1. 实用交际英语口语 Practical oral English communication
Part III (Informal) Debates

2. UNIT ONE VALUES AND LIFESTYLES
Before-class Assignments:
1. Students should have read the two passages in “Part I Read and Think”.
2. Students should have watched the two videos in “Part II Listen and See”.

3. Reading Report and Interaction 1
Passage One: Women Start Out as Ambitious as Men but It Erodes over Time
Have one student report on the theme and key information in the passage.
Ask students to talk about the passage
Prompts: Do you agree with Professor Ryan on her view as to why women become less ambitious? Apart from the constraints from society, are there other reasons that make the career path for women “uphill battles”?
Advisable sentence pattern for agreeing and disagreeing: That’s just what I was thinking.
That’s a good point.
Yes, that’s quite true, but…
Well, you have a point there, but…

4. Listen and See 1 3-1-1 Is lying rational?
(From
1. Play the video;
2. Ask students to report the main points of the video;
3. Ask students to talk in pairs/group about the following topic:
To what degree do you think lying (from serious frauds to minor fibs) is acceptable and why? Did you have any experience of being cheated? What was your reaction?

5. Principles and Strategies for (Informal) Debates
1. Ask students to brainstorm some dos and don’ts when having a debate.
2. Have students go over the principles in the textbook.
3. Explain the major strategies:
Think about 1) How can I develop the best possible arguments?
2) How can I find the flaws in the arguments from the other side?
Clarity, accuracy, relevance, depth, and logic are what you need to consider when developing an argument.
Take effective notes of your partners’ and opponents’ arguments.
Speak in a controlled and calm manner.
Do not prewrite your note and read them.
Avoid being personal.

6. In-class Activity 1: Informal Debate
Purpose: to practice developing convincing arguments and improving speaking skills
Group students into three teams, namely the prepositional, the oppositional and the panel of judges. And have them debate on the topic “Luxury goods should lower their prices in China.”

7. Reading Report and Interaction 2
Passage Two: Relax, Guys – It’s International Men’s Day (the official one)
Have one student report on the theme and key information in the passage;
Ask students to talk about the passage
Prompts: Is it a good idea to have an official International Men’s Day? Do you want to promote the Men’s Day in China?
Advisable sentence patterns for giving opinions: I sometimes think that…
Wouldn’t you say that…?
As I see it…
I’d like to point out that…

8. Listen and See 2 3-1-2 Breaking up with a toxic bestie.
(From
1. Play the video;
2. Ask students to report the main points of the video;
3. Ask students to work in groups:
Scenario: Suppose one of you has just broken up with his/her best friend. Try to offer some support and suggestions on maintaining a healthy relationship with friends.

9. In-Class Activity 2 Informal debate (based on Text 2)
Purpose: to consolidate major debating strategies
Group students into three teams, namely the prepositional, the oppositional and the panel of judges. And have them debate on the topic “An official International Men’s Day is a sign of steady progress towards gender equality.”

10. In-Class Activity 3 Mini-lecture (group/class work)
Purpose: to explore other topics in terms of values and lifestyles
Deliver a mini-lecture to your group/class on “becoming a veggie”.
Other topics for mini-lecture: sharing rides with your neighbors, adopting instead of buying a pet, etc.

11. AFTER-CLASS ASSIGNEMNT
1. Group Work: Prepare as many pro and con arguments as you can on “Are men more suitable for leadership positions than women?”. Then share your notes with your group.
2. Pair Work: One of you will try to convince the other that your university should adopt a four-day-weekday system, while the other needs to give response during the process according to your own viewpoint.
3. Students should read the two passages in “Part I Read and Think” from next unit.
4. Students should watch the two videos in “Part II Listen and See” from next unit.
5. Students should read sample dialogue “Renting an Apartment”.