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About SimulationsSimulations are a great way to get the students up, moving, innovating, and rehearsing language for real world situations. When they are front-loaded with reflection and pragmatics, they can prepare students to function successfully in conversations that entail elaboration. Because they involve the complexities of speaking, listening, cultural knowledge and personality, interactions are open-ended. Anything can happen, which is exactly what learners will experience in the world beyond the classroom. According to Jones, 1980, a simulation generally has the following characteristics:A reality of function?which means the participants in a simulation must step inside the role they have accepted and act accordingly.A simulated environment?where there is no contact with the real world.A structured environment?where the participants have all the facts and information provided for them.The following simulation can be used alone or as a follow up to Only the Best Intentions. Students can create roles as guests at the characters of Gigi and Oscar’s wedding. Using the context of the play, they can share opinions as to whether the marriage will work out. ACTIVITY: THE WEDDING PARTYUse this activity to practice bringing a conversation to a close at a social gathering.Discuss the last time you were at a wedding or other social event. How many people did you talk to? Was it easy to move from one conversation to another? Explain.Introduce the strategies and language. Build the chart.StrategiesLanguageComment on the conversation to signal closure.I’m so glad I met you. I don’t know much about Oscar.Introduce your next moveWell, I think I’ll get some more of that cheese.Explain a commitmentI’d better get back to my family. It has been fun talking to you.Introduce a third person to the conversationHave you met Jay? Jay, you need to meet Lin. She went to school with Gigi. C. Role Play Wedding GuestsPrepare: Divide the class in two large groups to create back-stories. The Bride’s Guests: Have this group work together to create a history for the bride, Gigi. (She can be a character in the play, or they can invent a new one.) Each member should say how they know the bride/met the bride. The Groom’s Guests: Have the other group create a picture and history for the groom, Oscar. (He can be a character in the play, or they can invent a new one.) Each member should say how they know the bride/met the bride.Perform: Have the two groups stand and mingle as if they were at a wedding reception. Their goal is to meet someone from the other group. They should exchange information and get to know each other. When you start playing music (or clap), they must politely bring the conversation to a close and make their getaway. When the music stops, they should find a new partner and repeat.Take notes on pragmatics and language for a follow up feedback session ................
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