LANGUAGE and CULTURE

THIS UNIT we will:Read texts of different types (quiz, poem, excerpt of BBC radio programme, excerpts of interviews)Build up vocabulary - Focus: Collocations, Phrasal verbs & Word FormationConsolidate grammar points - Focus: modal verbs (review), Verb Tenses/Passive + own focusRole Play (i) DEBATE – Advantages and drawbacks of studying abroad (ii) Your suggestionWrite a magazine/newspaper ARTICLE (opinion text)

STAGE 1 – Introduction to UNIT DAY 1 (Thursday, 23 Feb)

1. What do we talk about when we talk about LANGUAGE AND CULTURE? – viewing and discussing a slideshow.Vocabulary input

2. A QUIZ – Test your Aptitude for Language Learning – Reading and discussing results

STAGE 2 – Reading, interpreting and building up vocabulary DAY 2 (Thursday, 1 March)

1. Preparing a POSTER – If you want to be a good language learner…./ Why you should learn other languages2. A POEM – The British by Benjamin Zephanian – interpreting, building a timeline, vocabulary, discussing3. Further reading – History of the English Language – WB p. 354. HW: Modal verbs (review) WB p. 34-35

STAGE 2 – Reading, interpreting and building up vocabulary DAY 3 (Monday, 5 March)

1. An excerpt of a radio programme – TB 2.3. Learning Languages – interpreting, note taking, vocabulary2. Grammar review – Verb Tenses / Passive TB 2.4 – Focus on English (pp90-91) + WB pp 36-373. Excerpts of interviews – TB 2.5. Erasmus – interpreting, checking text organization + 4. Focus on writing – Topic sentence / topic development5. Further reading (HW): WB pp 30-31 (Reading) + p 32 (Word Building)

STAGE 3 – Preparing the role-play / debate DAY 4 (Thursday, 8 March)

1. Questions and Answers – clearing out any doubts together2. Listening/viewing – Lost in translation3. Guidelines for debate/role play

OPTION A – A debate: Advantages and drawbacks of studying abroadOPTION B – Lost in translation (your sketch)NOTE: (i) you should research and bring your own materials

(ii) preparation of debate and role-play actually starts on Day 1 (brainstorming/planning/researching in the group)

STAGE 4 –Staging the role-play / debate DAY 5 (Monday, 12 March)

PROGRESS CHECK DAY 6 (Thursday, 15 March)

REMEMBER:When working in your group you need to be focused. Keep your voice LOW and follow the rules:- Listen without interrupting, be concise, make sure you understand what was said & SPEAK ENGLISHIn each group there should be: - An ORGANISER - A WRITER Even though everybody writes the answers to the questions only ONE copy of the written work will be collected by the teacher at the end of the lesson.ALL members of the group take part in the presentation.ASSESSMENT: Group work skills + writing skills + presentation skills + Progress Check (Use of English + Writing)