Tag Archives: Brainstorming

Choices

Most people love choices: left or right, onwards or homewards, yes or no, combined with the trepidation of ‘what if…?’ or ‘have I made the right decision?’ This task suggestion is loosely based on a series of novels published in the UK in the mid-1980s; novels in which the reader could decide the fate of the protagonist depending on decisions made or routes chosen.

The ultimate aim of the task, the desired learner outcome, is to facilitate a working knowledge of narrative tenses, modal verbs, conditional structures and vocabulary relating to character and adventure. The desired aim of the task, however, is to promote team-working skills, communication development and to have fun, a commonly neglected word! Amalgamating the two approaches needn’t be hard work for the teacher and the end product can be made into wall posters, a school presentation or a ‘take home and keep’ novella.

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What’s The Story, Morning Glory?

AIM: Question forming, Brainstorming, Narrative Work
LEVEL: Intermediate – Advanced
TIME: 10-15 minutes
MATERIALS / PREPARATION: None

PROCEDURE:
– Tell the students that you have a story in mind and that they are to guess the storyline by asking yes / no questions. Give them a general theme for the story such by telling them its a “love story” or a “crime”, etc. You can also give them some brief details about the characters if you like.

– Tell the students to keep notes about your answers so that they can keep track of the details and piece the story together.

– Instruct the students they you will only answer “properly formed questions”.

– You do not need to have a story in mind at all! Simply answer ‘yes’ to every third question and ‘no’ to the others. When answering questions, give the impression that careful thought has been put into each response!

– After answering a number of questions (at least 20) put the students into pairs and have them write the story they believe you have thought of.

– Encourage students to be creative, if they claim they don’t have the details.

– Have each group read their story to the class – before you tell them the truth!