Comparing Schedules

Topic: Daily Activities

Mode: Interpretive; Interpersonal

Level: Novice

Students will identify activities that both speakers have in common. 

Components of the activity: Scripts, recording, worksheet

Instructions to the teacher

In advance, make a recording of the following script. Alternatively, read it aloud to the class. Make a worksheet with the bank of various activities included below. Students will listen and circle the items in this list that both speakers have in common.

Then, put students in pairs and ask them to compare their own schedules. Have each pair make a Venn diagram of their similarities and differences. 

Part 1

Script 1

I wake up in the morning and cook breakfast and then take a shower. I eat breakfast, and then I ride my bike to the university. I go to history class and math class and then have lunch. I do homework in the library for about 3 hours after lunch. 

Script 2

I wake up in the morning and pack lunch and then take a shower. I eat breakfast, then I ride my bike to the university. I go to history class, math class, psychology class and then have lunch. I study in the library for about 3 hours after lunch.

Instructions to students

Listen carefully to both audio clips and circle the activities that both speakers mention.

Word Bank

wake up, cook breakfast, eat breakfast, ride bike to university, math class

history class, psychology class, study, do homework, go to library, have lunch

take a shower

Part 2

Instructions to the students

Before speaking, take several minutes to make notes about your daily routine. Then, make “I” statements about your daily routine. Your partner will listen and take notes. After each of you has presented, make a Venn diagram presenting the similarities and differences in your routines. 

Example

Student 1: I wake up at 7 am. I have breakfast, then I go to math class at 8:20 am on Mondays. At 12 I have lunch with my girlfriend. In the afternoon I go to work.

Student 2: I wake up at 7, have coffee, go to class every day at 9:00 am. I have only 20 minutes for lunch, so I usually grab a sandwich or something easy to eat. I have classes until 3:00 every day.

Find what is similar or different between your routines. You’ll report that to the class later.