B1-Level: Unit 6 Technology and Communication
Objective:
By the end of this unit, students will be able to:
- Discuss different communication methods and their preferences.
- Use key vocabulary related to electronic devices and communication tools.
- Understand and analyze articles about social media and technology.
- Engage in conversations about staying connected and online habits.
- Write a clear description of their favorite app or social media platform, highlighting its features and benefits.
Materials Needed:
- Visuals of electronic devices and communication tools.
- Sample articles about social media and technology.
- Audio recordings of conversations about communication habits.
- Writing materials for students.
- Digital tools (optional: slides, online polls, collaborative whiteboards).
Duration:
- 90 minutes per week (divided into two 45-minute sessions) over two weeks (total: 4 sessions).
Session 1: Vocabulary & Speaking – Exploring Communication Methods (45 minutes)
- Warm-Up (5 minutes)
- Task: Ask students, “How do you usually communicate with your friends and family? Online or offline? What apps or tools do you use most often?”
- Interaction: Pair-share, then brief class discussion.
- Vocabulary Focus (15 minutes)
- Introduce key vocabulary: smartphone, tablet, email, video call, instant messaging, social media, app, Wi-Fi, emojis, notifications.
- Use visuals and context sentences.
- Task: Students match words with visuals and create example sentences.
- Speaking Practice (15 minutes)
- Task: Pair students to discuss their preferred communication methods. “Which apps or platforms do you use most? Why?”
- Encourage follow-up questions.
- Extension: Students share one interesting fact from their discussion with the class.
- Writing Task (10 minutes)
- Task: Students list their top three communication tools and write one sentence each explaining why they like them.
- Provide sentence starters: “I use ___ because…”
Session 2: Reading, Listening & Discussion – Technology’s Role in Communication (45 minutes)
- Reading Activity (15 minutes)
- Task: Provide a short, accessible article about social media or technology trends.
- Students read individually and highlight three key points.
- Follow-Up: Ask comprehension questions: “What are the benefits of using social media? Are there any drawbacks mentioned in the article?”
- Listening Activity (15 minutes)
- Task: Play an audio clip of two people discussing communication challenges (e.g., long-distance friendships, screen time).
- Students take notes on: What challenges are mentioned? How do they overcome them?
- Class Discussion (15 minutes)
- Task: Facilitate a group discussion:
- “Do you agree with the article and audio clip? What are the benefits and challenges of using technology to stay connected?”
- Encourage students to share personal experiences.
- Task: Facilitate a group discussion:
Week 2, Session 1: Speaking & Vocabulary – Favorite Apps and Platforms (45 minutes)
- Warm-Up (5 minutes)
- Task: Quick survey: “What is your favorite app or social media platform, and why?”
- Students write their answers on sticky notes or an online board.
- Speaking Practice (20 minutes)
- Task: Small group discussions: “What features do you like most about your favorite app? How often do you use it? How does it help you stay connected?”
- Follow-Up: Each group shares their most interesting app with the class.
- Vocabulary Review (10 minutes)
- Task: Quick vocabulary quiz or game (e.g., matching definitions, ‘Who Am I?’ with app descriptions).
- Writing Task (10 minutes)
- Task: Students write a short paragraph about their favorite app, describing:
- Its main features.
- How they use it.
- Why they like it.
- Sentence Starter Example: “My favorite app is ___. I use it to ___. My favorite feature is ___ because ___.”
- Task: Students write a short paragraph about their favorite app, describing:
Week 2, Session 2: Writing & Reflection – Describing Your Favorite App (45 minutes)
- Writing Task (20 minutes)
- Task: Students expand their previous writing about their favorite app, adding more details and examples.
- Encourage them to use descriptive adjectives and specific features.
- Peer Review (15 minutes)
- Task: Students exchange their written paragraphs with a partner.
- Provide a checklist for peer review:
- Is the description clear?
- Are there enough details?
- Is the vocabulary appropriate?
- Review and Reflection (10 minutes)
- Task: Wrap up with a class discussion:
- “What did you learn about communication and technology this unit?”
- “How have your opinions about social media or apps changed?”
- Review key vocabulary and highlight strong examples from student writing.
- Task: Wrap up with a class discussion:
Homework Assignment:
- Task: Research a new app or social media platform and write a short review.
- What are its main features?
- How easy is it to use?
- What are its benefits or drawbacks?
- Students can present their reviews in the next session.
Assessment Criteria:
- Speaking: Participation in discussions and clarity of expression.
- Vocabulary: Appropriate use of new words in speaking and writing tasks.
- Reading & Listening: Ability to identify key points and share reflections.
- Writing: Clear descriptions, use of vocabulary, and organization of ideas.
Assessment Tools:
- Informal observation during speaking activities.
- Class participation in discussions.
- Written assignments (paragraphs and homework reviews).