Discussion Groups / English Usage / November 2006

Can anyone proofread what I've prepared for my microteaching? I'm in
need of correction, please.
Thank you in advance...

Hello, class. I hope you're all feeling well today. Today is a big
day. The first Microteaching Day.
Ok. Enough of greetings and, lets get it started. Ready? Alright.
First, make groups of four. Make it quick. And I'll give you
handouts. Please, pass them around. Everybody has got a copy? Anybody
who hasn't?

Ok. Last week, we learned about the "prominence", the most
highlighted, emphasized word in an utterance. To remind you what we
learned last class, I have a sound clip for you.
OK. Ready, I'll play the sound clip. (Play the clip....)

You've just heard different versions of a line from James bond
movies.
What was the line?
Yes, the name is Bond. James Bond
What did you notice? No body? OK. When Bond was first said, it was
stressed, and when it is repeated it wasn't stressed. Why?
Because.........the first Bond.......is... the new information, and the
second Bond......is......the old information. New information is likely
to be the most stressed, highlighted word in a sentence because.....it
is important.

Now, I'll give you a minute to play James Bond. Read the line
"I'm Bond. James Bond". If you have an English name, you can use
it to practice. Go ahead. If you don't have an English name, you can
pick whatever character or name you like. While you're doing it, pay
attention to the most stressed words having new information.

Alright.  Stop acting out. Enough of James Bond. I know you love acting
out, but we don't have enough time for a warm-up. Let's go on to
the next activity. First, look at the first page of the handout. I'm
going to play an audio clip for you to listen and repeat each sentence.
Remember: All the capitalized words in bold type should be spoken with
strong stress.
OK. I'm going to play the file.

Now, turn to the page 2. I'll give you a minute to make up 5
sentences and put them down on your worksheet. Each sentence has to
contain new and old information words.  You can circle the most
stressed word if you want. After that, ask and answer the questions in
pairs.

Ok. Are you finished? Good. Time is running up.
Then let's go on to our final activity, 'spot the difference." At
the last page, you can see a picture. However, your picture is slightly
different with your partner's. Try to find as many differences as
possible, and you have to exchange information by explaining what you
see and ask some questions. Remember; Do not show your picture to your
partner.

Alright. Time is up. Have a good day. Thank you..

Best regards,
Sandy.