Activity Name: Map Game

Time Required: 1-2 hrs

Class Size: 15-20

Level: Beginner, Intermediate

Material Req.: One A/B map per pair (and backup). Dividers to create information gap. Map game gambits.

Optimum Time: Up to week 3

Aim: To get students to ask and give directions to certain locations on map.

Background: Solid early CA activity that forces everyone to speak and gives students headaches (teacher's delight).

Procedure: Inbrief - Explain concept of information gap. Tell students 1.Not to peek 2. Must describe exact location. 3.Don't look until teacher is satisfied all locations have been correctly found.

Prep - Sit students in pairs facing each other across desk. Set up information gap using dividers and large books. Make sure students cannot see partner's map and vice versa. Give one student map A and the other map B.

Pair Work - One student asks for directions to place X and other student gives directions. When found, location is marked.

Debrief - Teacher models problem areas and vocabulary. Teacher calls on one student to give directions to teacher while class listens.

Additional Notes: Teacher monitors students during pair work and helps with language difficulties. Early on in activity, teacher checks information gaps to make sure students cannot peek. Don't accept inaccurate locations. Must be exact. When students have finished give them another map and reverse asker and giver of directions.

Language Feature: Concrete description of maps, giving and asking for directions. Encourage circumlocution. Information gap and task goal force students to communicate.

If time is short/long?: If short, stop students early and debrief. Don't skip debrief. If long, model sentences and write on blackboard; give finished pair another map; one student describes location while teacher draws on board in front on class or vice versa.