Many thanks to Kevin Roche, a colleague of mine, who has kindly allowed me to include his conversation lesson on the site.

Tourism is becoming more and more important - especially for those learning English. Here is a two part lesson which focuses on the question of developing tourism as an industry in your local town. Students need to develop concepts, discuss local economic problems and solutions to those problems, think about possible negative impacts and finally make a presentation. These two lessons provide a great long term project for upper level students, while offering an opportunity to use English in a number of "authentic" settings.

Let's Do Tourism - Part 2

Aim: Discussion, use of present perfect, present perfect continuous, second conditional, presentation skills

Activity: Tourism - Let's Do Tourism - presentation of tourism scheme developed by student groups

Level: Upper intermediate to advanced

Outline:

• Split students into two or more groups - each group is going to compete for a contract to develop a new tourism center in your town.
• Give each student a copy of one of the discussion notes.
• Ask students if they have any questions on the explanatory notes.
• Give students fifteen minutes to prepare for the discussion in their groups. Students should discuss the points mentioned and any other points they may come up with in their groups.
• Circulate around the classroom helping students and taking notes on common language problems as they work through the project.
• Once each group has completed their presentation, have each group deliver its presentation doing its best to convince you of their strategy.
• Take notes and try to ask as many probing questions as possible forcing students to think on their feet in English.
• Once students have made their presentations make a decision. I would highly recommend you make your decision based on the English in the presentations. This will enable you to make excuses when students disagree with your decision!

Your Town, The Next Tourist Paradise?
Tourism Hits Your Town

The town council has decided that the city is in desperate need of an economic boost. They believe that by making the city more attractive to tourists they will be able to achieve their aims.

You are representatives of rival companies who are looking to gain the contract for this re-development from the council. I want you to give a detailed presentation explaining why your company is the best one for the job. Your aim is to convince the representative of the council that your company offers the best solution. Points to consider

• Think of a name for your company.
• Preparation, what has your company done so far i.e. raised money, support (present perfect)
• Plans that are in progress. Who you have been talking to, what you have been trying to do, what you have been building, etc. (present perfect continuous)
• Explain the problems that have existed within your town up to this point in time. i.e. life in your town has been boring for too may years and needs a change, or that too many people are unemployed and need to find work. (second conditional)
• Finally, conclude your presentation with a short account that sells your company to the council.

By Kenneth Beare, About.com Guide

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