Conversation
Speaking 8 - ELP:
Currently Taught by:
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Learning Objectives:
By the end of this class I can:
use a suitable phrase to intervene in a discussion on a familiar topic.
adjust to the changes of direction, style and emphasis normally found in conversation.
speculate about the causes of an issue or problem.
narrate a story in detail, giving relevant information about feelings and reactions.
initiate, maintain and end discourse naturally with effective turn-taking.
emphasize a point in a conversation using rhetorical questions.
politely avoid answering a question without making it obvious to the listener.
precisely express the potential consequences of actions or events.
use hyperbole to emphasize a point (e.g. It's going to take me years to do this.).
paraphrase an idea using a range of linguistic devices.
express an attitude, opinion or idea using idiomatic language.
present their ideas with precision and respond to complex lines of argument convincingly.
state clearly the limits to a concession.
give clear presentations highlighting significant points with relevant supporting detail.
lead a discussion in an interview, expanding and developing ideas with little help from the interviewer.
compare the advantages and disadvantages of possible approaches and solutions to an issue or problem.
talk about hypothetical events and actions, and their possible consequences.
compare and evaluate different ideas using a range of linguistic devices.
use a variety of linking words efficiently to mark clearly the relationships between ideas.
give well-structured, detailed presentations on a wide range of familiar subjects.
carry out an effective, fluent interview, spontaneously following up on interesting replies.
shift between formal and informal registers as and when required.
negotiate a solution to a dispute (e.g. an undeserved traffic ticket, blame for an accident).
relate their own contribution skilfully to those of other speakers.
use circumlocution and paraphrase to cover gaps in vocabulary and structure.
give detailed technical instructions in their field of specialization.
put forward a smoothly flowing and logical structured argument, highlighting significant points.
make a verbal summary to confirm their understanding of a linguistically complex discourse.
exchange complex information on a wide range of matters related to their work.
make a clear strong argument during a formal discussion.
give a detailed response to a counter-argument presented by someone else during a discussion.
express attitudes using linguistically complex language.
depart from and return fluently to a prepared speech in order to answer audience questions.
Tasks
C/ Community access tasks: Obtain detailed complex consumer information on goods and services.
Give instructions and directions to movers on packing, loading and shipping. Prepare and present a proposal / plan for an itinerary of a group trip.
S / Study / Academic tasks: Present a summary of newscast for the day. Present an analysis of one or two issues of Canadian cities, other geographical locations or communities, governments, institutions or population. Engage in a conversation on familiar but abstract ideas. Examples: Discuss in a group: sports, politics, social and family issues, relationships between people, values and attitudes (e.g., concept of time or family in various cultures). Present an analysis of one or two issues about Canadian culture and other cultures. Present an analysis of one or two issues involving organisms, energy and matter, mechanics and machines, and technology. Research and explain instructional guidelines on self-help topics in health, wellness and disease prevention (e.g., diet, exercise, sleep, stress). Present an analysis of one or two issues in Canadian short stories, poems, or non-fiction. Present a synopsis based on notes from lecturettes or presentations on the subject of language learning or interpersonal communication. Tell someone a story to illustrate a point. Present researched information about oral hygiene and simple dental procedures.
W / Workplace tasks: Ask about job opportunities and openings in person and on the phone.
Present qualifications effectively in a job interview. Answer the phone in a professional manner (identify organization and yourself; greet and connect a caller; give routine information; hold a conversation, close). Give instructions on: operating cash register; processing sales; documenting merchandise return.
Present a complaint to a person and work with her / him towards resolving the conflict (neighbours, work, school). Make a 15- minute formal business presentation to a small familiar group; present a company, product, service, process, or issue. Speak with suppliers to determine availability of material, to purchase goods and exchange information on products. Speak with colleagues / co-workers and resource people to obtain information when collaborating on a project. Report to colleagues / co-workers, supervisors, teachers on work progress. Make a presentation to recommend that certain changes be made and to propose a detailed solution. Participate in a performance review with an instructor or supervisor. In a restaurant work context, take a reservation for a large party over the phone, including specific details (number of high chairs), and pre-ordering. Participate actively in group work or a brainstorming meeting.
Summarize / present information as a spokesperson for a small work group at a seminar / training course.
Explain a problem with a new program, machine, procedure; present a possible detailed solution.
Respond to client complaints and make suggestions for a resolution. Receive and entertain visitors.
Conduct a tour of the facility / workplace / school for outside visitors; explain operation, answer questions. Respond to a complaint over the phone by empathizing and referring the caller to management.
Take a food delivery order / simple catering order over the phone, including optional / additional details (napkins, cutlery, condiments).