3. Обучение говорению (монологической речи) на основе ролевой игры Listen to the neighbours – 13 мин

(based on the opinion gap)

T.: now we’re going to play a game. But before we start let’s make a list of top requirements, which the house of your dream must meet.

Firstly let’s mention the interior details. What’re your suggestions?

P1: spacious rooms.

T.: (записывает словосочетание spacious rooms на доске)

Now tell me what’re your requirements to the rooms in particular?

P3: It must be nicely decorated

T.: (записывает словосочетание nicely decorated)

Good, and what about the furniture?

P2: Furniture must be new and comfortable.

T.: (записывает словосочетания new and comfortable furniture на доске)

What else is important if we talk about the interior of the house?

P3: Central is heating is very important.

T.: (записывает словосочетание central heating на доске)

Very good. Now let’s talk about the exterior details. What can be mentioned here?

P4: A lawn can be mentioned.

T.: Yes, lawn is a very important point (записывает слово garden на доске)

What else can you add?

P5: There must a garage near the house

T.: It’s a very good point. (записывает слово garage)

What else is of primary importance?

P6: If person doesn’t have a car, it’s the proximity to the public transport.

T.: Right you are! (записывает словосочетание the proximity to the public transport)

You see we’ve covered the main points to which you should pay attention when looking for a new house.

Interior details Exterior details

spacious rooms lawn

nicely decorated garage

comfortable furniture proximity to the public transport

central heating

Now imagine that I’ve come to your neighbourhood to gather some information about the house I’m going to buy.

You’ll work in pairs, you’re 2 neighbours: you will a get a picture of the house in question, one of you will stick to the opinion that it’s a great house and will mention all of its positive qualities, another one will be sure that the house isn’t worth buying and will try to mention all of its drawbacks. We’ll see who is going to be more convincing. At the end we’ll choose the best “negative” neighbour and the best “positive” neighbour. Don’t forget that first you should talk about its interior details, then mention the exterior ones and finally make a conclusion about the house in question, use the linking words for the coherence of your speech.

Here are your cards. I’ll give you 1 minute to get ready and then we’ll start.

N1: This house has four bedrooms, so it’s very spacious. As far as I know there’s also a log fire in the sitting room. And if you look at the house from outside, you will see that it has a nice area. One more thing which is of primary importance is that the bus stop is located nearby. So I’d definitely recommend you to buy this house, it’s very comfortable, spacious, nice looking and you’ll be able to get wherever you want without any problems.

N2: The house is rather spacious but it has one serious disadvantage – there’s no central heating there. I don’t think log fire would be giving enough heat. It’s a long way from the shops, so I wouldn’t recommend you buying it, you will feel cold there and will have to cover long distance to get to the shop.

T.: Thank you very much. I think I’d rather listen to the first neighbour, he sounded more persuasive.

Let’s continue. It’s your turn now.

N1: This house has nicely decorated and well maintained rooms. Moreover there’s a modern security system there. And if you look at the house surrounding you will see a beautiful garden, in addition there is a park on the street where you can have a walk and enjoy yourself. So you shouldn’t hesitate whether to buy this house or not. You’ll live in comfort, feeling protected and being able to have a rest in the shadow of the trees.

N2: Unfortunately I haven’t been inside so I can’t talk about its interior details but let’s observe the obvious drawback of the exterior ones. There’s no garage and there’s no fence! So in spite of the modern security system, you won’t feel yourself protected and there won’t be any privacy.

T.: Thank you very much! Although the “positive” neighbour was persuasive much, the points mentioned by the “negative” neighbour would stop me from buying this house.

Let’s continue

N1: This house is fully equipped and there’s an attic there, which adds more space. Moreover, it has a lovely garden. So I’d definitely recommend you buying it, it’s simple but cosy and lovely, you will be able to relax here.

N2: This house has small rooms, especially kitchen, and there’re only 2 bedrooms. Moreover as I know it’s poorly decorated. If talking about the exterior details I’d point out that there’s a disco club nearby. So I’d never recommend you buying it. One can never feel comfortable in such a little unattractive place. And just imagine how noisy it can be at night when music from the disco club will be heard!

T.: Thank you so much! I’d definitely listen to the “negative” neighbour, he is so much persuasive and he sounds very logical.

I must say the best “positive” neighbour was from the 1^st pair, and the best “negative” neighbour comes from the 3^rd pair. Thank you very much !