Class theme/topics discussed:
Asking for a favor.
Conversation Game.

How did you pick this theme or topic?
Making polite requests is a basic language skill that student need in their everyday communication.
It’s a fun activity that promotes free discussion in class and imitates a journalist’s interview.

How did you present the material? (handouts, group work, general discussion, student presentations, etc.)
Handouts, general discussion.

How did students react?
They seemed to enjoy the activity and the questions, and although their language is often rather limited to fully express their opinions, they were actively sharing ideas, commenting on each other’s answers and participating in a discussion. Strangely, the discussion in the Intermediate class turned out to be livelier than one with the Advanced group.
Did they engage with each other and you?
Yes.

What materials or media did you use? (articles, satellite tv, digital projector, etc.)
Handouts.
Please attach a copy.
Lesson 3_Jan 25_Favor
Lesson 3_Jan 25_Vocab Revision
Lesson 3_Jan 25_Discussion Questions

Would you recommend this activity for a future class? Why or why not?
Yes, the Asking for a Favor part is crucial in everyday communication.
And the game imitates a situation of real-life conversation and requires presenting and supporting personal opinions on various broad issues.

Intermediate Russian
Lesson 3
January 25, 2011

Before the class – expression of the day on the board: ТЕРПЕТЬ НЕ МОГУ

1. News of the day.

2. Vocabulary revision (words and expressions introduced at our last class) – distribute the handout Lesson 3_Jan 25_Vocab Revision

3. Expression of the day: explain, translate, give examples:

– Я терпеть не могу холодец. / Я терпеть не могу вставать рано утром.
Students give examples.

4. Asking for a favor: distribute the handout Lesson 3_Jan 25_Favor, let them look at it while you’re explaining. Students read out loud the examples.
Then make them ask you/ each other for a favor using different models.

5. Game (cut in strips the handout Lesson 3_Jan 25_Discussion Questions) – students draw questions from a pile and discuss them sharing their opinions/ experiences. Before starting the activity, tell that the questions are random and that students should imagine themselves being interviewed for a magazine/ show.