Now you try it!
In this activity, you will practice asking focused questions.
Work with a partner. One of you will be Student One and the other will be Student Two. First, Student One will choose a card and begin the conversation:
Student 1: Start with a greeting (Hi! How’s it going? What’s up? What’s new?) then read the card out loud.
Student 2: Greet your partner, listen to what they say and respond with a focused question.
Student 1: Explain the word that your partner didn’t understand.
Student 2: Say mm hmm... (or Okay/I see/I get it) to show you understand. Then read your card.
For example, you both pick a card.
Student 2: Ask a focused question.
Student 1: Explain the word.
Student 2: Say Mm hmm...
Listen to this example of people keeping their conversation going.
Now click on the Student One or Student Two tab above.
Student 2: Ask a focused question.
Student 1: Explain the word.
Student 2: Say Mm hmm...
She has the measles!
(a kids’ disease, causes a high temperature and small red spots that cover the whole body)
We went to Hawaii for our vacation last year.
(an island state in the US)
My friend who works in Hematology lost her job yesterday.
(where they study blood diseases)
Charlize Theron is my favorite actor.
(an actor originally from South Africa; she was in the Mad Max movie)
I signed up to take CNA classes! I start next month.
(...)
I have to work overtime this weekend for 4 hours!
(...)
Student 1: Ask a focused question.
Student 2: Explain the word.
Student 1: Say Mm hmm...
The cafeteria has Tom Yum soup on the menu.
(this great soup from Thailand with shrimp and lime juice, and fish sauce…)
The classes are going to be held at the community college.
(It’s a two-year college that is not too expensive.)
I’ll meet you at 15:35, okay?
(It is military time for 3:35 pm.)
Jane asked if you could bring a pound of potato salad to the potluck.
(1/2 a kilo)
That patient is 102 years old!
(...)
Can you cover for me on Friday? I have to take my mother to her physical therapy appointment.
(...)