DEBATE (1)

After the test we'll start a new unit and we'll have to prepare the DEBATE which is, remember, the SPEAKING component of the test. It means we'll have to prepare it VERY WELL.

Here are the 3 topics - the BIG QUESTIONS:

1 - Do the media, and advertising, convey a stereotyped/negative image of young people?
Research hints: newspaper/magazine clippings(news reports ans ads), TV commercials, interviews

2 - Is English 'disappearing' Is it losing its status as a Lingua Franca?
Research hints: Englishes vs Standard English; next economic superpower ... China? Interviews

3- Will the written press eventually disappear? What next?
Research hints: technologies -- YouTube, kindle, blogging, twittering... Interviews

As you see these topics make the link to our topics (Young People, Communication, the Media, Language and Culture, Techonologies).

Take next week to find out more about these subjects. Find texts, images that we may read and study in class. Find out what people think about this (young people - 15-30 AND/OR older people - 35-55 AND/OR even older people... > 55). Carry out the interviews in ENGLISH, so just pick people who can speak English. You wouldn't want to translate...

Enjoy. This will be a very proper debate.... (if you know what I mean:-)

TEST PLAN and SAMPLE

Take your time to check the TEST PLAN and a sample test/exam. This is a test from last year (Year 11) so yours will be easier. Don't worry. But it still provides an opportunity for further practice.
The test is divided in READING, LISTENING, WRITING and USE of ENGLISH.

Languages

Languages are just like a living organism ... they evolve. How they evolve, well, that is rather complex but for me, the way new words come into existence is always fascinating. Take a look at (some) of the different processes of WORD FORMATION.

Chinglish

Can you guess what the word Chinglish might mean? Look at these photos. Not difficult :-)

 

Do you think there is such a thing as Portenglish? 

We'll be starting a new unit about LANGUAGE and COMMUNICATION. For starters, listen to this conversation about Chinglish. 

Check the classroom presentation to help you out with vocabulary.

Writing a REVIEW

I hope you enjoyed preparing and performing your rehearsed readings. You did well. Your scripts were good, and so were the performances, even if some could do with a few more rehearsals :-)

I insist... you should make your work visible and prepare a performance for a broader audience. Let's say... next week :-)

In the meanwhile here is the WRAP UP of this unit, as well as some hints for your PORTFOLIO.
As a follow up of this unit you'll also learn how to write a REVIEW.Click here.