Splendid Speaking Course

Splendid Expressions
”Ideal companions for the Splendid Speaking Task Sheets”

The Splendid Speaking Course

Volume 1 Unit 2
‘Active Listening’

Unit 8: Making a Difference

Task: Role Play (3-4 minutes)
Topic vocabulary 1. Introduction: In preparation for a Careers Fair the organisers are looking
To make a valuable to invite TWO guest speakers from the world of work. To help them make
contribution. their choice, you and your partner have been asked to decide which two
To be a good role model of the following professions make the biggest contribution to society:
To have an impact on
To look up to somebody Doctors | Writers | Politicians | Teachers | Scientists | Journalists | Artists
To work tirelessly
To inspire others 2. Planning: Spend a few minutes thinking about which of the professions
To take responsibility you rate more highly than others and why. However, be prepared to
To offer an essential service change your mind later in the face of persuasive arguments!
To make a sacrifice
To lay down one’s life 3. Task focus: Work with your partner to reach agreement rather than
To serve the public/nation simply arguing for your own choices. Ask your partner for his/her
To offer moral/spiritual opinions, using open-ended questions to encourage full answers:
guidance Why … Where … What … Tell me … How …
To be lost without someone
Use some of the role play expressions on the left to show interest in or to
Role play expressions respond to comments your partner makes.
You were saying …
You mentioned … 4. Language: Tick any of the language on the left you want to use to present
The point you made about … your case. Write down some of your own.
was interesting.
That’s a good point. Task: Presentation (1-2 minutes)
You’ve got a point there.
You’re absolutely correct.
Precisely! latest news ...
I see what you mean but …
I see what you’re getting at One of the balloons in the ‘Round the
but … World’ race is in trouble .... last seen
But don’t you think … rapidly losing altitude .... rescue teams
ready ...

The seven professions above each have a representative in one hot air
balloon, which is losing altitude very quickly! Only two professions can be
saved – five must be handed a parachute and ejected!

Listen to Ekaterina and
Lachesara from Bulgaria
talking on a similar
subject. See the
December archives
( I n t e r vi e w 8 ) a t :
s p l e n d i d- s p e a k i n g . c o m
Work in groups and choose one of the professions to support. Make sure
each group has a different profession. Plan a 1-2 minute presentation
outlining why your person should be allowed to stay in the balloon. Then
nominate one person from your group to stand up and deliver the
presentation.
Finally, hold a class vote to see which two professions remain in the
balloon.