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Task-based speaking

This is a speaking lesson on the theme of planning a night out that uses a listening exercise to provide language input.

Richard Frost
Adults
B1
60

Preparation and materials

You will need to record two people planning a night out on the town.

Pre-task (15-20min)

Aim: To introduce the topic of nights out and to give the class exposure to language related to it. To highlight words and phrases.

  • Show sts pictures of a night out in a restaurant / bar and ask them where they go to have a good night out.
  • Brainstorm words/phrases onto the board related to the topic: people / verbs / feelings etc.
  • Introduce the listening of two people planning a night out. Write up different alternatives on the board to give them a reason for listening e.g. (a) restaurant / bar (b) meet at the train station / in the square. Play it a few times, first time to select from the alternatives, second time to note down some language.
  • Tell them that they are going to plan a class night out and give them a few minutes to think it over.


Task (10min)

  • Students do the task in twos and plan the night. Match them with another pair to discuss their ideas and any similarities and differences.

Planning (10min)

  • Each pair rehearses presenting their night out. Teacher walks around, helps them if they need it and notes down any language points to be highlighted later.

Report (15 min)

  • Class listen to the plans, their task is to choose one of them. They can ask questions after the presentation.
  • Teacher gives feedback on the content and quickly reviews what was suggested. Students vote and choose one of the nights out.


Language Focus (20min)

  • Write on the board five good phrases used by the students during the task and five incorrect phrases/sentences from the task without the word that caused the problem. Students discuss the meaning and how to complete the sentences.
  • Hand out the tapescript from the listening and ask the students to underline the useful words and phrases.
  • Highlight any language you wish to draw attention to e.g. language for making suggestions, collocations etc.
  • Students write down any other language they wish to remember.

Note: You can go on the planned night out with your students. This can make it even more motivating for them.

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Comments

Submitted by Олена Заморська on Wed, 01/08/2025 - 16:35

Thank you very much. I consider it is useful and workable.

Submitted by AlexB on Tue, 12/31/2024 - 14:06

Thanks for this lesson outline.
Where can I find the audio / the listening activity?

Hi Alex,

You need to record two people talking about a night out. Making this with friends or colleagues, means that you can discuss popular places and attractions relevant to your location.

Kirsteen

Submitted by Hoang Thi Thuy on Mon, 12/30/2024 - 10:47

A: Hey, are you free tonight? Let’s plan a night out in town!
B: Sure! What do you have in mind?

A: I was thinking we could start with dinner. Do you know any good restaurants?
B: Yes, there’s that new Italian place on Main Street. Everyone says the pasta is amazing.
A: Sounds perfect! Let’s book a table for 7 PM.

B: After dinner, what should we do?
A: How about heading to the rooftop bar near the square? It has a great view of the city at night.
B: That’s a great idea. I’ve been meaning to check it out!

A: Then maybe we can take a walk through the park or grab some dessert from that bakery that stays open late.
B: Oh, I love that idea! Their chocolate cake is the best.

A: Perfect! I’ll handle the restaurant reservation. Do you want to check the opening hours of the bar?
B: Sure, I’ll do that. What time should we meet?
A: Let’s meet at 6:30 PM, so we have some extra time to get to the restaurant.
B: Sounds good! I’m looking forward to it.

A: Me too! It’s going to be a fun night. See you later!
B: See you

Submitted by TRANG_NGUYEN_DNU on Sun, 12/29/2024 - 09:45

I love this kind of activity. This helps my students more active in the class time

Submitted by Shark-Chen95 on Sat, 12/28/2024 - 02:30

As for me, the best part of this lesson plan is that sts can improve their listening skills by doing listen and choose for the first time listening then the second time listen and write down some key information. But, the skill how to foster sts write down some notes while listening is a part of the teaching lesson.

I agree, this lesson plan is very flexible and teachers can focus on the skills and strengths and needs of different classes, so using one lesson plan twice with the same class or with two different classes can be really different, depending on what you focus on in feedback and reflection with your learners.

Submitted by Irinaglez on Sat, 12/21/2024 - 02:07

Thank you for sharing your lesson plan.

Submitted by Shamima Sharmin on Thu, 12/19/2024 - 20:14

It's really very creative idea of role playing by which learners can learn use of phrases and correctly use them in conversation .
Practical view of grammar learning indeed.
I love it.

Submitted by Bassirou SOW on Wed, 12/18/2024 - 15:20

Thanks for sharing this job!
Best

Submitted by syyed_ali_shah on Fri, 12/06/2024 - 06:42

I is very useful for me

Submitted by Marely on Thu, 12/05/2024 - 19:59

Thank you for this!
It was a success, I also made some slight changes.

Submitted by LivanoBanerjee on Mon, 03/25/2024 - 06:34

Thanks for the topic. Speaking tasks become interesting only when the students relate to the topics. Well-planned activity. Thank you very much.

Submitted by LhoBou on Sun, 03/24/2024 - 17:46

Thank you so much for this very detailed planning.

Submitted by Amal El Ghln on Sat, 03/16/2024 - 11:09

Thank you very much for this well planned and fun activities. I'm sure my beginner learners will benefit so much from it.

Submitted by Cath McLellan on Mon, 03/18/2024 - 11:25

Hi Amal

Thanks for the feedback - we hope your learners enjoy the activities too!

Cath

TeachingEnglish team

Submitted by Muhammad Elsay… on Sun, 03/03/2024 - 19:32

Thank you for your efforts.

Submitted by hendra on Fri, 02/16/2024 - 15:50

Thanks, this idea is great and I think it's applicable.

Submitted by Ari_Utami on Fri, 02/16/2024 - 12:54

Very to the point, yet detailed and inspiring. Thank you, Richard. GBU

Submitted by miZZ.williams on Thu, 07/22/2021 - 18:45

Thanks...I think I shall find this very useful.

Bless you, Richard

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