LISTENING QUIZZES 4

SPEAKING 4: USING TECHNOLOGY TO ENHANCE YOUR SPEECH

1. THE INTERNET

The Internet consists of millions of computers, from those belonging to multinational corporations, world governments, colleges, and universities to those belonging to your friends and family.   The World Wide Web is part of the Internet.  It is a vast universe of information about most topics but you have to be aware that not all of it is accurate or credible.  When researching, it is important to use reliable and trustworthy sources and here we’re going to give you a guideline on how to do it.

IMPORTANT ASPECTS TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT:

• URL Extensions

URL stands for Uniform Resource Locater and it is the address of a web page or an Internet site.  The last three letters of the basic URL are called extensions and they give you important information about the type of Internet site they represent.

URL Extension	Types of Organizations	Example Sites
.com or .net	Business or for-profit commercial sites	www.amazon.com
.org	Nonprofit groups	www.unitedway.org
.gov	Government agencies	www.sat.gob
.edu	Educational institutions	www.harvard.edu

 Which sites you think will provide the most reliable information?

• Authorship/Sponsorship

Find out what person(s) or organization is responsible for the information on the website.

• Purpose

Try to determine why the information was written.  Decide if the information seems to be impartial or represent the interests of a particular group or person.

• Content and quality of the Website

To analyze the information provided by the website, you may ask yourself the following questions:

Is there bibliographic documentation?

Does it contain links to other sites?

Is the information current?

Does the site contain spelling or grammatical errors?

Plagiarism

The Cambridge English Dictionary defines plagiarism as: “the act of using another person's idea or a part of their work and pretend that it is your own.”

In order to avoid plagiarism, always paraphrase the information you find and don’t forget to cite the source specifying author’s name (when available), website, date and URL.

Homework 1

Work in teams of four, choose a topic for a speech and enter it in a search engine.  Click at least three different sites that the search engine finds for you and fill in the following chart to evaluate each of them.

Important: You don’t need to get together, you may work online.

Topic:	Site 1	Site 2	Site 3
Website URL
Who is responsible of the information?
Does it provide links to other sites? Which?
Is the information objective? Why or why not?
When was the site last updated?
Did you find any errors on the site? Which kind?

Then, choose the most reliable information you found in the three sites you checked and paraphrase it in your notebook.  Don’t forget to cite.

2. PRESENTATION WEBSITES

It is proved that people learn far more when information is presented through two or more senses.  Tell listeners something and they will remember some of it; tell and show listeners and they will remember most of it!

Audiences enjoy eye-catching, colorful visual aids.  Visual aids enhance a presentation by helping the audience to more easily understand and remember your information.

Nowadays, there are many websites available where you can create a presentation in which you can include: graphs, charts, music, videos and plenty of information. 

Despite the site you use, you should take into account the following when creating a slide:

1.      Content:

1. Text:
• Don’t fill up a slide with too much text
• Simplify text: Create keywords and easy-to-remember phrases
• Round off numbers
2. Art:

·         Use pictures and photographs

·         Don’t overdo it

·         Keep illustrations simple.

2.      Color:

1. Background color:
• The best one is dark because it eliminates bright
2. Title and text color:

·         Choose light colors that contrast

·         Avoid blues, greens or reds for text or titles.

3.      Font:

1. Type:

·         Use the same font on all your slides

2. Size:

·         Headings 36-46 points / Text 24 points 

Tips for your presentation:

a.      Face your audience at all times

b.      Focus all of the attention on YOU occasionally

c.      Back up your presentation.

d.   Be prepared with a backup plan in case you’re unable to use your presentation (Make copies of your slides, print out your presentation)

Homework 2

Presentation

Work with the same team you worked for homework 1 and using the information you researched in the web:

1. Prepare an outline of your speech in your notebook taking into account what you learnt last month.
2. Check this site to choose a presentation platform:

      http://www.boxoftricks.net/2009/05/top-five-online-presentation-tools/

3. Prepare an online presentation based on your outline, taking into account every tip you were given above.
4. Assign each of the members of your team a part of the speech and practice, be sure you use appropriate body language, pace, volume and tone of voice.
5. Present to your group, give and receive feedback

Note: Again, you don’t need to get together, you may work online.

Option: In case you may not work with a presentation site, you may prepare a Power Point presentation.

WRITING 4: ESSAY

ESSAY

Definition:

A  short  literary  composition  on  a  single  subject,  usually  presenting  the  personal  point of view  of the author.

USEFUL LANGUAGE

Supporting one point of view:
In the first place…

Furthermore…

In addition…

Moreover…

A final point…

Explaining why: Because of this…

For this reason…

As a result…

Therefore…

Due to…

Expressing contrast:

On the other hand…

In contrast…

However,…

Nevertheless,…

Although…

While…

Explaining someone else’s opinion:

According to…

It is said that…

Some people say that…

Many people feel…
Others think that…

Giving your opinion:

I agree that…

I think /believe that…

In my opinion…

I am in favour of…

It seems to me that…

Concluding:

Overall,…

To sum up…

On the whole…

In conclusion,…

TIPS

•         Remember to stay on the topic of the essay; don’t include irrelevant arguments.
•         Plan your answer and what to include in each paragraph.
•         It is better to have fewer points and expand each point than to list a lot of different points.
• ·       Use a variety of words and expressions to link or show contrast.

PLAN

Paragraph 1

a.      Introduce the topic .

Paragraph 2

b.      Give the arguments for.

c.       Give reasons for your answer.

Paragraph 3

d.      Give the arguments against or additional arguments.

e.      Build your answer with examples.

Paragraph 4

f.       Summarize your arguments.

EXAMPLE

Nowadays pollution is such a big problem for everybody that people say we should all be doing something to help the situation and not just expect the government to sort out the problems. 

Many people think that the government should deal with pollution.  In the first place, it is a huge problem, affecting whole countries. In addition, factories cause a lot of problems, such as when they put poisonous chemicals into the rivers.  Therefore, special laws are the only way to control this.

On the other hand, we each contribute to pollution in some way.  For example, we use plastic bags or make too much rubbish.  We can all do something about as individuals and, if everybody did something, it would make a difference.

Overall, I agree with the statement because I think it is very easy for us to change small things in our lives.  If we managed to make these changes then pollution levels would decrease and our  environment would be better.

Revising

	YES	NO
Did I follow the plan?
Did I introduce my opinions with a set phrase?
Did I stay on the topic?
Did I expand on each of the topics?
Did I use a variety of phrases to link or show contrast?
Did I end with a clear summary of the arguments?

Proofreading

	YES	NO
Did I check spelling using a dictionary?
Did I include Wh-questions?
Did I include prepositional verbs?
Did I include phrasal verbs?
Did I include linking verbs?
Did I include verbs + infinitive or –ing?
Did I use at least three new vocabulary words?

CLASSROOM DOOR DECORATING CONTEST

LITERATURE BOOK 2

LISTENING QUIZZES 5&6

SPEAKING 3: PREPARING YOUR SPEECH

TOPIC AND PURPOSE

“Where do I begin to prepare my speech?” The information included here will help you organize and outline your thoughts so that you can deliver a speech logically and clearly.  Every speech needs a topic and a purpose. 

• The topic is the subject or theme, e.g.:

§  Environmental Issues

§  School Improvements

§  Technology Pros and Cons

• The purpose is the reason for which we are writing, e.g.:

§  Convince people to save water.

§  Inform about the new activities offered in my school.

§  Defend the use of new technologies in the classroom.

Every time you’re planning to write a speech you must select a topic and define your purpose before you can begin gathering and organizing information. 

Activity 1

Select a topic and a purpose for your speech. Write them down.

_______________________________________________________________

PARTS

Every speech has three parts: the introduction, the body and the conclusion. 

Which one of them do you think you will write the first?

Probably you thought about the introduction but experts say that it is not very advisable. They say it is better to write your body first, then the conclusion and finally the introduction. 

Can you think about any reasons to do it that way?

1. Body

In order to prepare the body; first, list subtopics that you might include in your speech.  Write them as you think of them.  Some ideas will be important, and some will not.  At this time, just concentrate on writing all the ideas you can think of; make sure that they all relate to the topic and purpose of your speech.

Example A:

Topic: Employment for Young People

Subtopics:

·        Businesses Should Hire More Young People

·        Why You Should (or Shouldn’t) Get a Job While in School

·        The Best Jobs for Students

·        The Worst Jobs for Students

·        Why Students With Jobs Should Have More Time for Assignments

·        Why You Should Get Paid for Household Chores

Example B:

Topic: Technology and Education

Subtopics:

·        Are desktop computer outdated?

·        Are computer labs unnecessary in schools today?

·        Should students be allowed to use mobile devices in class?

·        Should there be a filter on the internet in school?

·        Are textbooks obsolete?

·        Should teachers friend students on Facebook?

Activity 2

Write 6 subtopics for the topic and purpose you wrote on activity 1

1. __________________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________________
3. __________________________________________________________
4. __________________________________________________________
5. __________________________________________________________
6. __________________________________________________________

Second, narrow your list of subtopics.  Review your list and select only two or three that will best develop your speech in the time allowed.  These subtopics will become the main headings of your speech.

Third, order your subtopics logically so that one leads naturally into the next one.

E.g.:

1. Are textbooks obsolete?
2. Are desktop computer outdated?
3. Should students be allowed to use mobile devices in class?

Activity 3

Narrow your topics choosing only three of them and order them logically.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Fourth, develop your subtopics with facts.  If your subtopics are supported and well organized, your sections will be interesting and your listeners will better understand and remember your speech.

Example of facts for the topic Global Warming:

• Trees, when fully grown, will help keep the planet cooler.
• Walking instead of taking the car will help reduce pollution. 
• The more you speed the more petrol you are going to use, making the pollution higher. 

Homework 1

Look for factual information, for each of your subtopics.  Write notes in your notebook.

2. Conclusion

The conclusion includes:

ü  a summary of the main points

ü  final remarks to end the speech gracefully

A good summary:

ü  briefly reviews your purpose

ü  repeats or restates the main ideas

Memorable concluding marks:

ü  are delivered after the summary of main points

ü  leave your audience thinking about what you’ve said

E.g.:

“If everybody stuck to these rules, we would be doing a great thing by protecting the earth. So please take into consideration what I have said, and try to do your part. After all, it will be our next generation that will feel the effects.”

Activity 4

Write a conclusion for your speech.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. Introduction

Your introduction should have:

ü  an attention-getting opener

ü  a preview of the body

A good introduction:

ü  captures the listeners’ attention immediately

ü  makes them interested in the rest of the speech

ü  alerts them to what they can expect to hear in the presentation

ü  helps them to follow the information easily

Powerful ways to begin your speech include:

ü  telling a brief story

ü  asking a question to arouse curiosity

ü  shoking your audience with a startling quote or fact

E.g.:  

“There is little doubt that the planet is warming. Over the last century, the planets temperature has risen by around 1 degree Fahrenheit. The warmest since the mid 1800’s was the 1990s.”

Activity 5

Write an introduction for your speech.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

OUTLINES

With a good outline, you’ll never have to worry about forgetting what you want to say.  Outlines:

• Make it easy for you to deliver your speech
• Assure you that you have organized your ideas
• Help you remember all your information

A good outline meets four basic requirements:

1. Each supporting point relates to the main point

Which supporting idea in the example below does not belong? Why not?

Alcoholism is an international problem.

1. Russia has a high alcoholism rate.
2. France has the highest alcoholism rate in Europe.
3. Alcoholics have more car accidents than nondrinkers.
4. Japan has severe juvenile alcoholism problems.

2. Each supporting point contains only one idea.

What is wrong with the example below?

Small cars are better than large cars.

1. They are less expensive and easier to park.
2. They get better gas mileage.

3. Supporting points are not repeated or restated

What is wrong with the example below?

Students dislike the school cafeteria.

1. There is very little to choose from.
2. The food is too expensive
3. The menu is extremely limited.

4. Each supporting parallel point has an equal level of importance.

What is wrong with the example below?

Sales in South America have fallen drastically.

1. Colombia
2. Lima
3. Ecuador

Activity 6

The following paragraphs represent the first major section of the body of a speech.

1. Read the speech.
2. Outline the information in the speech by filling in the blanks of the skeleton provided below.

There are many things to do on a visit to Mexico City, including going shopping and visiting interesting places.  You will enjoy visits to Chapultepec Park, the pyramids in Teotihuacán, the world renowned Museum of Anthropology and the Palace of Fine Arts, where you can see art exhibitions and the Ballet Gran Folklórico de México.

You can shop for crafts such as colorful embroidered blouses, handwoven rugs, and handmade pottery.

You can also shop for items of onyx such as ashtrays, vases, and bookends.  Silver lovers can buy beautiful sterling silver pieces such as serving trays, picture frames, and key chains.  They can also buy lots of silver jewelry including bracelets, necklaces, and rings.

I.              _________________________________________________________

a.    Visit interesting places

1. __________________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________________
3. __________________________________________________________
4. __________________________________________________________

a.    _______________________________________________________

b.    _______________________________________________________

b.    ____________________________________________________

1. Crafts

a.    _______________________________________________________

b.    _______________________________________________________

c.    _______________________________________________________

2. __________________________________________________________

a.    _______________________________________________________

b.    _______________________________________________________

c.    _______________________________________________________

3. _________________________________________________________

a.    _______________________________________________________

b.    _______________________________________________________

c.    _______________________________________________________

d.    _______________________________________________________

i.______________________________________________________

ii.______________________________________________________

iii._____________________________________________________

Homework 2

Write an outline in your notebook to organize the information you researched for your speech.  (See activities 1, 3, 4, 5 and homework 1)

TRANSITIONS

Transitions make it easy for your listeners to follow your plan for your speech.  They remind your audience where you’ve been and say where you’re going.

Think of transitions in a speech as signposts along a highway as you travel from one city to another. Transitions tell your audience that something new or important is about to happen in your speech.

Transition after the introduction

Every speech needs a transition after the introduction.  This transition should signal that the main part of the speech is about to begin. 

Transitions within the body.

Transitions are also needed between each section of the body.  This kind of transition generally consists of two separate sentences that provide two important functions:

• To review the information just presented
• To preview the next section

Transition before the conclusion

Every speech needs a transition before the conclusion.  This last transition acts as a signal that the speech is about to end.

Activity 7

Write transitions for your speech:

1. To include after your introduction.

_______________________________________________________________

2. To include within the body.

_______________________________________________________________

3. To include before the conclusion.

_______________________________________________________________

Activity 8

Read the following speech carefully.

Fellow students, have you ever felt afraid to walk around the school by yourself?   In a recent survey carried out by the school council, 70 percent of us have been bullied at some time in our life at school. But, who the bullies are?

The bullies are vicious, violent and vindictive. Unfortunately, they are getting away with it. This is not fair and it happens because there’s fear.

We, the victims, are afraid of wearing the wrong trainers. We are afraid of being too smart or too stupid. We are afraid of anything that might draw attention to ourselves. The time has come for the fear to stop.

The bullies terrify other students, and yet they are cowards themselves. If we pull together we can fight this fear. Join me and fight this fear today.

-Draw a rectangle around the introduction.

-Draw an oval around the conclusion.

-Underline transitions in red.

-Underline facts in blue.

Write the topic ___________________________________________________

Write two subtopics:

1. __________________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________________

Homework 3

In your notebook, write the final version of your speech and practice to deliver it to the class.  Take into account what you learned in the previous units. (Tone of voice, body posture, gestures, etc.)