprised. Me too. I love English !

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Jan: I am very happy today.

Kim: Why ?

Jan: Because I have a dog. I love dogs. What animals do you like ?

Kim: I like dogs, cats and elephants but I don’t like geckos.

Common house gecko - Wikipedia — A normal house gecko

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Kim: Where is your iPhone ?

Jan: It is on the table. Where is your phone ?

Kim: In my bag. I don’t want to loose it.

Jan: Good idea. You are very clever.

Adult Speaking Class, Level 2: Going shopping, looking for a bargain.

7th April 2020

A Guide For Shopping In Macau For All Shopaholics In 2020! — Shopping in Macau

This lesson aims to introduce students to a wider range of vocabulary, phrases and expressions, and then gives them an opportunity to role play and act out the language.

A plan such as this only works with motivated students, and can be very fun for both learners and the teacher.

Print outs or photos of various consumer items will enhance the lesson, but first:

vocabulary

SHOPPING

Which shops do you like and why ?

Use these words and phrases to help you write your answer:

big, small, fresh, clean, cheap, expensive, near my house, convenient

range of choice, quality, cost, location, crowded

store layout (what does it look like ? Is it easy to find things ?)

staff helpfulness: average (normal), exceptional, non-existant !

value for money (good quality at a good price)

bargains (good quality and great price)

waitrose-little-wimbledon-convenience-store-interior.gif 700×450 ... — Interior of a Waitrose supermarket in the UK

19 Things You Need To Stop Doing To Grocery Store Workers In The ... — Food shopping is not always a pleasant experience

Haggling

This is the practice of trying to get a better or lower price for an item. This doesn’t happen in shops, which have a fixed price, but is common, indeed even expected, in markets, depending on the location and culture. Be careful – too much haggling can upset the trader.

Vocabulary: fixed price / negotiate / bargain / rip-off / no deal !

Expressions: I wasn’t born yesterday / you’re having a laugh !

[I will pre-teach these expressions in a class, but online students will have to look them up. If you ever need help, just leave a message]

Legian, Bali, Indonesia - August 13, 2018: Indonesian Souvenir ... — What do you think is meant by ‘GENUINE FAKE’ ?

Make a conversation:

One is a market-trader, the other a customer.

You can choose the item(s): watch, phone, T-shirt, food etc.

The language is informal, intonation can be strong but still be polite.

EXAMPLE:

Here, the trader sells ‘genuine fake’ sunglasses

Customer: How much are these sunglasses, please ?

Trader: Oh, those are genuine Gucci, made in France. I can let you have for the special price.

Customer: Gucci … really ?

Trader: Absolutely, look … it says ‘Guchi’ here. Try them on … they are perfect for you.

Customer: Hhhmmmm, ‘Guchi’ … OK, how much are they ?

Trader: To you, my first customer, special price. Only $50

Customer: Are you having a laugh ! I’ll give you $5 tops, no more.

Trader: These are genuine Gucci … OK, OK, just for you, $45. They come from France.

Customer: Gucci are ITALIAN ! What a rip-off. I’m out of here.

Amazon.com: Gucci Sunglasses GG 0448 S- 001 Black/Grey: Clothing — Genuine Gucci sunglasses

With a larger class, have three students selling the same type of item but in different setting, for example:

a department store,

Selfridges has just opened its Christmas shop 145 days early

a shop having a sale

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and a street market

Brick Lane Market | London Guide | Qbic Hotel

To make it more realistic, the students have to alter their vocabulary to suit the store, that is, polite standard English for the department store, everyday English for the shop and more slang and idioms for the street market.

The items could include:

Handbags: