Different Cultures

• English
• University

Different Cultures

Different Cultures

In this module students will learn:

*to ask information formally and informally

*to ask for clarification and repetition

*to give information

*differences between British and American English

*about celebrations in different countries

* writing an informative and descriptive essay on topic celebration\event\festival

A. Discuss

* Do you know any differences between British and American English?

* Is British or American easier for you?

Aim: 

* introduce the topic of the listening activity by activating learners' background knowledge

*Ask students if they are aware of the distinction between the British and American English.

*Ask the questions

*Elicit answers and initiate a short discussion

B. Listen to the converstaion between American and British men. What does the British think the American man is asking for?

Aims:

1. to present structures and vocabulary in the context of a dialogue between a British and American man.

2.to give students practice in listening for specific information

C. Listen again and find answers for the following questions:

1. Three questions the American man uses to ask when uses to ask where he can find gas

2. Four phrases the American man uses to show he does not understand

3. Three questions the British man uses to show he does not understand

Aim: 

*to identify the functions presented in the dialogue

The British man realises the other man isn't from the UK.

1. True
2. False

The American man misunderstands the word 'holiday'.

1. True
2. False

The British man believes the American man is going to camping.

1. True
2. False

The British man realises what the American man is referring to when he says 'gas'.

1. True
2. False

The British man explains what 'pavement' means.

1. True
2. False

The American man doesn't know what 'queue' is.

1. True
2. False

E. Complete the table with words from the listening activity.

Aim:

* to have students to distinguish between British and American English

F. Write down British equivalents for American English.

Aim:

* provide learners with further pratice on American and British English.

Direct and Indirect questions

https://www.espressoenglish.net/direct-and-indirect-questions-in-english/ 

When does the train leave?
Excuse me, could you telll me ____________________?

Do I need a ticket to enter?
Do you know _________________?

How has he managed to get in shape so quickly?
Do you have any idea _______________________?

Can we change the meeting to Thursday?
Is there any chance ________________________?

                       A. Discuss

Have you ever attended a street festival? 

If yes, what sort of activities did you do there? 

If not, have you heard of any famous street festivals? 

Aims: 

1. To introduce the topic of the reading text by activating background knowledge.

2. Ask students the questions 

3. Elicit answers and initiate a short discussion 

Notting Hill Carnival

Function: 

Talking about celebrations in different countries.

Aims: 

1. To present functions and vocabulary in the context of a text about Notting Hill Carnival

2. To give Students practice in reading for gist

Draw students' attention to the layout of the text and ask them to tell you what kind of text it is. 

Draw attention to the headline and ask questions

Elicit answers 

Ask students to choose the best subheading to check their understanding 

Check the answer with the class.

B. Read and choose the best subheading for the text.

1. A Chance to remember the past
2. Where a festival atmosphere comes to life
3. A special day of music and culture
4. How to spend Notting Hill Carnival

C. Read again and answer the questions. Choose a, b or c.

Aim: to give students practice in identifying specific information

1. What is true about the Notting  Hill festival?

1. It is the oldest street festival in Europe
2. It is a traditional celebration that started in the Caribbean.
3. People from different ethnic communities take part in it.

2 How did the first Caribbean-themed carnival start?

1. As a way  for people from the Caribbean to socialise.
2. As a way to help people who felt homesick.
3. As a way for musicians to perform and express themselves.

3. What kind of music could you listen to at the original carnivals?

1. Calypso, reggae and funk
2. Music from around the world
3. Soca and calypso

4. What is true about the drumming competition?

1. It takes place at a different avenue
2. It takes place during the main parade
3. It takes place on the same day as the children's parade.

5. Apart from the music and the parade,what is another main attraction at the Notting Hill Carnival?

1. traditional arts and crafts
2. Street stalls with a great variety of food
3. traditional dance competitions

6. What is the purpose of this text?

1. to describe a popular carnival
2. to explain how the carnival is organized
3. to provide information about Caribbean traditions

Look at the highlighted words in the text and match them with the meaning below.

1. to show something

2. a large vehicle which is decorated and used to carry people dressed in costumes in festivals and parades.

3. a show or an exhibition of something

4. to prepare a piece of equipment or a machine for use

5. very typical

6. a raised area which actors, dancers, singers stand on when they perform

7. to help or make somebody remember

8. people who are considered a group because of their common interests, social group and nationality.

9. a table where you sell things outdoors

1o. a musical instrument which you play by hitting it with your hands or with sticks.

Aim: to give students practice in guessing the meaning of new vocabulary

Speaking.

Talk in pairs or small groups about a celebration,festial,event that takes place in your country. Think about the ideas in the box.

Aim: to give students practice in talking about a celebration\festival\even that takes place in theire city\country.

Writing

Write an informative  description about unusual celebration\festival\event your country celebrates.

Aim: To give students practice in writing informative essay about a celebration\festival\even that takes place in theire city\country.

This is the end of the lesson. You did a great job.
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