PASSIVE VOICE ACTIVITY
1. WARM – UP (5 MINUTES)
Let’s talk about our City. What famous things are produced here? What about our Country?
2. GUESS WORK (10 MINUTES)
A. Look at Seattle fact paragraph:
- The basketball team “The Lakers” are from Seattle
- It often rains in Seattle
- Silicon valley is near Seattle
- Bill Gates and Microsoft are located in Seattle
- Chrysler cars are manufactured in Seattle
- Bruce Springsteen was born in Seattle
- “Grunge” music comes from Seattle
- Seattle is in the Southwest of the United States.
B. In pairs, quickly discuss which facts they think are true or false.
2. READING (15 MINUTES)
A. Read the short text about Seattle:
My Hometown
Many years ago, I was born in Seattle, Washington USA. Seattle is located in the Northwest corner of the USA. Recently, Seattle has become the focus of much international attention. Many films have been made there, probably the most famous of which is “Sleepless in Seattle” starring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks. Seattle is also known as the birthplace of Grunge music, both Pearl Jam and Nirvana are from Seattle. For older people like myself, it should be noted that Jimmi Hendrix was born in Seattle! NBA fans know Seattle for the “Seattle Supersonics” which has played basketball in Seattle for more than 30 years. Unfortunately, Seattle is also famous for its bad weather. I can remember weeks and weeks of grey, wet weather when I was growing up. Seattle has also become one of the fastest growing business areas in the United States. Two of the most important names in the booming business scene in Seattle are Microsoft and Boeing. Microsoft was founded and is owned by the world-famous Bill Gates (how much of his software is on your computer?). Boeing has always been essential to the economic situation in Seattle. It is located to the north of Seattle and famous jets such as the “Jumbo” have been manufactured there for more than 50 years! Seattle is positioned between the Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains. The combination of its scenic location, thriving business conditions and exciting cultural scene makes Seattle one of America’s most interesting cities.
B. Underline passive voice structures.
C. Class review of passive structure.
D. Discuss what the differences are between the active and passive voice.
3. ORAL PRODUCTION (15 MINUTES)
A. As a class, discuss which passive utterances could be used to describe a region. (i.e. Wine is produced in France)
B. Divide into groups of three. Each group should focus on using the passive voice to describe Tuscany to his/her partners.
C. Class correction of common errors.
4. LISTENING ACTIVITY. Listen to an American college student talking about famous landmarks (The track is available on http://netgrammar.altec.org/Units/Unit_9/a101c9_301000.html
1. When was the Great Wall of China begun?
A. It was started in 240 B.C.
B. It was started in 214 B.C.
C. It was started in 204 B.C.
2. Where is the Panama Canal located?
A. In Costa Rica.
B. In Colombia.
C. Between Costa Rica and Colombia.
3. Who completed the Panama Canal?
A. The Americans.
B. The French.
C. The Panamanians.
4. What was the Eiffel Tower built for?
A. It was built for the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution.
B. It was built for the 101st anniversary of the French Revolution.
C. It was built for the 200th anniversary of the French Revolution.
5. By whom was the Statue of Liberty built?
A. It was built by the Americans.
B. It was built by the French.
C. It was built by the people of New York.
Correct answers: (1b) (2c) (3a) (4a) (5b)
GO TO http://www.ompersonal.com.ar/INTERMEDIATE/unit12/page1.htm AND PRACTICE THE PASSIVE VOICE!!! ˆ¸ˆ
