Choose a controversial statement. For example:-
- ‘Women are the best drivers.’
- ‘Mobile phones should be banned from public spaces.’
- ‘Homework should be optional.’
- ‘Burgers are better than pizzas.’
Either dictate or write the statement on the board. Students decide if they accept, reject or modify this statement, according to their personal opinion. When they have made their decision, you would then say ‘OK go round the room and try to find somebody who has the opposite opinion to you’ or ‘OK go round the room and find someone who has a similar opinion’. Alternatively, they could mingle in the class to find the range of opinions, like a small survey – how many students accepted, rejected, or modified the statement.
This activity can really stimulate discussion and the focus is very much on the students rather than the teacher.
To round off the activity, finish with a short whole-class feedback stage.
Comments
Speaking activities
Hi
I had a similar class of university students last year. Even after explaining the benefits of pair work and group work they refused to speak English unless I was listening specifically to them. The most successful speaking activities were when they prepared what they wanted to say in pairs then tried to memorize a short dialogue which they read to the class. Not very spontaneous or natural but it did get them speaking!
Here are a couple of activities which might help your students to become more confident speakers:
http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/article/running-dictation
http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/article/vanishing-dialogue
Good luck!
Sally
wake up a sleepy class
Hi,
Thanks for your web adresses, I also have some similar classes this year and I always try my best to motivate them, but sometimes I can't. It's my big problem.
Best regards,
Donna
Speaking activities
Hi Asit and Donna,
These circle games might encourage your students to speak English in class:
http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/article/circle-games
You’ll find more tips on how to get students talking on this poster:
http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/posters/getting-whole-class-talking
Any other ideas welcome!
Sally
Thank you Sally
Thank you Sally, Your suggestion is my passage money. Awaiting for more. With regards.
I suggest to divide your
hey
I have a question. You write the statement and students just agree, reject or modify and they go around and find students who has the opposite opinion or similar. Is that all? Don't they ask about the reasons of their opinion and cotradict the others' opinions? It seems as if they don't do much talking.
I am a rural Primary Teacher in West Bengal ( India). want to develop our students interacting ability. A lion share of my student do not speak during the english period. A few more students says only yes or no or thank you etc. it's a great problems near me. I beg your help. with regards.