TASK 4: VOICE THREAD

Comment on VoiceThread slides using one of five powerful commenting options: microphone, webcam, text, phone, and audio-file upload. 

IMPORTANT! In order to use Voicethread, you must register and sign in. Here is the website:  http://voicethread.com/

 

Click here to hear my example Voice Thread. This is what I want you to do!

In this Voice Thread I compare two pictures and I say which I prefer and why. Now it's your turn!

STUDENT LEVEL: A2-B1

STUDENT'S TASK:

1. Compare two pictures, using the questions the teacher left as a guide on what you should say.
2. Say which picture you prefer and why.
3. Send me the voicethread when you have finished.
4. Be creative and give your personal opinion.

You can find the task you must complete my clicking here

OBJECTIVES:

1. The student can express their opinion in a clear and coherent manner using the appropriate phrases such as, I think, I believe, the way I see it, personally, in my experience, what I most like/dislike, I prefer, I would choose etc.

2. The students can express preferences using the appropriate language.

3. The students can compare two pictures using lexical markers such as while, whereas, in both, in contrast, however, unlike etc.

4. The students can set up an account on Voicethread and record a short piece of them speaking.

This activity is a speaking activity which would be used AFTER working on the vocabulary and grammar explained above.

It's a great speaking activity to do as it allows the teacher to save precious class time (as the students do it at home). More importantly, it allows the teacher to have a record of the speaking test. So, if the students or parents want to know why they received the grade given the teacher has a clear record of the students' work. 

Another positive point is that it gives students' time to prepare their speaking so it avoids them being uncomfortable and getting nervous about speaking in front of class. However, this could also be a negative aspect as the student might memorize what they want to say and forget it when they are finished. This type of assignment would need to be coupled with others that promote more spontaneous speaking practice.