"Good Job!"

Objectives:

• The learner will differentiate between compliments and criticisms in work-related conversations.

• The learner will make polite and informal requests in work-related situations.  

Duration:

    2 hours

Materials:

• Notebook paper

• Pencil/pen

• Standout 3, Standards-Based English, Staci Lyn Sabbagh and Rob Jenkins, Thomson and Heinle, 2002, pgs.132-33

• Standout audio tape #3

• White board

Activities:

1. Teacher writes the words "criticism" and "compliment" on the board. Teacher says, "I like the way you spoke to that customer," then asks class, "Criticism or compliment?" Teacher then says, "You took too much time doing that job," then asks the class, "Criticism or compliment?"

2. Learners complete Part A, pg. 132 in Standout 3, Standards-Based English, comparing answers with a partner, then with the class.

3. Learners listen to Part B on Standout audio tape #3 and answer questions 1-6.

4. Learner pairs use examples in parts A and B to write a short dialogue at work that contains a compliment or a criticism. Students may also use a situation from their work.

5. Teacher chooses two learners to read the parts in conversations 1 and 2 in Part D, pg. 133. Teacher asks learners to explain the difference between the two conversations.

6. Learners study charts in Part D defining polite and informal requests.

7. Learners listen to Part E on audio tape and answer questions 1-4.

8. Learners complete Part F, pg. 133. Learners edit, then exchange conversations with another learner pair to read and say in front of the class.

9. Learners write a paragraph about receiving a compliment or criticism at work. How did it make them feel? If it was a criticism, was it made politely, or rudely? How would the learner have made the same criticism? Does the learner know of a compliment he/she could say to a co-worker at work the next day? How would the learner say it?

Assessment:

Teacher monitors pronunciation, checks written responses for proper grammar use, offers corrections as required.