BONUS HANDOUT: Learning English

Notes

ESLTopics.com
MAKING TEACHING FUN

Aims Speaking practice; self-assessment; student counseling (optional)

Level Lower-Intermediate to Upper-Intermediate
Time Approx. 25 35 minutes

NOTES:

(2)

(1)

Have your students use the Comments

box at the bottom (or have them use the
back of the handout) to write down one
thing he / she thinks is most necessary to
change regarding his / her study habits;
for example: I think I should come to
class on time more often to improve my
English.

This is a great activity for making students

aware of the basic responsibilities involved
in learning English (for example, coming to
class on time). Because it can be done as a
pair work interview, it is also less threatening
than if done as a simple teacher-student
exercise. It is also best done near the
beginning of the semester or session so that
the students can learn from it and possibly
change their learning habits for the better.
Distribute the handouts (one per student)
with your students seated in pairs. Allow at
least 10 minutes for student A to interview
and record the answers that student B
gives. Copy the model dialog below onto the
board and strongly encourage follow-up
questions and discussion:
A:
B:
or
B:
A:

Do you come to class on time?

I only (sometimes) come to class on time.
I (dont often) come to class on time.
Why dont you come to class on time more

and
A:
B:
A:
B:

Do you come to class on time?

Yes, I do.
Why?
I come to class on time very often
because .

When B has finished answering all the

questions, have the students switch roles,
with B now asking student A the
questions, recording answers and asking
follow-up questions.
(20 25 minutes)

Permission granted to reproduce for classroom use. www.esltopics.com

Wrap-up the activity with a short

discussion of how important they think
it is to come to class on time, do
homework, watch English language TV
programs, etc.
(5 10 minutes)

IDEA!
Make sure that all the students have written
their names on their handouts (the papers that
record their own study habits). Collect the
papers and use them as the basis of student
counseling sessions at a later date. For
example: Robert, why dont to come to class
on time very often? Use the Comments box
at the bottom (or use the back of the handout)
to write notes to your students (before returning
the papers) regarding their grades or
performance to date.

NAME: ___________________

DATE: ___________________

SELF - ASSESSMENT
for English-Language Learners
Almost everyone has the ability to learn a second language. If you want to
improve your English even more, try thinking about the things you do, and the
things you dont do.

OUTSIDE OF

CLASS

DURING

CLASS

1.
2.

Do you come to class on time?

Do you try to use new vocabulary and grammar that you
learned in a previous class?

3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.

Do you speak only English during class time?

13.
14.
15.
16.

Do you preview and review the lessons in your textbook?

17.
18.
19.
20.

Do you go on-line to English language learning websites?

Do you try to help your classmates?

Do you ask your teacher questions if you dont understand?
Do you bring your books, notebook, and pen?
Do you write new vocabulary in your notebook?
Do you try to speak English with many different classmates?
Do you listen carefully to your teacher and classmates?
Do you smile and try to be friendly in class?
Do you do your English homework?
Do you read English language magazines, books, or
newspapers?
Do you watch English language TV programs?
Do you use a dictionary to learn new words?
Do you practice English by writing in an English language
diary?
Do you speak English to friends, family, or co-workers?
Do you study with one or two classmates after school?
Do you speak English to your classmates if you arrive at
school early?

COMMENTS

Permission granted to reproduce for classroom use. www.esltopics.com

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