Sep 24, 2011

Astro Boy: To be Supposed to x To be Able to

This animated movie is amusing. I had a lot of fun in the theater with my little niece. I used this scene to contrast the use of to be supposed to x to be able to.




A. This scene takes place in the future. Watch the scene and write down 5 things that robots will be supposed to do in the future, according to the segment:

1.......................................................
2......................................................
3......................................................
4......................................................
5.....................................................





B. Now watch the second segment from the same movie. Make a list of 5 things that robots will be able to do and that humans can't do nowadays.

1................................................
2................................................
3................................................
4................................................
5................................................








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MOVIE SEGMENT DOWNLOAD - ASTRO BOY - PART 1

MOVIE SEGMENT DOWNLOAD - ASTRO BOY - PART 2

Sep 16, 2011

The Ghost Writer: Giving Directions - Imperative Forms

This movie is amazing. I love Roman Polanski's films and this one is no exception. This scene is great because of the clear instructions given by the car's GPS.









I. Read the instruction the driver received from his GPS while driving to his destination. Choose the right verbs from the given ones below before watching the video.

You may repeat them.


TURN - PROCEED - JOIN - MAKE - TAKE


1. __________ road when possible.


2. In 200 yards, ____________ left.


3. __________ around when possible.


4. _____________ to the indicated route.


5. In 200 yards, ____________ the next exit.


6. In half a mile, _________ a short right turn.


You have reached your destination!


II. Now watch the segment and check your answers.






Answers: 1. join, 2. turn, 3. turn, 4. proceed, 5. take, 6. make


II. Work with a partner. Choose 2 easy-to-reach destinations in your city and give each other instructions to get there driving.



Ex: From Park Shopping to Carrefour.



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MOVIE SEGMENT DOWNLOAD - THE GHOST WRITER

Sep 9, 2011

The Green Zone: Scanning - Teaching Reading

Of course Scanning is not a grammar point, but it is a technique we teach students to read better. Since many readings are sources for grammar points, I used this segment to have students practice scanning for information in a written text.



Scanning is a technique to search for key words or ideas. In most cases, you know what you're looking for, so you're concentrating on finding a particular answer. Scanning involves moving your eyes quickly down the page seeking specific words and phrases. When scanning, look for the author's use of organizers such as numbers, letters, steps, or the words, first, second, or next. Look for words that are bold faced, italics, or in a different font size, style, or color.

I. You will watch a scene of an invetigator scanning for information. He googles Lawn Dayne / Wall Street Journal / WMD (Weapons of Mass Destruction). Scan the information along with the main character in the movie and write down all key words and data you can see.
II. Watch the segment again and complete your data collection.

II. Work with a partner and come up with an article summarizing the information you put together. You may use your imagination to come up with an interesting article. Don't forget to add a title to your article.







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MOVIE SEGMENT DOWNLOAD - THE GREEN ZONE

Sep 2, 2011

Radio Days: While x During

Woody Allen is one of my favorite directors. I don't usually find scenes for my purposes, but this movie is full of them. I think this scene is fantastic because burglars end up helping the family they are robbing. I used it to practice the difference between the use of while and during.




A. Watch the movie segment and decide if the best alternative is while or during.


1. The phone rang while / during they were robbing the Needleman's house.


2. The burglars answered he phone while / during the robbery.


3. The TV host called the Needlemans while / during the radio show.


4. They were supposed to guess that tune while / during the band was playing it.


5. The Needlemans received the winning prize while / during they were standing on the porch.


6. The Needlemans were so surprised that they didn't do anything while / during the delivery.






Answer key:


1. while 2. during 3. during 4. while 5. while 6. during






B. Now write down 3 things that you do:


While you are talking on the phone.

1 ........................................................
2 .......................................................
3 ......................................................


During a party:

1 ......................................................
2 .....................................................
3 .....................................................

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MOVIE SEGMENT DOWNLOAD - RADIO DAYS