Adult Speaking Class, level 2: Breaking the silence.

2nd March 2021

The future of social interactions | by UV | Medium

Ôi Trời Ơi – Oy Vey! – Are you kidding me ! Last night’s class was chockablock with new, high-level vocabulary:

I don't underStand - Confused asian lady | Meme Generator

Ok, take it easy, let’s break it down. Firstly, you were not expected to learn or remember everything; I told you to … well, you tell me. Try to complete the sentences with the new words. If you need help, the vocabulary box follows the questions, while I’ll put the answers at the end of the blog.

1) I didn’t understand everything, but I got the ________

2) Light and sound travel in ___________

3) X-Rays and microwaves are a form of (type of) __________________

4) For me, trying to pronounce Vietnamese words is a real ____________

5) Can you buy twelve eggs ? Yeah, buy me ______________

6) I don’t understand the Zoom instruction video, there’s so much computer __________

7) One of y tá (nurse) Cam’s duties is to take a patient’s ________ , to measure their heartbeat.

8) They love each other dearly, but they don’t always see __________________

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966) - Full HD Movie For Free | hdbest.net — A scene from ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolfe ?’ with Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor who actually were married … twice, in fact.

VOCABULARY: a dozen // gist // struggle // pulse // jargon // waves // eye to eye // electromagnetic radiation //

Types of Electromagnetic Radiation | Tnuda

Despite the jargon, there were some useful, everyday phrases that you can start to use:

lack of ..

for the sake of …

actually quite …

away from …

there’s no chance of …

NOW … YOUR TURN – complete the sentences, then make your own examples (in pairs or teams).

A) I need a holiday, I have to get ________________ the city.

B) She thought the film would be tedious but is was ____________ interesting.

C) Unless you study harder, _______________ you passing the test.

D) People can be very unhealthy due to a _________ vitamins in their diet.

E) He always agrees with his wife _______________________ peace and quiet.

Finally, for extra practice:

i) I don’t phone the UK on my mobile because it’s ___________

Been struck down by a mobile phone bill shock? – Which? Conversation

ii) If my Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting, I will ______________________

7 Tips For Dealing With a Conflict at Work, Even In Quarantine

iii) Things that can affect society and how people behave. For example, the original ‘Star Wars’ films were an incredible ____________________

Poll: Are You a Die-Hard Star Wars Fan? | StarWars.com

Answers

1) gist 2) waves 3) electromagnetic radiation 4) struggle 5) a dozen 6) jargon 7) pulse 8 ) eye to eye

A) away from B) actually quite C) there’s no chance of D) lack of E) for the sake of

i) prohibitively expensive ii) lose my mind iii) sociological phenomenon

Young Learners, level 2: What are they doing in Sweden ?

Review Everybody Up 2 Unit 1 – 5

31st December 2020

A condensed version of a longer lesson on Sweden, available here: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/05/17/young-learners-level-2-focus-on-sweden/

Review of 1st, 2nd & 3rd person continuous verbs in positive, negative & question form.

Warm Up: What are these children wearing ? I expect at least two adjectives before the noun as well as telling me how the children feel.

Moving on up, Swedish food: What do YOU want ? Ask your partner – what does he or she want ? tell the class.

I want / I don’t want // She wants / She doesn’t want

EXAMPLE:

I want meatballs however I don’t want fish.

He wants eggs however he doesn’t want semla (cake).

Filled eggs halves garnish with prawns and Swedish caviar Filled egg halves Fyllda ägghalvor | Scandinavian food, International recipes, Swedish recipes — Swedish eggs

Swedish Potato Salad · How To Cook A Potato Salad · Recipes on Cut Out + Keep — Potato salad

Juicy Strawberry Fruit In Swedish Garden Stock Photo, Picture And Royalty Free Image. Image 16292965. — Strawberries

NOW – what are these Swedish people doing ?

Sweden's Abba reunite to save Mamma Mia island - The Local

They are … however, they aren’t …

Pippi Longstocking, rebel and role model

15 Things Not to Do When You Travel to Sweden

81 Swedish Girls Drawing Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty-Free Images - iStock

Skilla

What is the Swedish Midsommar festival? | Ritual Trip

Are they writing ? No, they’re …….

Where are the children ? What can you see in the room ?

Where is the table ? Where is the bookshelf ?

Where is the globe ? Where is the window ? What would you like in your bedroom ?

Swedish Fans Parade. People Singing And Dancing. Editorial Photography - Image of scandinavian, fifa: 121120057

Young Learners, Screen Test game

23rd December 2020

Screen Test (TV Series 1970–1984) - IMDb

I adapted this warm-up from a British television show from the 70s and early 80s. Just show a short clip, then ask the students some questions. The game can be quite fun, and has proved very popular. Being December, I’ve chosen a Christmas-themed clip, a TV advert made by the John Lewis Company:

The Questions:

What colour was the girl’s umbrella ?

How many buttons (not eyes) did the snowman have ?

Name three shops that you saw.

How many snow people were on the street ?

What was on the wall in the man’s kitchen ?

What toy did the old man have in the bath ?

What was the old man’s job ?

How many pigeons were standing on the street ?

What fruit was the man on the subway (Tube train) holding ?

What was the number of the bus ?

Complete the slogans: Give a little _______ Together we can make a big ____________

John Lewis Christmas advert 2020 is unveiled | Daily Mail Online

The Answers

Red // 5 // Scarf Hut, Pharmacy, Opticians, Florist // 8 (one in the window doesn’t count) // a fish, a picture of the family, a shelf // a toy duck // a barber or haircutter // 4 // an apple // 222 // ‘love’ & ‘difference’

Another clip I have used is from the British film ‘Summer Holiday’:

1) What was the road sign at the beginning of the clip ?

London // Berlin // Paris ?

2) What was the number of the bus ?

9 // 19 // 28 ?

3) What colour was the first car behind the bus ?

red // white // blue ?

4) How many children wore a hat ?

1 // 2 // no children

5) How many men were riding bicycles ?

3 // 4 // 6 ?

6) What does Cliff, the driver, eat ?

a sandwich / a cake / nothing

7) How many women were in the car ?

3 // 4 // 5 ?

BONUS POINTS – Can anyone sing the song – just two lines

“We’re all going on a summer holiday // we’re all going for a week or two.”

IELTS: Planning a day out

16th December 2020

17 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Beijing | PlanetWare — The Imperial Palace and the Forbidden City, Beijing, China

A compilation of exercises for students to plan a day out for visitors to their city.

Firstly, an example demonstrating an IELTS-style structure:

Where would you like to visit in Viet Nam (or your own country) and why ?

I show them a plan:

Introduction / First good point / second good point / something negative / conclusion

I choose Hoi An

Hoi An: Vietnam's most charming city - Exoticca Blog

Introduction: DON’T answer immediately but introduce the answer by rephrasing (paraphrasing) the question:

Vietnam has many beautiful places but my choice would be Hoi An.

First Good Point:

Firstly, Hoi An is a historical city with a wonderful Japanese bridge and lovely old shops. At night, the shops use romantic lanterns.

Second Good Point:

Hoi An is close to Da Nang, so I can fly there easily and quickly. There are many things to see and do in the local area.

Now, something negative

However, Hoi An is very small and can be extremely crowded in summer. Maybe it will be difficult to find a hotel or a table at a good restaurant.

Conclusion

In my opinion, Hoi An is a very special place to visit because it is a town of Vietnamese culture.

How to build sentences:

Use adjectives to describe nouns (beautiful, historic, romantic)

adverbs to describe adjectives and verbs – give more information (very, easily)

opinion phrases (in my opinion)

linking words to connect positive to positive or positive to negative – discourse markers (however, furthermore, consequently, therefore)

reasons and examples why an action is being done (because) or such as …

For IELTS students, ALWAYS think how you can use an idiom e.g.

I have been burning the candle at both ends, so I really need a break

I only take a holiday once in a blue moon

Travelling can be extremely expensive, but a bus ticket to Da Nang, although time-consuming, doesn’t cost and arm and a leg.

Now – your turn:

Where do you want to visit ? Where would you most like to visit ? This can be in Vietnam or anywhere … think BIG.

Women wearing Vietnamese ao dai granted an imperial favor — Hue

Getting Around Hanoi [2019] Guide to Get Around Hanoi for ... — Ha Noi

The History of the Taj Mahal — Taj Mahal, India

Where to Celebrate Day of the Dead in Mexico — Day of the Dead, Mexico

Activity:

Present a holiday using a mixture of advertising slogans and practical information. Remember:

It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it

Make your voice sound excited, as if this were the best holiday ever ! You have to use intonation and stress.

Holiday terms:

transfers / half-board / all -inclusive / amenities / package tour / itinerary /

Language:

breathtaking / visually – stunning / sensational / incredible / remarkable / exclusive /

once in a lifetime experience / never to be forgotten / unbeatable prices / book now to avoid disappointment / best decision you’ll ever make

holidays to suit all budgets , from 7* luxury to backpacking

Structure:

To begin with / furthermore … additionally / the fact is … / therefore

Demonstration with an advert for London:

Now is the perfect time to visit London, England’s glorious capital.

To begin with, the weather is perfect for walking, so you can enjoy the lush parks, world-famous museums and incredible, unbelievable shops such as Harrods, Selfridges and so many more.

Furthermore, there is something for everyone … and more ! Like sports ? Go to one of the many Premier League football games. Love shopping ?

The fact is, everything is here – shop till you drop !

Additionally, if you adore culture – soak up hundreds of years of history.

Flights from TSN airport daily. Seven-day all-inclusive package tour starting from only 50m VND ! All transfers and transport included. Air-conditioned mini bus with Vietnamese-speaking guide.

Therefore, don’t delay … book TODAY !

Sell a holiday

Advertising vocabulary and intonation

Prepare a presentation to market / sell a holiday.

Review: New vocabulary

sensational / once in a lifetime / luxury / all-inclusive / unforgettable experience / mysterious / majestic / breathtaking / visually-stunning

book now to avoid disappointment / exhilarating / world-famous

local food / new cultures / visit our website / worth every penny

fun for all the family/ the perfect getaway /

Plan a tour of your city for my friend

Ethan Hawke Sticks Up For Texas, Reps Beto and Turns a Dead ... — My friend Ethan is coming to visit your hometown

It is his first time in your hometown. He likes history, traditional food, and he wants to buy souvenirs.

Think about:

What time to start

What to do first

Logistics – how Ethan can get around the city (subway, bus, taxi, Grab or Uber)

Food – where to eat and what to choose. Remember, he only speaks English

Where to go (remember the heat OR the rain could be an issue / a problem).

Explain your choices

Try to incorporate (use) these adjectives:

interesting // historical // fascinating // authentic

typical // bustling // lively // thought-provoking

Mind map – Travel

I start by writing the word ‘travel’ on the board, and see how many avenues spread out from it. Start with the grammar; what type of word is it (noun) but it can be made into a verb (to travel, travelling) and the students should remember how to apply it to a person (traveller).

Then we have expressions such as ‘travel broadens the mind.’

We have this quote which introduces metaphor – the world as a book:

Then more pedestrian aspects of travel; how do we travel (transportation), preparation (booking tickets, hotels, visas etc), what do we bring with us (different clothes, sun cream, currency, sun glasses etc). How about culture shock ?

Next, what are the positive aspects of travelling (new cultures, fun, adventure, relaxation) and conversely, the negatives (delays, waiting in soulless airports, getting ripped off, tourist traps, bad hotels etc)

Pair work: students have to write a short passage using ‘although‘ and ‘despite‘ to encapsulate their travel experiences or wishes.

EXAMPLES: Although I absolutely love travelling, there are many drawbacks. Firstly, there is the cost; it can be incredibly expensive what with plane tickets and hotels not to mention having to eat out in restaurants. Despite these issues, travelling can be so relaxing or exciting, seeing new places and doing new things or simply as a break from our normal lives.

Vietnam has many beautiful towns and places of interest although I have only been to a few of them despite travel being relatively cheap in this country. We can fly everywhere within one or two hours, at very reasonable prices although some cheap airlines, such as Vietjet, are notorious for delays.

I have always wanted to visit Beijing in China which is not excessively far from Sai Gon. Despite that, I haven’t been because I am not sure about the visa and how expensive it would be to visit. Additionally, I hear some negative things such as terrible pollution and many tourist scams. Despite the drawbacks, I really want to see the Great Wall, the Forbidden Palace and all the temples. Although Vietnam and China have a complicated relationship, most Vietnamese would agree that Chinese food is delicious.

These exercises help to increase vocabulary and confidence. Furthermore, the repetition helps to make the target language part of the students’ lexical resources.

As a break from the book work, I’ll show the class a vlog from YouTube, two tourists who come to Sai Gon and what they think of the city: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iw_K-1AmVk

How do the tourists feel about the city ? As residents, do you agree with the review ?

Students can discuss the video using the following language:

I agree totally // I agree to an extent // I disagree // I’m not entirely sure // No way ! They don’t know what they are talking about !

optimistic // uninformed // delusional // open-minded // enthusiastic

Group work: Prepare a guide to Sai Gon for tourists.

Allow students access to the class computer for Google images if required.

Include

What to see and do // where and what to eat // what to buy //

What they can do for entertainment

Travel tips

Safety and scams

Cultural differences – what should people do or NOT do in Vietnam ?

Use of interesting adjectives to describe the city centre.

Groups can then present to the class, with all students taking turns speaking. I shall be listening for relevance, pronunciation and use of expressions and discourse markers. Furthermore, I may learn some interesting tips.

My friend Andy is coming to Sai Gon

Using ‘should’ to give advice or information, make suggestions for Andy.

He loves history … what should he visit or see ?

He loves traditional food … what should he eat ?

He can’t ride a motorbike … how should he travel ?

He likes a beer a night (!) … where should he go ?

My Thai friend is coming to Vietnam:

Ms Namsum is young and energetic. She’s into (really enjoy) clubs, sightseeing and shopping.

I suggest she starts the day with a traditional bowl of pho then goes to Sai Gon centre. She can walk there from her hotel in District 1 or take a taxi (Vinasun or Malin ONLY). She will be out of the heat and has a lot of shopping choices and places to eat or grab a coffee. She could rest at her hotel in the afternoon, then go to Nguyen Hue walking street when it gets cooler in the evening. She has many restaurants in this area. Furthermore, there are many English-language menus. Finally, she can go to Bui Vien street where there are many clubs and bars, as well as many tourists speaking English.

What do they students think ? Is that a good plan ? Have I missed something important ?

Language to use:

I see your point

That’s a good idea but …

If I may make a suggestion …

I’m not sure that’s such a good idea.

For example – That’s a good idea but you haven’t thought about sightseeing.

Bui Vien can be very noisy so I’m not sure that’s such a good idea for a young lady on her own.

Two of my friends, Tom and David who are both actors, are coming to Sai Gon. The students, in groups, have to arrange a fun day including sightseeing, shopping, eating and transportation. Then they have to compare their itineraries and exchange views and opinions. The students learn how to politely disagree with each and put forward their ideas and support their choices.

Image result for two english men — Tom and David

PLAN A DAY FOR TOM & DAVID

Where can they eat ?

What could they see or visit ?

How can they travel around ?

What can they buy as souvenirs ?

Where could they go at night ?

What safety advice would you give ?

What you need to know:

Both are 45-years old. They have good jobs and a good income. They like history and culture. They really enjoy good food and wine. Neither speaks any Vietnamese. They are too old for very loud clubs but they don’t mind having a few beers and maybe seeing some live music.

The students can make a presentation, and use the computer for images or maps to illustrate their plan. Then the other team can explain what they have organised, and the reasons why. I will decide which team has made the best choice.

Activity: Plan a day out for my friends.

I have two friends arriving in Sai Gon (or your city). They want a typical, authentic experience. Plan a day for them. It must include:

Breakfast
A museum
Somewhere for a snack
An interesting building or location
Lunch
Souvenir shopping
Something to do in the evening

Give tips and advice.

How do they travel around ?

What are their options and estimate the prices.

Try to use as much new vocabulary as possible, words and expressions.

Directions to Pham Ngo Lao Street District 1 // Directions to a city centre street.

Ask for help. Other must offer as much help – how to get there, the best way, the price, the dangers. Body language – distance, expression, intonation, eye contact etc

Is Sai Gon safe ?

Can you understand Vietnamese people speaking English ?

Do you agree with their points ?

Are there any words you didn’t understand ?

Do you have any bad experiences ? Tell the class your anecdote.

Hotels

Word bomb– what do you think of when I say ‘hotel’ ?

Checking in to a hotel

Vocabulary:

reception / lift or elevator / single or double room / king size bed or twins /

first floor / complimentary breakfast / key deposit / luggage storage / safe / mini bar

What would the conversation be ?

Reception: How may I help you / May I ask your name ? / Can I see your reservation code ? / That’s fine. You stay for three nights ? / May I have your passport, please ? / You’re in room 237. That’s on the second floor / Thank you. Sign here, please / Yes, the lift is just over there. / Naturally, as well as a hair dryer, coffee machine and mini bar. / Enjoy your stay.

Guest: Hello, we have a reservation / We booked a room online / My name’s ….. / Certainly, it’s on my phone. / Yes, that’s right. / Absolutely. / Correct. / Just a second; here you are./ Is there a lift ? / The second floor ? / Is there a safe in the room ? / Perfect. Thanks very much

Make a conversation. One student will be the reception, the other(s) a guest or guests.

Write your own conversation

You are in a hotel bar and you meet another guest. Start a polite conversation, but you have to use your English.

Image result for two people in a hotel bar

Greet each other

Why are you in this city ? (holiday or on business)

Offer to buy a drink (accept or decline – maybe you don’t drink alcohol)

How long are they staying ? What do they think of the hotel ? What can they do in the area around the hotel ?

Small group work

You are two married couples who meet on a tour and are staying at the same hotel OR you are on a business trip and meet some other business people.

Use the following sentences, as well as your own, to make a conversation. try to keep speaking for as long as possible by using small talk techniques (oh, really / that’s interesting / tell me more / what do you do exactly ? / where is that ? / Sounds interesting)

Image result for young people meeting in a hotel

Image result for people meeting in a hotel

My wife and I are delighted to meet you

Shall we go to the bar or cafe ?

Can offer name first (I’m Simon, what’s your name ?)

Would you fancy a drink … ?

Is there anywhere special to do here ?

Sorry, I have to get my head down, it’s been a long flight (I need to sleep).

My colleague and I were going out to eat.

I fancy a beer or something alcoholic

Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t ask where you are from.

Reasonable (cheaper)

Would you like to join us ?

Peckish (little hungry)

What do you think of these hotel rooms ?

What do you think of the design ?

Would you like to stay in any of these ? Why, or why not ?

How much do you think they cost per night ?

Bangkok

Ice hotel, Sweden

Backpacker hostel, Indonesia

Shopping: Vocabulary, speaking exercises, fixed prices & fixed expressions

14th December 2020

A compilation of Shopping blogs, for all levels

Vocabulary:

range of choice / quality / cost / location / crowded

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

staff helpfulness / average (normal), put themselves out (very helpful) surly (unhappy)

value for money (good quality at a good price)/ on offer / sale /over-priced / bargains

Vocabulary for malls:

lift / elevator/ display /salesperson / free parking /restroom / lost property /receipt

credit cards / take away / fitting room / returns policy / shoplifting /Black Friday

Speaking practice:

When was the last time you went to a mall ?

Why did you go ? What did you buy ?

Did you buy more than you intended ?

Was it a pleasant experience ?

Which do you like and would you recommend them to a friend … why ?

Where would you go to buy these shirts or T-shirts ?

How much would you expect to pay ?

Can you haggle (argue over the price ?) or are they fixed price ? How would you rate the quality ?

What was the last thing you bought ? Was it for yourself, or a present ?

Don’t you love a bargain ? When is the best time to buy at discounted prices ?

In the UK, after Christmas we have the sales – many items are MUCH cheaper. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSKrVh-3U3E

Black Friday: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlPVAUulKZE

What do you think about these scenes ?

Are they dignified / horrific / shameful / appalling / materialism gone mad ?

Dialogue:

Ben Did you pick up anything on Black Friday

James Yeah, one or two things. I got a cool new shirt and shoes, half price.

Ben Sounds a bargain ! I was after a big screen TV but the store was crowded

James Tell me about it ! It was crazy. Apparently, it was the busiest day ever.

Ben I’m not surprised. That’s why I detest shopping; no where to park …

James People screaming and pushing, can’t even get in the lift …

Ben When you do find something, you have to queue for ages.

James I wanted to pay by credit card but the salesperson was really surly.

Ben Must have been rushed off her feet (very busy).

James She could have been more pleasant. Could have smiled once !

Ben What did she look like ?

James You decide … I tried out my new phone camera:

angry woman blowing steam coming out of ears | Canadian Contractor

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 ?

Young Learners, Level 5: Superlatives and superheroes

9th December 2020

Everybody Up, Unit 4, Lesson 3

Comparative Superhero Game - English ESL Worksheets for distance learning and physical classrooms

Warm up game: forming questions

Put class into small groups. Each group, from a keyword, has to form a question asking a superlative.

For example, keyword ‘old‘: Who is the oldest ? Keywords: strong // fast // young // tall //

Amazing Spider-Man on Twitter: "Is anyone thinking logically anymore ? If The #Venom Spin-Off Universe was going to be a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe Than Why Title that separate Universe "

Who is the strongest ? Who is the fastest ? Who is the youngest ? Who is the tallest ?

Next up as fast as Flash, with writing boards, students have to write the comparison.

For example: easy = easier

cheap // comfortable // interesting

NOW – what about the opposites ? What is the opposite of ‘easy’ and then the comparative form ?

Repeat with cheap // comfortable // interesting

You want to sit and read a comic book … but which chair ?

Chairs You Wouldn't Want to Sit On – BE OPEN BLOG

Make a sentence with:

comfortable / more comfortable / most comfortable

How about uncomfortable ?

Think wooden chairs are uncomfortable? These 5 seats prove otherwise | The Peak Singapore - Your Guide to The Finer Things in Life

Uncomfortable Chair Images, Stock Photos & Vectors | Shutterstock

How about cheap ? How about expensive ? Tell me about the comic books, Superman, The Joker and Yona.

Superman #5 PR 0.5 1940 — 21, 862 800 VND

Akatsuki no Yona Vol.33 Yona of the Dawn /Japanese Manga Book Comic Japan NEW — 226 050 VND

THE JOKER 7 LUTHOR - HIGH GRADE! LOW PRICE! — 959 300 VND

Think about a NEW superhero … maybe a Captain Vietnam ?

Think about what powers your hero has and we can work on this next week

Subject Index: Themes, features and topics

4th December 2020

Subject Index: An index of various subjects, taught to various levels and age groups.

Subject // Lesson // Date

International Holocaust Remembrance Day 2023 // 27th January 2023: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2023/01/27/international-holocaust-remembrance-day/

FULL LESSON PLANS

Young Learners, pre-teens // Introduction (STB, Horseshoe, sentence correction, mingle activity) // 2nd April 2024: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2024/04/02/young-learners-pre-teens-introduction-lesson/

Adult class, level 3 // Introduction (STB, British food, present simple, pronunciation of negative words, and questions) // 22nd March 2024: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2024/03/22/adult-class-level-3-introduction-lesson/

Placement Tests

Level 2 end of book test // Mark Wiens video // 6th March 2025: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2025/03/06/level-2-end-of-book-test/

Level 3, Mid-Term Test (Part 1) // 3rd November: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2025/11/03/level-3-mid-term-test-part-1/

Introducing Jedi Master Princess L // 18th August 2024: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2024/08/18/introducing-my-jedi-master-princess-l/

Time Zone 2 // The jump into scholastic hyperspace // 10th August 2024: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2024/08/10/the-jump-into-scholastic-hyperspace/

Time Zone 2 // End of book test // 20th March 2025: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2025/03/20/end-of-time-zones/

Hyperspace hypertest // 3rd March 2025: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2025/03/03/the-hyperspace-hypertest-vocabulary-grammar-and-creativity/

Rating Systems for Time Zone 2 test // 17th August 2024: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2024/08/17/scholastic-hyperspace-the-rating-system/

CLASS RULES AND TEACHING NOTES

The Blue Star for talkative students // Teaching English in Vietnam // 12th January 2024: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2024/01/12/introducing-the-blue-star/

Blue Star, Black Star, Go Home // 3rd November 2025: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2025/11/03/how-to-deal-with-a-notoriously-noisy-class/

Online lesson rules // 11th February 2021: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2021/02/11/lockdown-lessons-a-respectful-reminder/

Online Zoom Bingo game for teachers & TAs // 18th May 2021: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2021/05/18/the-doom-of-zoom-classes-zoom-bingo-to-keep-teaching-staff-sane/

Classroom Objectives, Levels 3 & 4 // Young Learners // 27th December 2023: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2023/12/27/young-learners-levels-3-4-class-objectives/

Classroom Rules from the Corleone Family // Teaching Notes // 16th July 2023: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2023/07/16/class-rules-from-the-corleone-family/

Classroom rules for Young Learners // Confucius // 18th March 2021: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2021/03/18/young-learners-class-rules-from-confucius/

Class rules May 2022 // 24th May 2022: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2022/05/24/i-shouldnt-have-to-write-this-but/

Class rules for naming students // Teaching Notes // 5th April 2023: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2023/04/05/whats-in-a-name/

Class Rules for noisy students // Teaching Notes // 1st April 2023: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2023/04/01/young-learners-our-pledge-of-quiet/

Class Rules for Young Teens // Young Teens // 12th May 2023: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2023/05/12/young-teens-our-pledge-of-quiet/

Classroom safety // A Message from Monkey Mike // 4th September 2022: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2022/09/04/a-message-from-monkey-mike/

Fable of the frog and the scorpion // Teaching Notes // 2nd June 2022: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2022/06/02/because-its-my-nature/

Learn English … or else ! // Teaching Notes // 1st May 2023: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2023/05/01/learn-english-or-else/

Suggestions for students and teachers // Lunatics have taken over the asylum // 19th March 2025 https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2025/03/19/the-lunatics-have-taken-over-the-asylum/

Zoom classes: A dream or a nightmare ? // 21st July 2021: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2021/07/21/zoom-classes-a-dream-or-a-nightmare/

Zoom classes: the dark side // 27th July 2021: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2021/07/27/zoom-classes-you-cut-my-hours-you-slash-my-wages-and-you-give-me-these/

Zoom rules for Young Learners // 15th July 2021: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2021/07/15/young-learners-zoom-class-rules/

Teachers’ Day 2022 // 20th November 2022: https://wordpress.com/post/thaypaulsnotes.com/15742

Teachers’ Day 2024 //22nd November 2024: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2024/11/22/teachers-day-2024-flowers-travel-cup-and-a-dinosaur/

Thank you, Kimchi // 14th November 2024: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2024/11/14/thank-you-kimchi/

Thank you, Little Eva // 23rd February 2023: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2023/02/23/16483/

Thank you, Penny // 12th July 2023: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2023/07/12/thank-you-penny-knock-knock-penny-knock-knock-penny-knock-knock/

Thank you, Princess // Teaching Notes // 4th August 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/09/04/6420/

Thank you, my Princess (third time) // Teaching Notes // 15th May 2022: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2022/05/15/thank-you-my-princess-third-time/

Thank you, my Princess (again) // Teaching Notes // 7th May 2021: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2021/05/07/thank-you-my-princess-again/

Thank you, Little Princess // 23rd May 2022: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2022/05/23/thank-you-little-princess/

Thank you, my little princesses //30th July 2022: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2022/07/30/15035/

Education is everything // The West Wing // 23rd September 2021: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2021/09/23/education-is-everything/

ANIMALS

Animal superlatives (longest, smallest) // Young Learners, Level 4 // 24th November 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/11/24/young-learners-level-4-longest-heaviest-shortest-lightest/

Animals and insects (amazing facts) // Young Learners, Level 4 // 7th November 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/11/07/young-learners-level-4-intelligent-insects-amazing-animals/

Animal videos and activities: a compilation // Young Learners // 25th January 2022: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2022/01/25/young-learners-animal-magic/

Penguins – The Perfect Penguin Quiz // Young Learners, Level 6 // 14th July 2023: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2023/07/14/the-perfect-penguin-quiz/

Apple iPhones // Adult Class, Level 3 // 14th November 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/11/14/adult-class-level-3-cant-buy-me-love/

Apple workers in China // IELTS // 30th July 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/07/30/ielts-speaking-practice-manufacturing-in-vietnam/

Arabian Nights // writing exercise // 5th November 2021: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2021/11/05/ielts-level-writing-exercise-1001-nights-the-arabian-tales/

King Arthur and the sword in the stone // Young Teens // 20th April 2022: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2022/04/20/young-teens-king-arthur-the-sword-in-the-stone/

King Arthur, Robin Hood, Dick Turpin: Three British Legends // Young Teens // 13th May 2022: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2022/05/13/young-teens-three-british-legends /

Area 51 // Adult Class, Level 3 // 12th November 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/11/11/adult-class-level-3-is-was-the-butler-wasnt-it/

ART & ARCHITECTURE

Architecture // Adult professionals // Architecture and engineering in history: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/01/07/adult-professionals-architecture-and-engineering/

Architecture: Burj Khalife & Willis Tower // Adult professionals. Mechanics, Part 3 // 7th Feb 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/02/07/adult-professionals-mechanics-part-3/

Architecture: giving opinions // Adult Speaking Class, level 2 // 9th April 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/04/09/adult-speaking-class-level-2-giving-opinions-architecture/

Architecture: World’s tallest buildings throughout history // Adult Speaking Class, level 2 // 9th April 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/04/09/adult-speaking-class-level-2-giving-opinions-architecture/

Art // Adult Class, Level 1 // 12 & 19 December 2018: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2018/12/19/adult-class-level-1-lessons-1-2/

Art: giving opinion // Adult Speaking Class, level 3: Art // 13th April 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/04/13/adult-speaking-class-level-3-art-what-do-you-think/

Art: DaDa & Surrealism // Adult Speaking Class, level 3: Dali, Dada & Surrealism // 23rd April 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/04/23/adult-speaking-class-level-3-dali-dada-and-surrealism/

Art: types of art // Young Learners, level 4 (Dali, Alice in Wonderland) // 16th May 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/05/16/young-learners-level-4-art-for-arts-sake/

Art: Being Creative // Young Learners, level 4 // 1st May 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/05/01/young-learners-level-4-be-creative/

Pieter Bruegel the Elder // Young Learners // 9th January 2023: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2023/01/09/young-learners-time-travellers/

Bad Day – create narrative // IELTS, Lesson 3 May the Force be with you // 14th January 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2023/03/31/young-learners-levels-3-4-tell-me-a-story/

Bad Day – create narrative // Young Learners, Levels 3 & 4 // 7th April 2023: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2023/04/07/young-learners-levels-3-4-i-had-a-bad-day-guess-why/

Bad Day Revisited: create a narrative // Young teens //12th May 2023: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2023/05/12/bad-day-revisited/

Bad Student writing exercise // Young learners // 31st March 2023: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2023/03/31/young-learners-levels-3-4-tell-me-a-story/

Banks // Adult Speaking Class, Level 2 Part 2 // 6th January 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/01/06/adult-speaking-class-level-2-part-2/

Bonfire, Guy Fawkes // Adult Class, Level 3 // 5th November 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/11/05/adult-class-level-3-business-icons/

Bonfire Night // Young Learners 4 // 9th November 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/11/07/young-learners-level-4tell-me-what-you-want/

Bonfire Night // Young Learners, Level 4 // Safety First // 29th October 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/10/29/young-learners-level-4-safety-first-and-the-gunpowder-plot/

Boys’ Night Out // Adult Class, Level 3 // 3rd December 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/12/02/adult-class-level-3-the-times-they-are-a-changing/

Bristol, UK // Young Teens // 21st February 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/02/21/young-teens-deeply-madly-truly/

British Legends // Arthur, Dick Turpin, Robin Hood // 13th May 2022: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2022/05/13/young-teens-three-british-legends/

Cars // Adult professionals // Adult mechanics: What can go wrong ?https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/12/16/adult-mechanics-what-can-possibly-go-wrong/

Castles in Europe // Adult Class, Level 1 // 2nd January 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/01/04/adult-class-level-1-2-things-that-go-bump-in-the-night/

Character building // Adult Speaking Class, Level 3: Character development // 18th June 2020

Children: gifted // Young Learners, Level 4 // Talk show (Peter O’Toole) // 30th May 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/05/30/young-learners-level-4-what-does-the-future-hold-and-a-repeat-of-the-late-show/

Christmas for Young Learners // food, traditions and activities // 18th December 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/12/18/young-learners-a-christmas-compendium/

Christmas in Germany & UK // Adult Speaking Class, Level 2 // 20th December 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/12/20/adult-speaking-class-level-2/

Cinema choice // Adult Speaking Class, Level 2 // 20th December 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/12/20/adult-speaking-class-level-2/

Cinema choice // Adult Speaking Class, Level 2: Cinema // 9th May 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/05/09/adult-speaking-class-level-2-cinema-what-shall-we-see/

Cinema: Why do you like this film ? // IELTS // 6th April 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/04/06/ielts-mindset-why-do-you-like-the-film/

Cities (UK) and areas // IELTS // 31st December 2018: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/01/03/ielts-5-reading-listening/

Cities – future worlds grammar // Young Learners // 26th February 2024: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2024/02/26/future-worlds/

Cities – A Perfect City // Writing project // Young Learners, Levels 3 & 4 // 11th April 2023: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2023/04/11/young-learners-levels-3-4-what-is-your-perfect-city/

Cities – What’s the problem … and solution ? // Speaking exercise // Young Learners // 9th January 2024: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2024/01/09/whats-the-problem-with-your-city-and-whats-the-solution/

Clothes – types and materials // Young Learners // 11th November 20202: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/11/11/young-learners-level-2-i-would-go-out-tonight-but-i-havent-got-a-stitch-to-wear/

Clothes // Adult Speaking Class, Level 2: Describing clothes // 19th March 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/03/19/adult-speaking-class-level-2-describing-clothes/

Clothes – expressing opinions // Adult Speaking Class, Level 2 // Extended personality exercises // 20th June 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/06/20/adult-speaking-class-level-2-extended-personality-exercises/

Coffee in Viet Nam // Adult Speaking Class, level 2 // 20th December 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/12/20/adult-speaking-class-level-2/

Coffee in Saigon (exercise, idioms & dialogue) // 7th December 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/12/07/coffee-in-sai-gon/

Coffee, cooking & Tet Holiday // 1st February 2021: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2021/02/01/adult-speaking-class-level-2-coffee-cooking-and-cuisine/

Complaining // Adult Class, Level 3 // 18th March 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/03/18/adult-class-level-3-sharks-and-dragons/

Complaining in shops // Adult Speaking Class // 6th January 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/01/06/adult-speaking-class-level-2-part-2/

Computers // Adult Class, Level 1 // 20th February 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/02/20/adult-class-level-1-computer-world/

Corona Virus in Vietnam // IELTS 4 – 5 // Implementing precautions // 25th March 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/03/25/ielts-4-5-mindset-implementing-precautions/

Corona Virus: news from UK // Listening Exercises, Corona Special // 6th April 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/04/06/listening-exercises-corona-special/

Countries

Create a country // Young Learners, Level 3 project // 5th April 2023: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2023/04/05/young-learners-level-3-lets-start-a-new-country-up/

Africa // Tuareg people of North Africa // Adult Speaking Class, level 3 // 11th February 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/02/11/adult-speaking-class-level-3-theme-travel/

Amazon Rain Forest // Young Learners, Level 5 // 19th October 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/10/19/young-learners-level-5-amazon-rain-forest-quiz-and-comparisons/

Amazon Rain Forest Summer Project // Young Teens // 26th July 2023: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2023/07/26/summer-project-make-an-amazon-river-fact-chart/

Ancient Egypt & Ancient Greece // Teenagers: Architecture & Mythology // 13th March 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/03/13/teenagers-architecture-and-mythology/

Ancient Egyptian Gods // Young Learners, Level 6 // 12th May 2022: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2022/05/12/young-learners-ancient-egyptian-gods/

Ancient Egyptian Gods // Young Learners, Level 4 // 23rd February 2023: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2023/02/23/gods-of-ancient-egypt/

Australia // IELTS 5-6.5 // 21st August 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/08/15/ielts-5-6-5-i-come-from-a-land-down-under/

China // Fishing with birds // 25th August 2023: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2023/08/25/fishing-with-birds-a-writing-exercise/

Egypt // Holiday Project // Adult Speaking Class, Level 3 // 9th June 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/06/09/adult-speaking-class-level-3-holiday-project-egypt/

Germany // Adult Speaking Class, Level 3. Theme: Germany // 26th February 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/02/26/adult-speaking-class-level-3-theme-germany/

Germany: Rhine River // Young Learners, Level 6 // 12th February 2025: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2025/02/12/the-rhine-river-fairy-tales-and-gruesome-stories/

Greece: land and myths // Theseus and the Minotaur // Young Learners 5 // 6th October 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/10/04/young-learners-level-5-welcome-to-athens/

India //Focus on India // IELTS // 18th October 2021: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2021/10/17/ielts-focus-on-india/

India // IELTS: Hello, India // 24th January 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/01/24/ielts-hello-india/

Japan // Focus on Japan // Listening and planning skills // 18th October 2021: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2021/10/18/ielts-focus-on-japan/

Japan // Adult Speaking Class, Level 2, Part 6, 25th January 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/01/25/adult-speaking-class-level-2-part-6-2/

Korea // Hello Korea // 19th June 2022: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2022/06/19/hello-korea-%ec%95%88%eb%85%95%ed%95%98%ec%84%b8%ec%9a%94/

Poland // Adult Speaking Class, Level 3 // 27th December 2021: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2021/12/27/poland-history-culture-and-beer/

Poland salt mine // Adult Speaking Class, Level 2 // 20th December 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/12/20/adult-speaking-class-level-2/

Russia // Adult Class, Level 3 // 4th December 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/12/03/adult-class-level-3-the-russian-soul/

Sweden // Young Learners, Level 2 // 18th May 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/05/17/young-learners-level-2-focus-on-sweden/

Sweden // Young Learners, Level 2 // continuous verbs & home furnishings // 31st December 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/12/31/young-learners-level-2-what-are-they-doing-in-sweden/

Switzerland // Adult Speaking Class, level 3. Theme:Travel // 11th February 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/02/11/adult-speaking-class-level-3-theme-travel/

Taiwan // Taiwan: Listening Extra // 12th April 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/04/12/taiwan-listening-special/

Taiwan (four videos:WHO dodge, President Tsai Ing-wen) // Taiwan: Listening Extra 12th April 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/04/12/taiwan-listening-special/

Taiwan National Day // 10th October 2021: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2021/10/10/taiwan-happy-national-day/

Around the world in 80 minutes // (Brazil, Canada, Sth Korea, Egypt) // Young Learners, Level 5 // 26th July 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/07/26/adult-speaking-class-level-1-young-learners-level-5-around-the-world-in-80-minutes/

Around the world – collecting information // (Brazil, Canada, Egypt, South Korea) // Young Learners, Level 6 // 6th January 2021: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2021/01/06/young-learners-level-6-collecting-information-making-a-presentation/

Countries (Brazil, Canada, Sth Korea, Egypt) // Young Learners, Level 2 // 1st June 2019:https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/05/31/young-learners-level-2-what-a-wonderful-world/

Countries (VN, UK, Mexico, Russia) // Young Learners, Level 3 // 7th September 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/09/04/adult-class-level-3-class-2-what-did-i-do-last-night/

Countries // Young Learners, Level 5 // Around the world in 80 mins // 27th October 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/10/26/young-learners-level-5-around-the-world-in-eighty-minutes/

Countries (festivals) // (Spain, UK, Niger, Mexico, Thailand) // Young Learners, Level 6 // 3rd September 2022: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2022/09/03/young-learners-level-6-its-festival-time/

City itinerary project (London, Rio, Barcelona, Seoul) // Young Learners, Level 6 // 10th December 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/12/10/young-learners-level-6-travel-journal-project/

Gather information (countries) // (Brazil, Canada, Sth Korea, Egypt) // Young Learners, Level 5 // 25th August 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/08/20/young-learners-level-5-feelings-nothing-more-than-feelings/

Guess the countries (pictures) Signs // Young Learners 4 // 22nd June 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/06/21/young-learners-level-4-sign-of-the-times/

Guess the music (countries) // Young Learners 5 // 27th October 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/10/26/young-learners-level-5-around-the-world-in-eighty-minutes/

Cracking codes // Enigma machine // Young Learners 5 // 17th November 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/11/16/young-learners-level-5-cracking-the-enigma/

Creative writing // Adult Speaking Class, Level 3: Storytelling // 29th March 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/03/29/adult-speaking-class-level-3-storytelling/

Creative writing // Adult Speaking Class, Level 3: Storytelling part 2 // 30th March 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/03/30/adult-speaking-class-level-3-storytelling-part-2/

Creative writing // Adult Speaking Class, Level 3: Storytelling part 3 // 31st March 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/category/adult-speaking-class-level-3/page/4/

Crime and punishment // Adult Speaking Class, Level 3 // 1st February 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/02/01/adult-speaking-class-level-3-theme-crime-and-punishment/

Culture shock, manners, etiquette // Adult Class, Level 3 // 15th January 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/01/15/adult-class-level-3-manners-etiquette-and-culture-shock/

Doing Chores // Young Learners, Level 3 // 27th August 2021: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2021/08/27/young-learners-level-3-doing-your-chores/

Easter // Adult Speaking Class, Level 2 // 1st January 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/01/01/adult-speaking-class-level-2-easter/

Emotions // Young Learners 3 // 6th July 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/07/03/young-learners-levels-3-2-lesson-outlines/

Engineering for young learners // tallestest buildings, Landmark 81 // Young Learners, Level 6 // 27th April 2021: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2021/04/27/young-learners-level-6-engineering-projects/

English for engineers, mechanics, science:

https://thaypaulsnotes.com/category/adult-professionals/

Concorde // Adult professionals. Mechanics, Part 3 // 7th Feb 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/02/07/adult-professionals-mechanics-part-3/

Enigma machine // Young Learners 5 // 17th November 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/11/16/young-learners-level-5-cracking-the-enigma/

Entropy // Adult professionals. Mechanics, Part 3 // 7th Feb 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/02/07/adult-professionals-mechanics-part-3/

Environment // Adult professionals // Adult mechanics: What can go wrong ?https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/12/16/adult-mechanics-what-can-possibly-go-wrong/

Friction // Adult professionals. Mechanics, Part 3 // 7th Feb 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/02/07/adult-professionals-mechanics-part-3/

Landmark 81 // Adult Professionals / Mechanics Part 2 // 23rd January 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/01/23/adult-professionals-mechanics-part-2/

Robots in industry // Adult professionals // Adult mechanics: What can go wrong ?https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/12/16/adult-mechanics-what-can-possibly-go-wrong/

Shinkanshen (Bullet Train) // Adult professionals. Mechanics, Part 3 // 7th Feb 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/02/07/adult-professionals-mechanics-part-3/

Top Gear // Adult professionals // Adult mechanics: What can go wrong ?https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/12/16/adult-mechanics-what-can-possibly-go-wrong/

Nikola Tesla (video) // Adult professionals. Mechanics, Part 3 // 7th Feb 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/02/07/adult-professionals-mechanics-part-3/

Turbulence // Adult Professionals / Mechanics Part 2 // 23rd January 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/01/23/adult-professionals-mechanics-part-2/

Explorers // Mount Everest, Tenzing & Hillary //Young Learners 5 // 10th November 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/11/07/young-learners-level-5-because-its-there/

Family // Adult Class, Level 3 // 6th November 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/11/06/adult-class-level-3-we-are-family/

Five senses // Senses Working Overtime (Revisited) // He can, she can // 6th February 2025: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2025/02/06/young-learners-level-2-senses-working-overtime-revisited/:

Flea markets // Adult Speaking Class, Level 2: Gift of the gab // 10th May 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/05/10/adult-speaking-class-level-2-the-gift-of-the-gab/

Food

Food (Korea, Germany, UK Christmas, Vietnam traditional) // Adult Speaking Class, Level 2, Theme: food https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/01/22/adult-speaking-class-level-3-theme-food/

Christmas food in UK // Adult Speaking Class, Level 3: food // 19th April 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/04/19/adult-speaking-class-level-3-food/

Food (healthy or snack) // Young Learners 3 // 13th July 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/07/11/young-learners-level-3-my-town/

Food (Sweden) // Young Learners 2 // 18th May 2019: http://Sweden // Young Learners, Level 2 // 18th May 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/05/17/young-learners-level-2-focus-on-sweden/

Food (4 countries) // Young Learners 3 // 6th July 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/07/03/young-learners-levels-3-2-lesson-outlines/

Food (Vietnamese food) // Young Teens // 27th February 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/02/27/young-teens-course-review/

Food (what do you want ?) // Young Learners 2 // Review and Buster Keaton // 30th October 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/10/30/young-learners-level-2-review-and-buster-keaton/

Food (McDonalds) // Adult Speaking Class, level 2 // 20th December 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/12/20/adult-speaking-class-level-2/

Fortune telling // Adult Class, Level 1 // 30th January 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/01/29/adult-class-level-1-cross-my-palm-with-silver/

Fortune telling // Young Teens // 31st January 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/01/31/young-teens-unesco-sites/

Future & creative jobs // Young learners, level 4 U 7 // 30th May 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/05/30/young-learners-level-4-what-does-the-future-hold-and-a-repeat-of-the-late-show/

Hair styles // Adult Class, Level 1 // 14th October 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/10/14/adding-adjectives-increasing-interest/

Health // Young Learners 3 // 17th August 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/08/12/young-learners-level-3-whats-the-matter/

Health // Adult Speaking Class, Level 3. Theme: Health // 27th January 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/01/27/adult-speaking-class-level-3-theme-health/

Hometown – homes around the globe // Adult Speaking Class, Level 3 // 8th June 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/06/08/adult-speaking-class-level-3-home-is-where-the-heart-is/

Hometown & neighbourhood // IELTS // My Hometown // 28th October 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/10/28/ielts-my-hometown/

Hotels // Adult Speaking Class, Level 3. Theme: Hotels // 8th February 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/02/07/adult-speaking-class-level-3-theme-hotels/

Hotels booking a room and vocabulary // Adult Speaking Class, Level 3 // 18th September 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/09/18/adult-speaking-class-level-3-2/

How was your day // Adult Speaking Class, level 1: How was your day ? // 5th April 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/04/04/adult-speaking-class-level-1-how-was-your-day/

Idioms

Idioms: A one-stop shop // 27th October 2021: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2021/10/27/more-idioms-than-you-can-shake-a-stick-at/

Idioms: food // Adult Speaking Class, Level 3: food // 19th April 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/04/19/adult-speaking-class-level-3-food/

Idioms: a piece of cake // Teaching Notes // 1st June 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/06/01/idioms-a-piece-of-cake/

Idioms: are you pulling my leg ? // Teaching Notes // 2nd June 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/06/02/idioms-part-2-are-you-pulling-my-leg/

Idioms: everyday idioms, everyday // Teaching Notes // 3rd June 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/06/02/everyday-idioms-everyday/

Idioms: part 3 extended idioms use // Teaching Notes // 4th June 2020:https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/06/04/idioms-part-3-all-above-board-nothing-under-the-table/

IELTS: Mindset Introduction // IELTS // 23rd June 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/06/23/ielts-mindset-introduction-lesson/

Insults and disrespect // Adult Speaking Class, Level 3. Theme: Causing offence // 3rd Feb 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/02/04/adult-speaking-class-level-3-theme-causing-offence/

Internet // Adult Class, Level 1 // 20th February 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/02/20/adult-class-level-1-computer-world/

Internet use by area and gender // Adult Class, Level 1 // 20th February 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/02/20/adult-class-level-1-computer-world/

Information from poster // REM // Adult Speaking Class, Level 1: information // 16th April 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/04/16/adult-speaking-class-level-1-reading-and-asking-for-information/

Introducing yourself // Young Learners, Level 4 // 5th June 2023: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2023/06/05/young-learners-level-4-introducing-yourself/

Jazz music // Adult Speaking Class, Level 2, Part 3 // 16th January 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/01/16/adult-speaking-class-level-2-part-3/

Jazz Music // 29th October 2021: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2021/10/29/jazz-music/

Job interviews // Adult Speaking Class, Level 3. Theme: Job interviews // 12th Feb 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/02/12/adult-speaking-class-level-3-theme-job-interviews/

Job interviews // IELTS // 31st January 2022: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2022/01/31/ielts-job-interviews/

Kindle // IELTS 5 – 6.5. Writing example // 15th March 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/03/15/ielts-5-6-5-writing-example/

Letter ‘t’ // KG 1 // 5th May 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/05/03/surfin-safari-level-1-t-time/

Level 1 Review // Young Learners, level 1 // 3rd April 2023: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2023/04/03/young-learners-level-1-review/

Loch Ness Monster // Adult Class, Level 3 // 12 November 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/11/11/adult-class-level-3-is-was-the-butler-wasnt-it/

London

London // Adult Speaking Class, Level 3. Theme: London 3rd March 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/03/03/adult-speaking-class-level-3-theme-london/

London // Adult Speaking Class, Level 3. Theme: London Part 2 6th March 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/03/06/adult-speaking-class-level-3-theme-london-part-2/

London directions and Leytonstone // Adult Speaking Class, Level 2: London // 29th June 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/06/29/adult-speaking-class-level-2-london-how-do-i-get-to/

London history and architecture // Adult Speaking Class, Level 2: London // 18th April 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/04/18/adult-speaking-class-level-2-london-an-architectural-history/

London Museum of Childhood // video and questions // Young Learners, Level 1 // 2nd June 2023: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2023/06/02/londons-museums-using-videos-for-young-learners-level-1/

London plan an itinerary // Young Learners, Level 6 // 26th November 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/11/26/young-learners-level-6-london-itinerary/

London street market // Adult Class, Level 3 // 14 November 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/11/14/adult-class-level-3-cant-buy-me-love/

London tourism // Adult Class, Level 3 // 19th November 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/11/20/adult-class-level-3-tell-me-more-tell-me-more/

London: what to see // Adult Speaking Class, Level 2: London // 22nd May 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/05/22/adult-speaking-class-level-2-london-what-do-you-want-to-see/

London: unusual buildings // IELTS / Adult Speaking Class, Level 2 // 6th September 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/09/06/unusual-london-buildings-what-do-you-think-they-are/

Love and marriage // condensed lesson // 28th December 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/12/28/love-and-marriage-the-best-bits/

Love and marriage // Adult Speaking Class, Level 2 // 11th January 2020 Theme: Love & marriage: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/01/11/adult-speaking-class-theme-traffic/

Love and marriage // Adult Speaking Class, Level 2. Theme: Love & marriage Part 2: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/01/12/adult-speaking-class-theme-love-marriage-part-2/

Love, marriage, children // Adult Speaking Class, Level 2 // 13th January 2020 Theme: Love & marriage Part 3: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/01/13/adult-speaking-class-theme-love-and-marriage-part-3/

Maths // basic vocabulary // 4th December 2021: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2021/12/04/love-minus-zero-basic-vocabulary-for-maths/

May Day – history, myth and politics //Adult Speaking Class, Level 2: May Day // 5th May 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/05/04/adult-speaking-class-level-2-may-day/

Making excuses IELTS // Speaking exercises // small talk & making excuses // 12th May 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/05/12/ielts-speaking-exercises/

Manufacturing in Vietnam // IELTS // 30th July 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/07/30/ielts-speaking-practice-manufacturing-in-vietnam/

Mobile phones // Adult Class, Level 3 // 8th January 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/01/08/adult-class-level-3-jan-2019-when-life-gives-you-lemons-make-lemonade/

Money // Adult Class, Level 3 // 14 November 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/11/14/adult-class-level-3-cant-buy-me-love/

Money // Plan a luxury day // Adult Speaking Class, Level 2, Part 3: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/11/14/adult-class-level-3-cant-buy-me-love/

Murder mysteries // Adult Class, Level 3 // 12th November 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/11/11/adult-class-level-3-is-was-the-butler-wasnt-it/

Music // Genres and blog post (T-ara) // Young Teens // 21st June 2022: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2022/06/21/teenage-ielts-challenge/

Music // Introduction to the Orchestra // Super Summer Project // 5th July 2023: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2023/07/05/young-persons-guide-to-music-a-summer-school-project/

Oasis: What IS the story ? // Young Learners, Level 4 // 20th March 2023: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2023/03/20/what-is-the-story-morning-glory-learning-english-with-the-oasis-lads/

Oasis: What’s the Story, Morning Glory Remastered // Young Learners // 24th March 2023: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2023/03/24/whats-the-story-morning-glory-remastered/

Olympics (London, Beijing) // Adult Professionals // 10th February 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/02/10/adult-mechanics-olympics-going-for-gold/

Orion constellation // Teenagers: Architecture & Mythology // 13th March 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/03/13/teenagers-architecture-and-mythology/

Personality adjectives // Adult Speaking Class, Level 3, Personality adjectives // 7th June 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/06/07/adult-speaking-class-level-3-whats-your-type/

Photography and photos descriptions (advanced) // Adult Speaking Class, Level 2, // 25th April 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/04/25/adult-speaking-class-level-2-talk-about-your-friends/

Politics // Adult Speaking Class, Level 3 // 17th January 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/01/17/adult-speaking-class-level-3/

Beatrix Potter // Young Learners, Level 1: let’s write a story // 13th October 2022: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2022/10/13/young-learners-level-1-lets-write-a-story/

Presentation skills // Teenagers // 20th January 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/01/20/teen-team-project-tourism-in-hcm/

Pyramids // Teenagers: Architecture & Mythology // 13th March 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/03/13/teenagers-architecture-and-mythology/

QI: Quite Interesting // ten interesting facts // Teaching Notes // 27th July 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/07/27/qi-quite-interesting/

QI Part 2 // Seven misconceptions // Teaching Notes // 13th may 2021: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2021/05/13/qi-part-2-how-much-is-true/

Reading practice // Adult Speaking Class, Level 3. Theme: Crime & Punishment: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/02/01/adult-speaking-class-level-3-theme-crime-and-punishment/

Robots // A Found Art Summer School Project // 15th July 2023: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2023/07/15/we-are-the-robots-found-art-and-latent-imagination/

Rolex // Adult Class, Level 3 // 14th November 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/02/01/adult-speaking-class-level-3-theme-crime-and-punishment/

FDR and the second Bill of Rights // 26th August 2021: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2021/08/26/fdr-and-the-2nd-bill-of-rights/

Shinkanshen (Bullet Train) // Adult professionals. Mechanics, Part 3 // 7th Feb 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/02/07/adult-professionals-mechanics-part-3/

Shopping

Shopping // compilation of blogs for adult classes // 14th December 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/12/14/shopping-vocabulary-speaking-exercises-fixed-prices-fixed-expressions/

Shops and shopping (and role-play) // Young Learners 3 // 17th August 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/08/12/young-learners-level-3-whats-the-matter/

Shop work (role-play) // Young Learners 3 // 3rd August 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/07/31/young-learners-level-3-lets-work/

Shopping // buying presents, Black Friday, conversation practice // Adult Speaking Class, level 2 // 20th December 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/12/20/adult-speaking-class-level-2/

Shopping Deciding what to buy // Adult Speaking Class Level 2 // 11th May 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/05/10/adult-speaking-class-level-2-deciding-what-to-buy/

Shopping, haggling, role – play // Adult Speaking Class Level 2: Going shopping // 7th April 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/04/07/adult-speaking-class-level-2-going-shopping-looking-for-a-bargain/

Shopping (role play) //Can’t buy me love // Adult Speaking Class, Level 3 // 14th November 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/11/14/adult-class-level-3-cant-buy-me-love/

Signs, symbols, icons // 21st August 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/08/21/signs-symbols-and-icons-information-and-worksheet/

Small talk // Adult Class, Level 3 // 26th November 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/11/26/adult-class-level-3-a-diva-moi/

Smoking and No Tobacco Day // Adult Speaking Class, Level 3. Theme: Health // 27th Jan. 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/01/27/adult-speaking-class-level-3-theme-health/

Solar system & space // Young Learners, Level 4 // 16th November 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/11/15/young-learners-level-4-can-you-hear-me-major-tom-2/

Space & science // Young Learners, Level 4 // 6th June 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/06/06/young-learners-level-4-can-you-hear-me-major-tom/

Street crime // Adult Speaking Class, Level 3: Street crime // 23rd July 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/07/23/adult-speaking-class-level-3-street-crime/

Stereotypes // Adult Class, Level 3 // Bob Dylan // 19th August 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/08/16/adult-class-level-3-class-1-stereotypes/

Stereotypes // Adult Class, Level 3: Generally speaking // 28th April 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/04/28/adult-class-level-3-generally-speaking/

Stories in basic English (1001 Nights) // Adult Speaking Class, level 2, Part 6b // 24th January 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/01/24/adult-speaking-class-level-2-part-6/

Superheroes – Captain Vietnam // Young learners, Level 5 // 13th December 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/12/13/captain-viet-nam-superheroes-by-super-kids/

Superheroes – Captain Vietnam // Young learners // 14th June 2024: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2024/06/14/captain-vietnam-part-ii/

Tallest, longest, biggest // Young Learners 5 // 10th November 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/11/07/young-learners-level-5-because-its-there/

Technology (old) // Young Learners 5 // 17th November 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/11/16/young-learners-level-5-cracking-the-enigma/

Totem poles // Young Teens // 26th March 2022: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2022/03/26/young-teens-totem-poles-history-and-meaning/

Train facts, videos & information // Train kept a-rollin’ // Adult Class Level 3 // 12th September 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/09/18/adult-speaking-class-level-3-2/

Travel

Holiday plans (Buenos Aires, Nairobi, Copenhagen, Moscow) // Adult Speaking Class, Level 2 // 20th May 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/05/20/adult-speaking-class-level-2-holiday-plans/

Holiday projects : Bangkok, Munich, Ha Noi, Egypt, London // Adult Speaking Class, Level 3 // 9th June 2020

Munich: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/06/09/adult-speaking-class-level-3-holiday-project-munich-germany/

Ha Noi: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/06/09/adult-speaking-class-level-3-holiday-project-ha-noi-viet-nam/

Egypt: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/06/09/adult-speaking-class-level-3-holiday-project-egypt/

Bangkok: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/06/09/adult-speaking-class-level-3-holiday-project-bangkok/

IELTS Project // Holiday language, prepare an advert, plan a day // IELTS // 16th June 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/06/16/ielts-project-holidays-and-travel-language/

Tourism (Thailand, VN & project) // Teenagers // 20th January 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/01/20/teen-team-project-tourism-in-hcm/

Traffic // vocabulary // Vietnam cop & ‘Top Gear in Vietnam’ // 7th December 2021: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2021/12/07/traffic-talking-points/

Traffic and travel // Adult Speaking Class // Theme: Traffic // 9th January 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/01/09/adult-speaking-class-theme-travel-traffic/

Traffic in Vietnam // Adult Class, Level 3 // Traffic cop & Top Gear videos //25th December 2018: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2018/12/26/adult-class-level-3-2/

Travel: airport to city centre (HCM) // IELTS // 10th February 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/02/10/ielts-have-love-will-travel/

Travel: On vacation // Young Learners, Level 4 U 8 // 15th June 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/06/14/young-learners-level-4-this-is-the-best-part-of-the-trip/

Travel USA: planning // Adult Speaking Class, level 3: USA sun, surf, sand // 18th May 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/05/18/adult-speaking-class-level-3-lets-go-to-san-francisco-or-boston-or-chicago/

Travel USA: 3 cities // Adult Speaking Class, level 3: San Fran, Boston, Chicago // 18th May 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/05/18/adult-speaking-class-level-3-lets-go-to-san-francisco-or-boston-or-chicago/

Tuareg people // Adult Speaking Class, level 3. Theme:Travel // 11th February 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/02/11/adult-speaking-class-level-3-theme-travel/

Turbulence // Adult Professionals / Mechanics Part 2 // 23rd January 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/01/23/adult-professionals-mechanics-part-2/

UNESCO // Young Teens // 31st January 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/01/31/young-teens-unesco-sites/

UNESCO // Young Teens // 27th February 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/02/27/young-teens-course-review/

Van Heusen shirts // Adult Class, Level 3 // 14th November 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/11/14/adult-class-level-3-cant-buy-me-love/

Vietnam

April 30th Vietnam // Adult Speaking Class, level 3: April 30th // 5th April 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/04/05/adult-speaking-class-level-3-remembering-april-30th/

Sai Gon, then and now // Young Learners, Level 4 // 3rd May 2023: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2023/05/03/sai-gon-then-and-now/

Vietnamese business icons //Adult Class, Level 3// 5th November 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/11/05/adult-class-level-3-business-icons/

Vietnamese cities // Adult Class, Level 3 // 21st November 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/11/20/adult-class-level-3-tell-me-more-tell-me-more/

Vietnamese places // Young Learners 5 // 27th October 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/10/26/young-learners-level-5-around-the-world-in-eighty-minutes/

Vietnamese food // Young Teens // 27th February 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/02/27/young-teens-course-review/

Vietnamese party food // Sai Gon General Notes // 19th May 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/05/19/vietnamese-party-food/

Vietnam Landmark 81 // Adult Professionals / Mechanics Part 2 // 23rd January 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/01/23/adult-professionals-mechanics-part-2/

Vietnamese law and police // (Sir Ian McKellen, film genres) // Adult Class, Level 1 // 5th March 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/03/05/adult-class-level-1-waiting-for-frodo/

Vietnam largest cave // Hang Soon Dong cave // Young Learners, Level 5 // 18th November 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/11/18/young-learners-level-5-what-are-you-doing-how-do-you-feel/

Vietnam Hang Soon Dong cave // Young Teens // 27th February 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/02/27/young-teens-course-review/

Vietnamese noise pollution // Don’t get mad, get even // 17th January 2023: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2023/01/17/16196/

Vietnam Sai Gon for kids //Young Learners 4 // 23rd November 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/11/21/young-learners-level-4-were-all-going-on-a-summer-holiday/

Vietnam: Top Gear in Vietnam // Adult Professionals// 16th December 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/12/16/adult-mechanics-what-can-possibly-go-wrong/

Vietnam: Plan a day out for children in Sai Gon // We’re all going on a summer holiday // Young Learners, Level 4 // 23rd November 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/11/21/young-learners-level-4-were-all-going-on-a-summer-holiday/

Tet Holiday // IELTS // 28th January 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/01/28/ielts-the-limits-of-my-language-are-the-limits-of-my-world/

Tet Holiday // Young Learners // 16th January 2023: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2023/01/16/young-learners-tell-me-about-tet/

War Museum, Sai Gon // Adult Class, Level 3 // 15th December 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/12/15/adult-class-level-3-sentence-building/

War Remnants Museums, Sai Gon // Adult Speaking Class, Level 3 // 28th January 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/01/28/adult-speaking-class-level-3-theme-war-museum-sai-gon/

Weather: snow and floods // Beginners’ English, Part 2 // 9th January 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/01/09/beginners-english-part-2/

Weekend plans: lies and exaggerations // vocabulary and activities // Adult Speaking Class, Level 2 // 21st December 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/12/21/adult-speaking-class-level-2-how-was-your-weekend/

Wi-Fi and mobile phones (Green Bank, USA) // Adult Speaking Class, Level 2 // 1st March 2012: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2021/03/01/adult-speaking-class-level-2-maintain-radio-silence/

Workplace: issues & problems // Adult Speaking Class, Level 3. Theme: Work-place problems // 5th February 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/02/06/adult-speaking-class-level-3-theme-work-problems/

Yoga & exercise // IELTS writing practice // 25th April 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/04/25/ielts-writing-practice-yoga-health-well-being/

Subject Index: ESL Games & Student Surveys

4th December 2020

Games

Adult level activities (compilation) // Adult C, L 3 // 27th November 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/11/27/adult-class-level-3-games-without-frontiers/

Activity sheet for young learners // Young Learners 2 // 25th August 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/08/21/young-learners-level-2-group-work-and-review/

Activity sheet (3) // Young Learners 3 // 14th December 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/12/13/young-learners-level-3-final-review/

Activity sheet (4) // Young Learners 4 // 7th December 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/12/04/young-learners-level-4-final-activity-sheet/

Anecdotes // Young Teens // 17th January 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/01/17/young-teens-a-funny-thing-happened-to-me/

Birthday horseshoe // Young Teens // 29th November 2018: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2018/12/17/young-teens-ages-10-12/

Blind Date // Adult Class, Level 1 // 20th February 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/02/20/adult-class-level-1-computer-world/

Break a code // Young Learners, Level 5 // 17th November 2019 : https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/11/16/young-learners-level-5-cracking-the-enigma/

Pieter Bruegel the Elder // Young Learners // 9th January 2023: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2023/01/09/young-learners-time-travellers/

Call My Bluff // Teenagers // 12th January 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/01/11/teenage-class-the-truth-is-out-there/

Call My Bluff // IELTS 5-6.5 // 28th August 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/08/28/ielts-5-65-talking-englishes/

Call My Bluff // Adult Class, Level 3 // 27th November 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/11/27/adult-class-level-3-games-without-frontiers/

Can you see … (a frog ?) // Young Learners 1 // 24th April 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/04/24/young-learners-lets-get-them-speaking/

Chinese Whispers // IELTS 5-6.5 // 4th September 2019:

Countries // Young Learners, Level 3 // 7th September 2019

Countries (Brazil, South Korea, Spain) // Young Learners, Level 6 // 19th November 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/11/19/young-learners-level-6-round-round-get-around/

Countries (Canada, Egypt, South Korea, Spain) // Young Learners, Level 6 // 6th January 2021: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2021/01/06/young-learners-level-6-collecting-information-making-a-presentation/

Describe an everyday object // Adult Speaking Class, Level 3. Theme: London 3rd March 2020

Describe the people (photo back to board) // Adult Class, Level 3 // 8th October 2019

Desert Survival // Adult Class, Level 3 // 27th November 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/11/27/adult-class-level-3-games-without-frontiers/

Enter the Matrix // Young Learners, Levels 2 – 4 // 6th December 2022: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2022/12/06/enter-the-matrix-young-learners-levels-2-4/

Exchanging information // Adult Speaking Class, Level 2, Part 6, 25th January 2020

Eyewitness // Adult Speaking Class, Level 3. Theme: Crime & Punishment // 1st February 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/02/01/adult-speaking-class-level-3-theme-crime-and-punishment/

Family Fortunes // Young Teens // 27th February 2019

Family Fortunes // Adult Class, Level 3 // 6th November 2019

Family Fortunes // Adult Class, Level 3 // 27th November 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/11/27/adult-class-level-3-games-without-frontiers/

Food – organise a work party // Adult Speaking Class, Level 3, Part 5 // 4th February 2020

Fortune Teller // Young Teens // 31st January 2019 (// Adult Class, Level 3 //12th December 2019): https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/01/31/young-teens-unesco-sites/

Four People (likes, dislikes etc) // Young Teens // 21st February 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/02/21/young-teens-deeply-madly-truly/

Friends (hobbies and creativity) // Young Learners 4 // 1st May 2019

Friends (job and personality) // Adult C, L 3 // 27th November 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/11/27/adult-class-level-3-games-without-frontiers/

Friends (men) // Teenagers // 12th January 2019 https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2018/12/28/friends-men-teaching-sheet/

Gather information (countries) // Young Learners 5 // 20th August 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/08/20/young-learners-level-5-feelings-nothing-more-than-feelings/

Grammarians of the Galaxy // Young Learners, levels 2 & 3 // 21st December 2022: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2022/12/21/young-learners-levels-2-3-grammarians-of-the-galaxy/

Grammarians of the Galaxy // Young Learners, levels 1& 2 // 28th December 2022: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2022/12/28/grammarians-of-the-galaxy-for-young-learners-levels-1-2/

Greek Heroes // Young Learners, Level 2 Review Game // 14th November 2022: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2022/11/14/young-learners-level-2-greek-heroes-to-help-you-learn/

Guess the countries (pictures) Signs // Young Learners 4 // 22nd June 2019

Guess the music (countries) // Young Learners 5 // 27th October 2019

Halloween // Young Learners, level 3 // 1st November 2022: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2022/11/01/how-to-kill-a-vampire-post-halloween-review-game/

Horseshoe Birthday // Young Teens // 29th November 2018: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2018/12/17/young-teens-ages-10-12/

Interview your (famous) partner // Adult Speaking Class, Level 3, Part 4 // 27th January 2020

Just a Minute // Adult Class, Level 3 // 14 November 2019

Just a Minute // Adult Class, Level 3 // 21 November 2019

Magic bag // Young Learners 2 // 26th April 2019

Make a presentation (famous people) // Adult C, L 3 // 23rd September 2019

Match the image to the fact // Young Teens // 31st January 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/01/31/young-teens-unesco-sites/

Mime // Young Learners 3 // 7th September 2019

Monopoly template // Young Learners // 12th December 2022: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2022/12/12/young-learners-all-levels-board-game-template/

Monopoly – Christmas Market // Young Learners, Levels 3 & 4 // 12th December 2022: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2022/12/12/young-learners-levels-3-4-monopoly-christmas-market/

Mr Paul’s Wonderful Store // Adult Speaking Class, Level 2: Gift of the gab // 10th May 2020

New Persona // Adult C, L 3 // 21st November 2019

Picture description // Adult Speaking Class, Level 3, Part 6 // 8th February 2020

Plan a day for visitors // Adult Speaking Class, Level 3, Part 4 // 27th January 2020

Plan a day out (children) //Young Learners 4 // 23rd November 2019

Plan a luxury day // Adult Speaking Class, Level 2: luxury day // 12th March 2020

Presentation: Vietnamese cities // Adult Class, Level 3 // 21st November 2019

Role-play: Job markets and interviews // Business English: Role-playing 6 – 8 May 2020

Role-play: shopping// IELTS 5-6.5 // 28th August 2019

Role-play: shopping // Adult Class, Level 3 // 14 November 2019

Role-play: shopping & haggling // Adult Speaking Class Level 2: Going shopping // 7th April 2020

Run and Write (past tense) // Young Learners 5 // 29th August 2019

Run and Write (personal likes) // Young Teens // 29th November 2018: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2018/12/17/young-teens-ages-10-12/

Run and Write // Young Teens // 27th February 2019

Runaround // Young Learners 4 // 9th November 2019

Runaround (space) // Young Learners 4 // 16th November 2019

Runaround // Young Learners 5 // 10th November 2019

Screen Test // Summer Holiday // Young Learners, Level 4 // 23rd November 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/11/21/young-learners-level-4-were-all-going-on-a-summer-holiday/

Screen Test Christmas // John Lewis TV ad (and Summer Holiday) // 23rd December 2020: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/12/23/young-learners-screen-test-game/

Screen Test Compilation // Summer Holiday, Tallest Buildings, Egyptian Gods // 23rd June 2022: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2022/06/23/screen-test-compilation-video-clips-for-classroom-games/

Sentence rewrite // Young Teens // 29th November 2018: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2018/12/17/young-teens-ages-10-12/

Shopping on a budget // Young Learners 3 // 17th August 2019

Snakes & Ladders // Young learners, Level 2 // 29th November 2022: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2022/11/29/young-learners-levels-2-3-snakes-ladders-review-games/

Snakes & Ladders // Young Learners, Level 4 // 30th November 2022: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2022/11/30/young-learners-level-4-and-top-cats-snakes-ladders-review-game/

Sticky ball (animals) // KG Safari 1 // 2nd March 2019

Stop the Bus // Young Teens // 27th February 2019

Summer School Multi-Talent Contest // 19th July 2023: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2023/07/19/summer-multi-talent-contest/

Toy Theatres // How to make & King Arthur // Young Learners // 3rd August 2023: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2023/08/03/summer-project-make-a-toy-theatre/

travel:plan a luxury day //Adult Class, Level 3 // 14th November 2019

True or false (3 statements) // Teenagers // 12th January 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/01/11/teenage-class-the-truth-is-out-there/

True or false (4 photos) // Teenagers // 12th January 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/01/11/teenage-class-the-truth-is-out-there/

TV talkshow interview // Young Learners 4 // 1st June 2019

What difference (definitions) // IELTS 5-6.5 // 25th September 2019

What do you see (cartoon picture) ? // Young Learners 2 // 25th August 2019

What happened next ? (video clips) // Young Teens // 31st January 2019 // Adult Class, Level 3 // 12th December 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/01/31/young-teens-unesco-sites/

What happens next (video clips) // Adult Class, Level 1 // 30th January 2019

What my friends can do in Sai Gon / / IELTS 5-6.5 // 21st August 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/08/15/ielts-5-6-5-i-come-from-a-land-down-under/

What would you do IF … // Adult Class, Level 1 // 2 January 2019

What’s My Line // Adult Class, Level 3 // 3rd December 2019

What’s the story (Tom Cruise) // Young Teens // 17th January 2019

What’s the Story (Chinese film) // IELTS 5-6.5 // 11th September 2019

Where am I going ? (info gathering) Signs // Young Learners 4 // 15th June 2019

Where am I going ? //Young Learners 4 // 23rd November 2019

Whisper run ‘n’ write // Young Learners 3 // 13th July 2019

Word bomb (hobbies) // Young Teens // 29th November 2018 https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2018/12/17/young-teens-ages-10-12/

Young Learners // Runaround & Snakes ‘n’ Ladders // 14th August 2023: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2023/08/14/young-learners-level-1-some-classroom-games/

Student surveys

Are you able to ? // Adult Class, Level 3 // 12th December 2019

Future activities // Adult Class, Level 1 // 30th January 2019

General questions // Adult Class, Level 3 // 8th January 2019

Hobbies // Young Teens // 29th November 2018

IELTS introduction // IELTS // 28th December 2018: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2018/12/28/friends-men-teaching-sheet/

Internet survey // Adult Class, Level 1 // 20th February 2019: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2019/02/20/adult-class-level-1-computer-world/

Mobile phone survey // Adult Class, Level 3 // 21st November 2019

What did you do / like // Young Learners 4 // 1st May 2019

Where do you want to go ? // Young Teens // 27th February 2019

Young Learners, Level 4: We’re all going on a summer holiday

23rd November 2019 E Up 4 U8 L2 (updated from June 15th 2019)

Warm Up: Summer Holiday and ‘Screen Test’ game. First watch the clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xddl8fpf2uA

https://youtu.be/Xddl8fpf2uA

Class put into groups of three or four. Each team given a name of a European city, such as London, Venice, Barcelona and Paris.

First question – in which countries are your cities ?

Next ‘Screen Test’: The students watch the opening song then have to answer multiple choice questions.

1) What was the road sign at the beginning of the clip ?

London // Berlin // Paris ?

2) What was the number of the bus ?

9 // 19 // 28 ?

3) What colour was the first car behind the bus ?

red // white // blue ?

4) How many children wore a hat ?

1 // 2 // no children

5) How many men were riding bicycles ?

3 // 4 // 6 ?

6) How many women were in the car ?

3 // 4 // 5 ?

BONUS POINTS – Can anyone sing the song – just two lines

“We’re all going on a summer holiday // we’re all going for a week or two.”

Last lesson the subject was future tense and activities. Therefore, I shall board some times – this afternoon / tomorrow / next Monday / next Thursday / next weekend / next month

Under these, I shall write some scrambled nonsense, e.g. ‘who as ees’. The students, placed in teams, have to elect one person to find the corresponding flash card somewhere in the room (‘see a show’) and then say a third-person sentence e.g. “He’s going to see a show this afternoon.’

Information gathering: Class into three or four groups. One member will be going away and the others in the team have to get information from him or her, then present to the class.

Team 1: Going to Phu Quoc island / is going next month / will be staying in a hotel near the beach / will be going swimming / is going with family

Team 2: Going to London / is going next week / is going to see a show / is staying with family / is going with older sister.

Team 3 : Going to Ha Noi / is going next Tuesday / is going on a bus tour / is going to stay in a big hotel / is going with school

Team 4: Going to Dak Lak Province / is going tomorrow / is going to ride an elephant / will stay in a tent / is going with VUS TAs

The selected member will stand at the front of the class with the information sheet. One teammate must run up, ask one question then tell the rest of the team, who will write the information down. Then a different teammate will run up and ask.

Planning a day out

I have a niece and nephew coming to Saigon. The teams have to plan a day for them including what to see and do, how to travel and what to eat. Of course, they need to but some souvenirs, so where are the best places ?

We shall probably have to board many ideas first. Where do tourists go in HCM ? What is traditional food ? How can they travel ? Do the girls want to take the niece and the boys take the nephew only ?

Hopefully, this will encourage a lot of speaking and ideas and I can show a map of HCM to help.

And if the students are still drawing a blank (or being too lazy to think), this could inspire them: It’s spoken in English, with text, but with Viet accent (can start at 0:20 seconds)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0tncoIxT1s

As with all ‘real-world’ videos, the film should be stopped and new words or expressions boarded. The students are later made to write the words down (the majority will simply NOT do any kind of writing unless pressured), and then encouraged to use them where appropriate.

That should easily cover the first hour. After the break, we hit the books, do the workbooks and fast-finishers get an activity sheet, while I can spend at least some time checking the pronunciation and grammar.

Young Learners, Level 5: Around the world (in eighty minutes)

27th October 2019. E Up 5 U 7 L 1 Countries pp. 64 – 65

Today’s theme is travel, and we will focus on six countries from five different continents. As a warm up, the students can be put in teams (this is a large class in a small room so activities have to carefully planned to prevent chaos and injury). Each team is given a small board and has to write:

Four ways to travel – vehicles.

BONUS QUESTION: unscramble this

tho ria ololban

Start the clip around 0:52 seconds.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjiCO8k6Jhg

Thay Paul has been to many countries – write four countries in Asia where I’ve been.

Clue 1) Kimchi 2) Sawass dee Krap 3) Petronas Tower 4) Merlion

Now, in Vietnam – write four places to which I’ve been.