E4.5 B1 Speakout unit 8A. Know-how: Doers and dreamers.

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• MBO
• Studiejaar 1

In this lesson, Ss talk about abilities. They begin by reading an article about a film-maker and photographer and his practical skills. From that article, they learn verbs and phrasal verbs related to practical abilities. Next, Ss listen to different speakers talking about their practical skills. Using this recording, Ss are introduced to can, could and be able to to describe ability. They focus on the pronunciation of strong and weak vowel sounds in can, could and be able to, before talking about their own abilities. Finally, they write an anecdote about learning a skill, focusing on time expressions.

Today's class

Talk about abilities.

Read an article about practical skills: phrasal verbs.

Describe ability using can, could, be able to.

Write an anecdote about learning a skill.

To start

Are you good or bad at fixing things?

BBC vlog

Watch the video. 

Note down the things the people talk about fixing. Compare in pairs.

Are you good at fixing things? What things can you fix?

Phrasal verbs

"A phrasal verb is a verb combined with another word, usually a preposition. The phrasal verb has a different meaning than the verb itself."

Phrasal verbs

to break up

Phrasal verbs

to break up

to end a romantic relationship

Phrasal verbs

to break up

verb

preposition

How does Grégoire use his skills?

Do you agree that Grégoire is ‘living the dream’? Would you like to live a similar life? Why/Why not?

ANSWERS:

He’s a YouTuber who travels in a van and makes short films. He turned his van into a mobile studio, added new parts and installed electricity. Sometimes he repairs and replaces things. He and a friend also built a tiny house. They arranged access to running water, put up shelves and added a power supply.

Answer the questions.

Do you agree that Grégoire is ‘living the dream’? Would you like to live a similar life? Why/Why not?

Answers

Do you agree that Grégoire is ‘living the dream’? Would you like to live a similar life? Why/Why not?

Talk in pairs

Present and past

ANSWERS:

Abilities in the present: 3, 4, 5

Abilities in the past: 1, 2, 6

Write down answers.

First, individually. 6A. Explain that Ss will ask and answer the questions in pairs (or groups). First, give them time to note down answers to the questions. Encourage them to think about the form of can, could and be able to that they can use in their answers, as well as vocabulary from this lesson.

Now, ask each other!

6B. Put Ss into pairs, or small groups if you want to vary the interaction patterns. Ask Ss to ask and answer the questions and try to find out how similar or different their abilities are. Use the example given to demonstrate. Monitor Ss’ use of can, could and be able to, as well as vocabulary from this lesson. In open class, ask a few Ss to share anything interesting they found out about their partner and/or who in their group they have the most in common with and why. Provide feedback on Ss’ use of language, eliciting corrections to errors where necessary. Help Ss with strategies to deal with any issues.

Homework

Pearson Speakout:

Unit 8A

To finish

Please get ready to finish this lesson together.

Writing

Work individually.

Write an anecdote:

use 100 - 140 words.

Work in groups of 3-4.

Read the text to each other.