Why make FCE more fun ? HARD WORK: HARD WORK: You have to raise the complexity of their language You have to raise the complexity of their language Most classes need a lot of work with Use of English Most classes need a lot of work with Use of English We need to explain tactics for reading/listening etc. We need to explain tactics for reading/listening etc. MOTIVATION: MOTIVATION: Adults are tired after a busy day Adults are tired after a busy day Teens are teens Teens are teens

Oh what fun …? Passing things Passing things Changing places - moving Changing places - moving Doing things in pairs/groups Doing things in pairs/groups Negotiating things Negotiating things More visual stimuli e.g. pics, IWB More visual stimuli e.g. pics, IWB Something ONLINE outside class Something ONLINE outside class

Reading Part 2: Reference words 1.Gist read all the text – label each paragraph 2.Student As – Read before & after gap: write “what do you expect here?” 3.Student Bs – Read missing sentences: “write a question” 4.Teacher checks each + help choose best 5.As + Bs come together + choose answers

Reading Part 3: Reading Race 1.Do it with a map first! 2.Divide into 6 teams of 2 – check rules (“finished!” – put your hand up – points) 3.Teacher read out synonyms (whole, or parts of, questions on left)

Writing: Process v. Model Writing Cycle “Model Cycle” Introduce topic in class  show model  SS notice good phrases  SS do own version  Teacher marks it  SS puts it away / loses it

Writing: Process v. Model Writing Cycle “Process Writing Cycle” Introduce topic in class  SS discuss & plan content  SS do 1st version - T marks it  Work on good vocab/phrases in class  SS do 2nd version – T marks it  SS do 3rd version  SS displays work on board or Wiki

Writing: Graffiti Wall 1.Identify which complex structures you want to practice 2.SS write on graffiti wall in pairs (coloured pens - different angles) 3.Teacher photocopies (reduced) or scans for Wiki

Use of English (All parts): Collocation Triangles 1.Students in pairs try to put words in triangles 2.Teacher checks and explains any unusual ones 3.Students fold over paper and test each other

Use of English (Part 4): Personalised grammar structures Either: Revise structures done in class by personalising them for students to ask each other (see example) Or: Ask them to put a personalised example on the Wiki with “Wallwisher”

Personalised grammar structures (Examples for pair-work in class) Ask your partner: Do you know anyone who has dropped out of school or university?Do you know anyone who has dropped out of school or university? Have your parents ever taught you or your brother/sister a lesson?Have your parents ever taught you or your brother/sister a lesson? Have you recently had a discussion with someone about something?Have you recently had a discussion with someone about something? Do you know someone who hasn’t got a sense of humour?Do you know someone who hasn’t got a sense of humour? What do you like to do when you take a break from work or university?What do you like to do when you take a break from work or university? When is the last time you sat an exam?When is the last time you sat an exam? Idea taken from Andrew Walkley – ACEIA Conf 2011 Idea taken from Andrew Walkley – ACEIA Conf 2011

Listening Part 2: Question signposts Students have problems with a long listening: - it’s overwhelming – a “wall of sound” - it’s overwhelming – a “wall of sound” - they lose their place - they lose their place For the first listening: Tell a student to call out the number of the question when it starts to be talked about (They shouldn’t write down any answers at this stage)

Listening Part 3: Synonym hunting Students get a Part 3 with the answers already marked in. So what’s the point? - stress of “getting the right answer” is taken away - stress of “getting the right answer” is taken away - the task is now “find the synonym” - the task is now “find the synonym”

Speaking Part 2: Partner as monitor 1.Agree on good phrases to use in part 2 2.Teacher introduces Part 2 Question 3.Student As – Speak for one minute 4.Student Bs – Listen, using checklist 5.Bs give As feedback 6.Change round

Speaking Part 2: Partner as monitor SPEAKING PART 2 - CHECKLIST  Both photos show…  The first photo shows …  … whereas …  This one shows…  The photo (must / might) have been taken …  She / he (must / might) be feeling … because…  If I were ( him / her), I’d …

Speaking (All parts): The pron card 1.T. notices which words the SS have problems pronouncing + writes on coloured A4 card 2.T. adds to card from class to class 3.SS practice pron in pairs 4.T. backs up some problem words with pics