teachers 10 / SPOTLIGHT10_Ts_053-074

Basically, I find that the teachers at the school always try to make the lessons more interesting. Last week in my Geography lesson, for example, we used an Internet site to learn about rivers. After that, the teacher took us to see a real river to see what happens as it runs down from the hills. These kinds of things make lessons come alive and really help me to learn.

Finally, the teachers really listen to the pupils. We have a school meeting twice a week where we talk about things, for example if pupils are leaving rubbish in the classrooms! We also decide on school rules together so it’s not just the teachers always telling us what to do. Our opinion is important too!

Interviewer: Wow! Is there anything you don’t like about your new school, Tom?

Tom: Errm … well, the only bad thing is my journey to school each day. It takes me an hour and a quarter. The school is in such a nice place though. There are trees all around it and a huge garden. Sometimes we even have lessons outside when the weather is good. My friends at my old school say it’s not worth travelling so far just to go to school, but I disagree. I’m so much happier than I was before and I’m getting much better grades!

Interviewer: Well, I can see why you’re happy there, Tom. Thank you very much for coming to talk to us and good luck for the future.

Tom: Thanks!

Reading

Focus Matching profiles with text

ñFocus Ss’ attention on the profiles and read them aloud.

ñClarify any necessary information.

ñEncourage Ss to highlight any key words that may help them make their matches.

ñRead the texts to Ss and again ask them to highlight any useful key words or phrases.

ñRemind Ss there is one text that will not be used.

ñAllow Ss time to complete the task. You may choose to allow Ss to work with a partner and compare answers for this activity.

Answer Key

Use of English

Focus Word formation

ñExplain the task. Tell Ss to read the whole text through before beginning the task.

ñSs complete the task and compare their answers.

ñCheck Ss’ answers on the board. Focus on spelling.

Writing

Focus Writing an informal email

ñSs read the rubric. Check comprehension of the task by asking Ss: What are you writing? Who to? What about? Write the email outline on the board for Ss to refer to.

Dear + your pen-friend’s name,

Para 1: reason for writing

Para 2: new school, how is it, new friends Para 3: ask three questions about her Saturday job

Para 4: closing remarks

Your friend, (Your name)

ñAllow Ss time to brainstorm for ideas, organise sentences and write their email.

ñSelect certain Ss to read their email aloud.

ñCheck Ss’ answers.

Suggested Answer Key

Dear Lucy,

Thanks for your email. I hope you’re feeling better.

As for me, I’m quickly getting used to my new school. It’s really nice and much better than my old school. I’m taking lots of interesting subjects, and there are plenty of extracurricular activities. I’m now on the football team. The school has rules of course, but its not that strict. I’ve made plenty of new friends and I don’t feel lonely at all. I do miss my old school a little bit though.

I’m glad to hear that you found a job. What kind of job is it? Are the wages good? What hours do you work? I hope everything goes well on your first day.

Write back soon, Alexei

3 Spotlight on Exams

Speaking

Focus Acting out a telephone conversation

about a job

ñDraw Ss’ attention to the rubric and explain the task.

ñReview proper telephone etiquette and decide what appropriate phrases and terms would be used in a formal conversation.

ñWrite these on the board for future reference.

ñSs work in pairs. Give them time to prepare their ideas.

ñMonitor progress around the classroom and provide assistance.

ñEach pair will present their conversation to the class.

Suggested Answer Key

A:Riverside Café. Good afternoon, how can I help you?

B:Hello. My name is Alyson Ratcliffe and I’m ringing about the job advertised in today’s newspaper. I’d like to speak to the owner.

A:Very good. I’m John Davis, the owner.

B:Excellent. Well, Mr Davis, I’d like to know what my responsibilities will be.

A:Well, Alyson. We’re looking for a waitress to work on Saturdays. You’ll be responsible for taking orders and serving.

B:Does the job require any experience?

A:Yes. Do you have any?

B:Yes, I do. I worked in a restaurant last summer.

A:Excellent.

B:And what months can I work?

A:The job is for June, July and August.

B:Oh great, during my school holidays! And how much is the pay?

A:We pay 200 rubles an hour.

B:That sounds great. I’d like to apply for the job. Could you send me an application form?

A:Of course. What’s your address? …