difficult speaking topics strategies

1. Warm up – Listen and write the questions.

Example: As a child...  

     Padding:  “I was born in Sydney.”  à      “Where were you born?”

1) Padding: “It was always difficult to make new friends as a teenager.”

     Question: _______________________________________________

2) Padding: “I was not a good student.”

     Question: _______________________________________________

3) Padding: “My parents weren’t very strict.”

          Question _______________________________________________

2.  Conversation: Take turns using padded questions on these controversial topics.

·       Remember to also use strategies learned in previous lessons (rejoinders, follow-up questions, & clarification).

Partner A

Partner B

Religion Is religion important to you? Gay How is it being gay in your country? Do you think gay people can be role models? Poverty Have you ever donated money? Have you ever received welfare? Illness Have you ever been seriously ill? Homeless Have you ever talked to a homeless person? Are there homeless people in your country? Prejudice What are some prejudices you have?

Annoying things What annoys you about living where you live now? Does it annoy you when people kiss in public? Roles of men and women Do you see yourself as a typical man or woman? Is it OK for men to cry? The first time When did you first go on a date? When did you fall in love for the first time? Marriage & Divorce Are your parents still together? Are you married? Language Can you speak a foreign language well? Prejudice Are women highly regarded in your society?