Could you live without it?

1. Reading - Living without electricity
2. Writing - Argument essay / advantages and disadvantages of mobile phones

You are going to

• read a text about a man who lives without electricity
• discuss what electrical items you could live without
• watch a clip about mobile phones and answer some questions
• write an argument essay about the advantages and disadvantages of mobile phones

Note; this post can be viewed as powerpoint presentation. Skip to the bottom of the post




1) Introduction

• What are the essential things in your life? What couldn't you live without?
• Could you live in a world without computers, cars, TV, mobile phones, electricity...?
• What would you miss the most?

2) Reading

You are going to read an article about someone who has lived for 29 years without electricity. How do you think he manages to live without electricity?
How does he cook, heat the house and see in the dark?
Read the text and find out.

Not seeing the light at Downhill

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-15763248 
By Nicola Weir
BBC NI district journalist

 

John faces his 29th Christmas without electricity. Two years ago, he successfully campaigned to have electricity installed along his road. But while his neighbours are enjoying their kettles, lights, washing machines and fridges, 77-year-old John McCarter is still waiting to be hooked up.The home that he's lived in since 1983 on the Seacoast Road at Downhill, close to Coleraine, is still being heated by two open coal fires, with candles providing his only light.

John lives in an idyllic setting, with his home nestled under the cliffs looking out to sea, but his living conditions are far from perfect: "During the summer, brilliant. Except for the fact you haven't got a thing like a fridge, which I can live with." "However, when the winter comes and the temperature drops down to minus four degrees and you get out of bed in the morning, and even before you get out, you can see your breath hanging on the air - it's far from pleasant," he said.

"The cooking isn't a problem, because I've got a gas cooker and that satisfies that end, but lighting is one candle and one tealight. "The candle provides the general lighting, the tealight lights up the face of the clock to let me see as the minutes tick away. "I have two open fires, one in the sitting room and one in the living room. "They're adequate provided they are burning, but the problem is you can't stay up all night to keep them alight so I usually stoke them up about 11.30pm before I go to bed, but by 3am, in the morning they're out and then the temperature just plummets. "By the time you are thinking of getting out of bed at 8am, the temperature inside is the same as outside."

Drag and drop to match the words from the text to the right definition

Printable version here

3) Discuss

1. Could you live like John?
   
2. Could you live without your mobile phone, smartphone, blackberry or computer? Why / Why not?
3. Are you addicted to them? / Do you know anyone who is addicted?
4. What do you use your mobile phone for? Make a list of all the things you can do with it.
5. Do you know how mobile phones can affect your health?
6. Do you think that mobile phones are sometimes anti-social? Why / why not?
7. Look at the words below. Which describe how you feel about your phone? Can you think of any more?

4a) Now watch this clip.

• What answers to questions 2, 4, 5 and 6 do people in the video give?
• What is the video maker's opinion of mobile phones?

4b) Advantages and disadvantages of mobile phones or smartphones

Add some ideas of your own and make a list of good things and bad things / advantages and disadvantages of mobile phones or smartphones.

5) Writing

You are going to write an answer to this question

"Mobile phones; Friend or Foe?"

When writing it's very important to have a plan
Think

1. How many paragraphs are you going to write? 3 or 4 = introduction + main text = a) advantages b) disadvantages + conclusion
2. What are you going to say in the introduction? Introduce and describe the thing you are going to talk about - describe it as if you are talking to an idiot or someone from another planet; eg Mobile phones are very popular. They can be used to communicate, text, take photos…
3. What are you going to say in the main text? Give examples of ideas, compare and contrast them = a) advantages b) disadvantages
4. What are you going to say in the conclusion? Sum up your ideas in 1 or 2 sentences. Give an opinion. Don’t introduce any new ideas.

Linking Words
1) What words or expressions can you use to introduce ideas?
A
B
C  
Highlight = Firstly,  for example, for instance, (+ writing the idea as a question )

2) What words or expressions can you use to continue, explain or contrast your ideas?
A
B
C

Highlight = Secondly, thirdly, also, moreover, furthermore,

Because, so, therefore, as a result,

However, on the other hand, nevertheless, although

3) What words or expressions can you use to finish or conclude your ideas?
A
B
C

Highlight = In conclusion, to summarise, on balance, it can be seen that... , it remains to be seen..., in the opinion of this writer...



Look at writing intoductions and planning here http://efllecturer.blogspot.com/2011/07/ielts-writing-introductions-for-task-2.html
and here http://efllecturer.blogspot.com/2011/09/describing-photos-comparing-contrasting.html


Write the essay - check!

If you have not...

1. written an introduction
2. used paragraphs
3. used appropriate language (see above)
4. written a conclusion
5. followed the instructions

then you have not finished or answered the question properly!

Examples - use these practice examples to help you
http://www.examenglish.com/IELTS/IELTS_writing2.htm

http://www.ieltsonline.com.au/IELTSexpress/writing/task2/practice/03_writing_wt2_essay.asp

6) More writing practice

Write argument essays (advantages / disadvantages) about other topics eg computers, the internet, air transport, fast food, exams, learning a second  language...

7) More reading
Daily Mail
How mobile addiction led us to lose our manners...

Pros and Cons  http://cellphones.procon.org/

BBC News
Third of adults use smartphone says Ofcom report

Are mobile phones safe for our children to use?

Cartoon http://www.englishblog.com/2011/08/cartoon-mobile-phone-addiction.html

Infographic http://www.cashgenerator.co.uk/are-you-addicted-to-your-mobile-phone.aspx





Powerpoint Presentation version of this post

Mobile phones - Friend or Foe? (for EFL) from David Mainwood

All answers - highlight below

2) Reading
Answer = He has a gas cooker, two open fires and candles

Find words or expressions which mean

 - connected = hooked up
 - a beautiful place= idyllic setting
 - be situated in a sheltered place = nestled (in)
 - suitable / enough = adequate
 - make hotter = stoke up
 - fall quickly = plummet

4) Answers

 - What do you use your mobile phone for? - phoning, texting, facebook, games, communication, apps, internet, social network
 - How many say they can't live without a mobile? 3 out 4 cant live without mobile
 - Do you know how mobile phones affect your health? - texting can damage your eyes, rumours, not really "clued up", not quite sure, more dangerous than smoking but no evidence to back this up.
 - Do you agree that mobile phones are anti-social? - can be anti-social at times, but good for keeping in contact, allow you organise going out, stay in touch, access social network sites, antisocial on buses and trains, in the supermarkets, there is a clear divide between young and old on this but this may change
 - Opinion = Conclusion - growing technology,  to see the impact on health and society we have to wait for the  future

4b)
Suggested ideas
Advs = good for keeping in contact,  be organised,  social network sites, + internet access, cheap, convenient, fun
Disadvs = anti-social, health issues(?), + addictive, distracting

Shakira and Beyonce / Contrasting / Writing a Biography

You are going to

• Talk about famous people
• Read and listen for information about two celebrities
• Compare and contrast them
• Write a biography of someone famous

Note; This post was updated 30/12/2011 due to the Shakira biography clip being removed from Youtube. I replaced it with another clip and altered the comprehension questions.

1) Discuss
Look at these people.

• Do you know who they are?
• What are they famous for?
• Have you ever dreamed of being famous?
• Would you like to be famous?
• What do you think it takes to achieve fame or success?
• Do you think any of them have changed the world we live in or made our lives better?

Highlight here for answers;

Leo Di Caprio, Bob Marley, Martin Luther king, The Beatles, David Beckham

Che Guevara, Mother Teresa, Shakira, Elvis Presley, Beyonce

2) Read and watch
Clip 1

You are going to watch a clip about Shakira

• What do you know about Shakira?
• Where is she from?
• How old is she?
• What does she do?

Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll (born February 2, 1977), known professionally as Shakira is a Colombian singer, songwriter, musician, record producer, dancer, and philanthropist who emerged in the music scene of Colombia and Latin America in the early 1990s. Born and raised in Barranquilla, Colombia, Shakira revealed many of her talents in school as a live performer, demonstrating her vocal ability with rock and roll, Latin and Middle Eastern influences with her own original twist on belly dancing. Shakira is a native Spanish speaker and also speaks fluent English and Portuguese as well as some Italian, French and Arabic.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shakira





Answer these questions;

1. What was her dream when she was growing up?
2. What did she know at 18 months old?
3. What could she do at 3?
4. How old was she when she started writing songs?
5. When did she get a record deal?
6. What does her foundation do?
7. What awards has she won?
8. How succesful is she now?

Highlight below for answers

1. To become a famous performer
2. She knew the entire alphabet
3. Read
4. 8
5. 13
6. It provides high quality school facilities, nutritious meals and homework assistance and counselling
7. Various Grammy music awards
8. She sells millions of records and is one of the top earning women in music

Clip 2

You are going to watch a clip about Beyoncé

• What do you know about Beyoncé?
• Where is she from?
• How old is she?
• What does she do?

Beyoncé Giselle Knowles (born September 4, 1981), often known simply as Beyoncé, is an American R&B recording artist, actress and fashion designer. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, she enrolled in various performing arts schools and was first exposed to singing and dancing competitions as a child. Knowles rose to fame in the late 1990s as the lead singer of the R&B girl group Destiny's Child, one of the world's best-selling girl groups of all time.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beyonce_Knowles






Answer these questions;

1. What did her parents do?
2. What did her parents realise early on?
3. How old was she when she entered her first talent competition?
4. How old was she when she was chosen for "Girls Time"?
5. Why did her father give up his job?
6. When did she make her 1st solo album?
7. What was the name of her first film?
8. What kind of charities does she support?

Highlight below for answers

1. Her father was record manager and her mother was a costume designer
   
2. They had a star on their hands
3. 7
4. 11
5. To represent her group
6. 2003
7. Dream Girls
8. Childrens charities

Add the information below with what you know from the texts and clips
 

	Shakira	Beyonce
1) Date of Birth	February 2nd 1977	September 4th 1981
2) Nationality	Colombian	American
3) Early life	Started performing at an early age	Entered singing and dancing competitions as a child
4) Career	Has won several Grammy awards and has sold millions of discs	Rose to fame in the late 1990s as the lead singer of the R&B girl group Destiny's Child, one of the world's best-selling girl groups of all time. Now has a solo career and makes films
5) Other interests outside performing	Philanthropist; her foundation provides high quality school facilities, nutritious meals and homework assistance and counselling	Fashion designer, supports childrens' charities.

Highlight the spaces above for the answers

3) Compare and contrast

Look at the information

• What do Shakira and Beyonce have in common?
• What differences are there?

Can you compare and contrast them (say what the similarities and differences are)?

• use both, also, as well, too to express similarities 
• use  but, however, whereas, on the other hand to express differences.

eg Both of them are singers. Beyonce is from the USA whereas Shakira is from Colombia.
Write 5 more sentences
Highlight below for suggested answers

1. Beyonce was born in 1981 but Shakira was born in 1977 
2. Beyonce started performing as a child and Shakira did as well / too
3. Shakira has always been a solo artist, on the other hand Beyonce started in a group
4. Beyonce has made films however Shakira has remained a singer
5. Beyonce and Shakira both help children

Look at the people in the photos (above or below)
Can you make similar sentences to compare or contrast them?



Now listen to both of them in this clip. What do you think of the song?

4) Writing

A) Watch this clip and discuss the questions below

1. How many of these people do you know?
2. Why are they famous?
3. Did they change the world?
4. How did they think differently?

Text

"Here's to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They're not fond of rules, and they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify and vilify them. About the only thing you can't do is ignore them because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as crazy, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do."

Look at the words from the text in the left column below. 
Can you match the words from the text on the left to the definitions on the right. Drag and drop the words to the correct place.



B) Write about someone famous.
Think of a famous person. Take a few minutes to find any information on the internet about him / her. Only look for important information.
Use this plan to help you. Write your biography with 4 paragraphs. If you are writing about someone who is dead. Talk about why you think they are important today in paragraph 3

If anyone wants to write about someone and post it in the comments below please go ahead :)

Armando created a Sliderocket presentation of this post which is here


More practice

1) Find out more about Shakira and do some exercises here http://www.famouspeoplelessons.com/s/shakira.html by Sean Banville
Find out more about Beyonce and do some exercises here http://www.famouspeoplelessons.com/b/beyonce_knowles.html by Sean Banville


2) Find some more worksheets about famous people here
Famous People Lessons.com  http://www.famouspeoplelessons.com/index.html
EFL / ESL Lesson Plans Using Biographies And Profiles - From Sean Banville

3) Choose some people from the website and make sentences to compare and contrast them.
or
choose some people you know and compare and contrast them.

Describing photos (comparing, contrasting and speculating)

You are going to practise language for;

1. Describing photos
2. Comparing and contrasting photos (discussing similarities and differences)
3. Speculating on what might be happening
4. Reacting to photos (giving opinions)
   

Discuss
Look at the presentation. Follow the instructions and talk about some of the photos

Comparing and Contrasting photos from David Mainwood

Write
The language used here for comparing and contrasting / speculating is also useful for writing discussion / argument essays. Plan:

1. Introduction - describe the situation / topic to be discussed
2. Compare / contrast ideas (for and against / advantages and disadvantages)
3. Speculate on solutions to problems raised by the question
4. Conclusion - give an opinion

Which pairs or groups of photos in the presentation could be used to demonstrate ideas for argument writing topics  about education, technology, food, family, work, leisure, health, advertising etc?

More Practice on May / Might / Could / Must / Can't

See here for more photo practice on modal verbs for probability and certainty http://efllecturer.blogspot.com/2011/04/modal-verbs-for-possibility-and.html and here for modal verbs of deduction http://efllecturer.blogspot.com/2011/04/modals-of-deduction-past-and-present.html

The Terminal

Teacher's Note - Post updated 15/1/12 due to disappearing youtube clips.
The video comprehension is quite a long activity (20 minutes) and was designed to be used in a language lab / computer room while watching the DVD (worksheet below).  However Ex1 and Ex2 A-C can be done with the 2 youtube clips embedded here.

You are going to

1. Discuss airports and flying
2. Watch the beginning of the film "The Terminal" and do some comprehension activities.
3. Do some online research on the man on whom the story of the film is based
4. Do a pair-work speaking, listening, reading and writing activity from the TeachingEnglish website
5. Write an IELTS task 2 question on refugees

The Terminal is a 2004 comedy-drama film directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Tom Hanks and Catherine Zeta-Jones. It is about a man trapped in a terminal at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport when he is denied entry into the United States and at the same time cannot return to his native country, the fictitious Krakozhia, due to a revolution. The film is partially inspired by the story of Mehran Karimi Nasseri.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Terminal

DVD on Amazon

1) You are going to watch part of a film about a man who lived in an airport.

 Before you watch. Discuss.

• Do you like flying?
• What things do you have to take if you fly to another country?
• Do you like airports?
• What must you do in an airport?
• What mustn't you do?
• Have you ever spent a long time delayed in an airport?
• Would you like to live in an airport?
• Where would you eat / sleep/ wash?

2) Watch the trailer. 

What do you find out about the main character?

Highlight below for answers 

• His name is Viktor Navorski
• He's just arrived in New York
• There was a military coup in his country (Krakozhia) while he was flying
• He must live in the airport terminal
• He will find a job
• He will make new friends, play matchmaker ( = someone who tries to arrange relationships or marriages between people), help a stranger and discover America

3) Watch the beginning of the film and do the 3 activities below

Watch the clip

A) Order the sentences.
You can drag and drop the sentences to the right number.

B - Answer. Highlight to see the answers.      

1. What is Mr. Navorski doing in the United States?  Visiting
2. Does he know anyone in New York?  No
3. What does the guard take from Mr. Navorski?  Ticket and passport

C - Fill in the spaces with a suitable verb.     

Clips for Ex D and E not currently available on youtube.
D – The guard explains the rules. 
Put these modal verbs of permission, prohibition and obligation into the spaces. 

can, can, need, must, allowed, can’t, may

1. Mr. Navorski is allowed to enter the International Transit Lounge.
2. He may use food vouchers in the Food Court.
3. He has a minute prepaid calling card. He can call home.
4. He has pager in case they need to contact him
5. He must keep it with him at all times.
6. He can’t go out of the  International Transit Lounge
7. There's only one thing he can do… Shop.

E - Put these sentences into the correct order (finishes 08:10 clip 2).
The first and last have been done for you.

1. He tries to make a phone call
2. He pulls the plugs on the lights and music
3. He tries to sleep
4. He sees the news= 1
5. He breaks the girl's bag
6. He shouts "Don't shoot!" = 9
7. He loses his meal vouchers
8. He makes an appointment with the cleaner for Tuesday
9. He makes the chairs into a bed

All answers are in black and can be highlighted

Highlight the letters below to see the answers to ex E.

 

a	2
b	8
c	6
d	1
e	3
f	9
g	4
h	5
i	7

 

 

 

3) Reading and research

The film was partly based on the life of Mehran Karimi Nasseri . Go online, do a search for him and answer these questions.

• What similarities and differences are there between Mehran and Viktor? 
• Write some sentences. Use some language for comparing ( = both, also, as well...) and contrasting (= but, however, on the other hand, although...) 

eg Both Viktor and Mehran lived in a terminal.
     Viktor is from Krakozhia however Mehran is from...

• How long did Mehran live in the terminal?
• Where is he now?
• Why do you think the film changes some details?  

4) Activities

From TeachingEnglish - An Interview with Sir Peter. A pair-work speaking, listening, reading and writing exercise for students who are at a good intermediate level or above. Time: at least an hour.   
http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/try/activities/interview-sir-peter

5) Discussion / Writing

• Would you like to live or work in another country?
• Why do many people emigrate (go to live and work in other countries)?
• What problems do you think people have when they emigrate?
• Why do people become refugees?
• What problems do refugees have?
• What can countries and governments do to solve these problems? 

Writing Topic

One of the major problems facing the world today is the growing number of refugees. The developed nations in the world should tackle this problem by taking in more refugees. To what extent do you agree with this opinion? (IELTS Task 2 Academic)

Video worksheet

The Terminal for EFL

View more documents from David Mainwood