Lesson 1: I want to learn English because

Warm-ups:
1) Tell me about myself (http://iteslj.org/games/9972.html)
2) Identity cards (Klippel, F. 1985. Keep talking. p16)

Activity 1 (Pre-listening: tapping into L2 background knowledge on the topic to

support comprehension and increase their attention and motivation to listen to
the video):

Pairwork:

Pairwork: Why do you think people start learning foreign

What do the following pictures have in common?

Discuss in pairs.

languages? What are their reasons? Discuss in pairs and write

down some of your thoughts.

Pairwork: Check what other learners have to say about their

reasons for learning English. Discuss their statements in pairs and
tick those which have similar reasons as yours.

Game: Find a partner who is learning English because.

Tell Ss that the title of the lesson is I want to learn English because
.

Activity 2 (While-listening: Ss check if some of their answers from Activity 1 Q2

are mentioned in the video; play the video twice if necessary)
Videos:
Learn English with BBC Learning English
https://www.youtube.com/user/bbclearningenglish
Why do I want to learn English?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YQF_VkzuDU
Why I want to learn English

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wm-yMV4pQYM
Whats your reason for learning English?
http://www.englishcentral.com/video/11146/whats-your-reason-for-learningenglish

Whole class: Ss report back some of the reasons that match their
guessings.
Ss report back the other reasons mentioned by the people
in the video.

Activity 3
Pairwork: Match the slips of paper and then discuss the
statements.

With your partner, reach an agreement on the most

important reasons for learning and knowing English.
Number the statements in order of importance. Give
reasons for your choices.

Knowing English provides you with bigger professional opportunities:

Being bilingual is something that more and more businesses all over the world
require from their employees. Knowing English increases your chances of getting a
better paid job in a multinational company within your home country or abroad. Most
of the international business interactions that happen in different parts of the world
use English as a platform. You will hear business people conduct business in
English in Shanghai, Tokyo, Moscow, Budapest, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, and
many other cities around the globe. In order to be able to function successfully in the
field of international business, communicate with other business people through
email, memos, at conferences, etc., one needs to be able to understand English and
express thoughts and ideas in English.
Learning and speaking English is fun:
By learning English you will also learn about other cultures. Few experiences will
make you grow as a person more than learning the values, habits and way of life in
a culture that is different from yours. Ultimately English makes it easy to access and
understand other cultures. When the language barrier is lifted, there is more space
for cooperation, for empathy, and for common ground.
Knowing English facilitates access to entertainment:
If you can speak English you will finally be able to understand the words in your
favourite films, and the lyrics in your favourite songs! The USA and British music
industries dominate the worlds popular music scene, and most of the biggest bands
and rappers on the planet sing in English.
Learning English helps you gain access to education in an English academic
context:
The United States alone has approximately 4,495 universities where students can
study and there are many other universities in other English-speaking countries.
Knowing how to speak English opens the door for students to study abroad, either to
get a degree, do research or study even just for a semester.
Learning English means endless access to free information:
In the information age, knowing English will allow you to access vast amounts of
information through the Internet, at absolutely no charge. In terms of volume, there
are more web pages in English than any other language. You will have countless
opportunities to obtain free information on a multitude of different topics.

Speaking English makes traveling more enjoyable:

English is predominately the language used for international travel. English is
spoken by many people as a first or second language all over the world. So no
matter where you travel, it is highly likely that some of the locals will speak English.
At airports, train stations, hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions, safety
information and instructions are commonly provided in English. So if you dont speak
the local language you will be able to get around and learn about the historical and
cultural sites you see during your travels. You will also feel safer and more confident
knowing English if you dont know the local language. Not only will English help you
get around but it will also make it easier for you to interact with other travelers. This
can make traveling more enjoyable and rewarding.

Im learning English because

1 Im learning English because it will be useful for my job.
2 Its the language of science and research. I need to pass English to succeed in
my studies.
3 Were going on holiday to New York in October.
4 I always wanted to learn English again but until now I havent tried. English
will help me develop personally and professionally. Id really like to be able to
express myself in English.
5 I wasnt very good at English at school, we had a terrible teacher and it was
just another subject, another obligation. But now its my hobby and Im
learning it because I want to, not because I have to.
6 I tried English classes three times before but they never lasted more than a
few months. Then, two years ago a good friend said that she wanted to do the
same, and now I never miss a class. Knowing that shell be there means I dont
want to stop.
7 The world is such a small place these days: travelling, on the internet, films
and TV and so on, and its all English, English, English. I want to be part of the
global community.
8 I remember the first time I went to Dublin, I couldnt say anything. I felt like
Tarzan! I just pointed to things that I wanted and smiled. But the last time I
went to Ireland was much better. I could order food in a restaurant and ask
questions politely. My boyfriend was so impressed. A good feeling!
9 I dont know, Ive always enjoyed it, ever since I was at school. I was good at
it so I carried on. Its a part of my life that Im really happy with.