logo
1 First person questions 2 Third person questions 3 Open questions: which 4 Open questions: how 5 Closed questions 6 Choice questions 7 Mixed questions 8 Responses I 9 Responses II 10 Review
To be created

Unit 1 First person questions

Learning outcomes

By the end of this unit you should:

  • be able to ask and answer questions about personal details
  • understand the two main intonation patterns in questions
  • have practised speaking at normal speed
Rubik

Activity A: Introduction to course

Read the list below to find out the different types of activities included in this course

  1. Learning outcomes states what learners should be able to do or have done by the end of the unit.
  2. Language focus introduces the main grammar, vocabulary or language point.
  3. Shadowing practice involves listening and repeating the words said at the same time or very slightly after.
  4. Role play is where learners practice conversations.
  5. Pronunciation focus provides more details about intonation, stress and sounds, etc.
  6. Showing interest helps create good impression and encourages further conversation
  7. Fluency practice focuses on keeping conversations going without any "dead" air
  8. Common errors are pointed out to help you avoid them.
  9. Review gives you chance to check what you have learnt.
discussion

Activity 1: Language focus - open and closed questions

A man is visiting Thailand. Here are his answers to some questions.

Work alone or with a partner to create the questions.

What's your name?

Where do you live?

Can you speak Thai?

Do you like Thai food?

Practice asking and answering the questions. Use these answers first and then use create your own answers.

Activity 2: Shadowing practice

Listen to these questions and answers. Then say them at the same time and in the same way as your tutor.

  1. Are you ready?
    Yes, I am.
  2. How old are you?
    I'd rather not say.
  3. Do you want to take a break?
    That's a great idea.
  4. Would you like a drink?
    No, thank you.

Work in pairs. One person asks questions. One person answers. Afterwards, change roles.

Activity 3: Role play

Practise these role plays in pairs.

You are waiting to join a meeting. A woman starts to talk to you outside the meeting room. Use the questions below. Feel free to change the answers and add more questions.

  1. Are you waiting for meeting to start?
    Yes, I am.
  2. Which company are you from?
    I'm from .........
  3. Do you want to have a seat?
    That's a great idea.
  4. Would you like some water?
    No, thank you.

When you have finished one role play. Change roles. Repeat.

Activity 4: Pronunciation focus - Intonation

Read this explanation about intonation.

In English, the grammar of a sentence is linked to intonation. The default intonation is a falling tone at the end of a sentence. Most sentences use this falling tone. Open questions also use the falling tone. Open questions begin with question words like what, where, who and how.

Closed questions do not use the falling intonation. Closed questions do not begin with question words like what, where, who and how. Closed questions begin with auxiliary or modal verbs like is, are, do, can, etc. Closed questions use a rising tone at the end.

Read these questions aloud using the correct intonation.

  1. Where do you live? ↘
  2. Is that far from here? ↗
  3. What do you do? ↘
  4. Are you Japanese? ↗
  5. What's your name? ↘
  6. Can you speak English? ↗

Activity 5: Showing interest

Read.

It is important to show interest when having a conversation. Here are some behaviours that you should NOT do.

  1. turn away from the person speaking
  2. avoid eye contact
  3. look angry, sad or bored
  4. never speak

In short, do the opposite of these, and you will be showing interest.

Activity 6: Fluency practice

Work in pairs or groups. Practice speaking based on the details given below.

You and a visitor are sitting in a room. Introduce yourself and try to keep the conversation going.

You are interviewing a candidate for a new post. Ask questions about their education and experience.

You are enjoying lunch. A friend of a friend sits next to you. Talk together.

You are visiting the hometown of a colleague or classmate. Ask about the place, people and food.



Activity 7: Common errors

Work alone or with a partner. Identify and correct the errors below:

I live in Bangkok. OR I am living in Bangkok (Use this style when referring to something you feel is temporary)

Can you do it?

Where do you live?

Where are you from? OR Where do you come from?

Ask your tutor to explain any errors you are unsure about.

Review

Can you:

  1. ask questions using "you"?
  2. answer questions using "I"?
  3. use falling intonation with open questions?
  4. use rising intonation with closed questions?

If you can't, practise.