Teacher Guide
Show the students how to structure a response to a message like this, with a greeting, the body of the message (replying to any questions asked) and a sign off. Explain that the tone needs to be friendly and polite. Give them some useful phrases to practice using, for example, Thanks for your message.I was happy to get your message.It's great that....See you soon.All the best.Also teach them useful vocabulary for making suggestions, especially the modal verbs 'should' and 'could'. For example:I think you should....You could...They need to write 90 - 110 words so it is a good idea to ask a question or two as well as carefully responding to all the information in the original message.
10mins - Conversation: What did you do for your summer vacation? Describe one memorable experience. If you could go anywhere for a vacation, where would you go, and why? Review for the verb in the simple past and correct use of modal verbs of probability in the second conditional.
10mins - Review: Present perfect. (Have/has + past participle) - Present perfect is used to describe:
- actions that happened in the past, but still have consequences now and in the future. E.g. 'I've seen that film before.'
- an action that started in the past and may still continue to the present, with the possibility of continuing into the future. E.g. 'I've lived in Spain for two years.'
We CAN'T use the present perfect to talk about a specific time in which something happened in the past. E.g. 'I have gone to the cinema on Tuesday.' (incorrect)
10mins - Activity: Question and answer - Have students write questions using the present perfect interrogative form. (Have + subject + past participle). They must ask questions to their classmates and record their answers.
10mins - Worksheet: Present Perfect/ Simple Past practice.
15mins - Test: Worksheet: 01 Writing Practice.
05mins - Warm down: Discuss any material the student had difficulties with. Goodbye, see you next time!
00mins - Homework: Ask the student to find the lyrics to a song with English words. Have the student underline any words they have trouble understanding, and write a short summary of what they think the song is about.
1) You must write about 100 words. (90-110)
2) Open and close with a salutation and a farewell.
3) Underline the questions that you'll need to respond at and respond specifically to all parts of the prompt.
4) Try to use different words and language than the ones that are used in the prompt. (e.g. borrow/lend - enjoy/would like)
5) Don't go off task!
6) When you've finished the task, reread your writing and tick the notes to ensure you've included them all.
Possible solution:
Hi John,
Thanks for your message. That's great that you are going on a holiday. When are you going? There are many beautiful places you could go but I think you should go to Barcelona. There are lots of impressive and famous old buildings for your parents to visit. There are fun things to do in the city, like shopping. Also, it is near a beautiful beach so you can swim. I went there last year and I enjoyed it a lot. Do you want to see some photos from my holiday thee?Have a great holiday.
From,
Susan