Splendid Speaking Course

Splendid Expressions
Ideal companions for the Splendid Speaking Task Sheets

The Splendid Speaking Course

Volume 1 Unit 2
Active Listening

Unit 8: Making a Difference

Task: Role Play (3-4 minutes)
Topic vocabulary

To make a valuable
contribution.
To be a good role model
To have an impact on
To look up to somebody
To work tirelessly
To inspire others
To take responsibility
To offer an essential service
To make a sacrifice
To lay down ones life
To serve the public/nation
To offer moral/spiritual
guidance
To be lost without someone
Role play expressions
You were saying
You mentioned
The point you made about
was interesting.
Thats a good point.
Youve got a point there.
Youre absolutely correct.
Precisely!
I see what you mean but
I see what youre getting at
but
But dont you think

1. Introduction: In preparation for a Careers Fair the organisers are looking

to invite TWO guest speakers from the world of work. To help them make
their choice, you and your partner have been asked to decide which two
of the following professions make the biggest contribution to society:
Doctors | Writers | Politicians | Teachers | Scientists | Journalists | Artists

2. Planning: Spend a few minutes thinking about which of the professions

you rate more highly than others and why. However, be prepared to
change your mind later in the face of persuasive arguments!

3. Task focus: Work with your partner to reach agreement rather than
simply arguing for your own choices. Ask your partner for his/her
opinions, using open-ended questions to encourage full answers:
Why Where What Tell me How
Use some of the role play expressions on the left to show interest in or to
respond to comments your partner makes.

4. Language: Tick any of the language on the left you want to use to present
your case. Write down some of your own.

Task: Presentation (1-2 minutes)

latest news ...
One of the balloons in the Round the
World race is in trouble .... last seen
rapidly losing altitude .... rescue teams
ready ...
The seven professions above each have a representative in one hot air
balloon, which is losing altitude very quickly! Only two professions can be
saved five must be handed a parachute and ejected!

Listen to Ekaterina and

Lachesara from Bulgaria
talking on a similar
subject. See the
December archives
( I n t e r vi e w 8 ) a t :
s p l e n d i d- s p e a k i n g . c o m

Work in groups and choose one of the professions to support. Make sure
each group has a different profession. Plan a 1-2 minute presentation
outlining why your person should be allowed to stay in the balloon. Then
nominate one person from your group to stand up and deliver the
presentation.
Finally, hold a class vote to see which two professions remain in the
balloon.