Teacher Notes
Objectives & Sequence: This lesson is intended to be used as a preview of Grammar - Articles #2.
The following vocabulary words are used in this activity:
Part One
Making a suggestion means giving someone an idea of what to do or not to do. Listen to two short conversations. How do the people make suggestions to their friends?
Conversation #1
A: What kind of pet should we get?
B: Why don't we get a cat?
A: A cat? Really? I'm not sure. I thought you were a dog person.
B: Yeah, I am, but they're so much work.
A: Hmm. A cat. Let's take a look at the shelter's website to see if any are available.
B: Good idea!
Conversation #2
A: Which movie do you want to see?
B: We could see the new Captain America.
A: Superheroes? No thanks.
B: Okay, what about Angry Birds?
A: What are you, 8 years old?
B: I don’t know. I just thought it would be fun.
A: Let’s go see Independence Day.
B: Sure.
Part Two
How to Make a Suggestion
There are many ways to make a suggestion. Here are some of the most common ways:
- base verb
- Why don't I / you / we...
- We / you could...
- Let's...
- noun or verb-ing
- What about...
- How about...
Intro Example #1 Example #2 Example #3
View the following examples.
What do you want to do tonight?
Let's go dancing!
I'm so hungry.
Why don’t you have the pasta in the fridge?
I'm not sure what to watch on Netflix.
How about House of Cards?
How to Reply to a Suggestion
There are different ways to show you like the suggestion or do not like the suggestion. Here are some of the ways to answer:
| Like the Suggestion | Do Not Like the Suggestion |
|---|---|
| Sure. | I'm not sure. |
| Good / Great idea! | I don't know. |
| Cool. (casual) | I don't think so. |
| I / We could do that. |
Intro Example #1 Example #2 Example #3
View the following examples.
What do you want to do tonight?
Let's go dancing!
Cool.
I'm so hungry.
Why don’t you have the pasta in the fridge?
I could do that.
I'm not sure what to watch on Netflix.
How about House of Cards?
I don't know.
Part Three
Intro Situation One Situation Two Situation Three Situation Four
Work with a partner. Open the tabs and practice making suggestions about the topics until you agree.
Find a list online of movies in theatres right now in your city. Discuss and decide on a movie to see together.
Tonight, you are going to go out for dinner at a restaurant together. Decide on a kind of food and restaurant to eat at.
You are together at home and bored. Decide on an activity you could do together.
You are planning a vacation. Decide where you want to go.
Part Four
Work with a partner. Together, guess if you think we need to use the definite article with the words below. Then, listen to the conversations to see if you were right.