English 2 (C1 Level)
Session 1 - Hidden Meanings, register and audience adaption
In other news
Sports Medicine News
Our task
With one other (in pairs):
- Chose one article from one of the websites above (that you are both interested in).
- Read for understanding the whole article (take notes in your own words in English).
- Discuss the article with your neighbour (check you and they understand it the same way).
- You'll be given an audience to somehow present the information to (e.g. parents of high school students).
- With your partner, chose the type of presentation and the outline of the presentation.
- Keep the audience in mind - do they know the more technical words that you know?
- Break down the technical concepts into easier to understand analogies and stories.
We will briefly present to the class as if they are the audience we were given.
Reflection Discussion
Reflection on Audience Adaptation:
- What specific strategies did you use to adapt the vocabulary and register of the original article to suit the needs and knowledge level of your assigned audience?
Analysis of Specialist Knowledge Translation
- What challenges did you encounter when breaking down specialist knowledge from the original article for a different audience?
- In retrospect, is there anything you would have done differently in simplifying or explaining the specialist knowledge?
Evaluation of Presentation Design
- Reflecting on the feedback from your classmates, what strengths did they identify in your presentation, and what areas do you think could be improved upon?
Understanding Audience Perspective
- How did thinking about your assigned audience during the presentation influence your perception/presentation of the content?
- How might your approach to communicating complex topics change in future interactions with similar audiences?
Application of Language Skills
- In what ways can you apply the strategies learned in this activity to effectively communicate with diverse audiences in future academic or professional settings?
Hidden Messages
Between the lines
Pay close attention to the vocabulary chosen, phrasing used, and overall tone of the piece.
Discuss and speculate on the thoughts and intentions behind the language used:
What emotions or attitudes might the author be expressing through their choice of words?
What underlying messages or hidden meanings could be inferred from the language used?
How does the phrasing of the video reflect the author's perspective or worldview?
Are there any cultural or contextual factors that may influence the author's language choices?
Reflective Writing
Final reflection piece, due in 2 weeks - 7th April
In pairs
- Read through the written piece, paying close attention to the vocabulary chosen, phrasing used, and overall tone of the writing.
- Discuss and speculate on the thoughts and intentions behind the language used:
- What emotions or attitudes might the author be expressing through their choice of words?
- What underlying messages or hidden meanings could be inferred from the language used?
- How does the phrasing of the reflective writing reflect the author's perspective or worldview?
- Are there any cultural or contextual factors that may influence the author's language choices?
- Then we will reconvene as a class for a group discussion. Pairs are invited to share their observations and interpretations with the class. We want a collaborative environment where diverse viewpoints are valued.