Discourse practice exercise

Коммуникативная задача Report problem ‘Подготовка сообщения / доклада’ (вопрос 1, 2) после ознакомления обучающегося с источником (устным или письменным текстом) может быть сформулирована следующим образом:

X expresses an (his/her) opinion of the Y. Report the (his/her) opinion and explain the reason(s) that X gives for having that opinion.

Процесс подготовки решения этой коммуникативной задачи проходит в два этапа: 1. обучающийся формирует топик-фрейм высказывания в соответствии с поставленным вопросом 2. и, опираясь на структуру вопроса, разрабатывает сценарий ответа, где последовательно представлены констативы, позволяющие аудитории узнать о точке зрения X и понять причины, определяющие такую точку зрения, и не более того. В данном случае целесообразно следовать и реализовать на практике следующую дискурсивную формулу:

Report the author’s opinion and

The main idea of the text is presented briefly (1-2 sentences)

explain the reason(s) that the author gives for having that opinion.

The main reasons / circumstances are presented in brief: Circumstance 1; Circumstance 2; Circumstance 3; Circumstance 4 (and no more) is the final one and looks like a resume.

Please, consider the main points in the text presented in this module and develop a talk according to the following communicative tasks:

1. According to the information in the text “Undoing dyslexia via video games”, please, report on the nature of the disease.

2. According to the information in the text “Undoing dyslexia via video games”, please, report on the methods to treat dyslexia.

3. Describe the problem presented in the text “undoing dyslexia via video games” and the two solutions for the problem. What solution do you think should be taken, and why?

Your response should comply with the following:

• Your response answers the topic question.

• The point of view or position is clear.

• The response is direct and well-organized.

• The sentences are logically connected.

• Details and examples support the main idea.

• The thoughts you express are complete.

• The meaning is easy to comprehend.

• A wide range of vocabulary is used.

SAMPLE ANSWERS

2. According to the information in the text “Undoing dyslexia via video games”, please, report on the methods to treat dyslexia.

As the text “Undoing dyslexia via video games” runs, there are two methods to treat dyslexia that is a language-based learning disability and it prevents children from academic success.

In the first place we learn about the traditional approach to minimize the effects of the dyslexic brain. This approach embraces the method that is often a slow, long, expensive and frustrating experience for both professionals and children along with their parents.

The second approach invites the latest achievements in the neuroplastic therapy based on highly technological techniques to treat dyslexia. The approach is considered multidisciplinary since it includes such spheres of knowledge as physics, computer programming and medicine and enables researchers to identify the critical brain regions to be rewired and thus make it possible for the person suffering from dyslexia considerably improve reading, writing and learning skills. The innovative method is offered in a game format and help a dyslexic start moving forward academically within several weeks.

Additional questions to develop a discussion.

According to the information in TEXT 2, please, report on the following:

1. What is phonemic awareness?

2. What is dyslexia?

3. What impairments underlie dyslexia?

4. What is most characteristic for dyslexic brain?

5. Do you know the brain region that is responsible for dyslexia?

6. Is there any breakthrough (прорыв) in treating dyslexia?

7. What is the video training program “Fast ForWord” after? Is it helpful for dyslexics?

8. Why is it important to improve a large number of skills in those with dyslexia when academic success is concerned?

9. What potential does the video training program “Fast ForWord” present when well-being of a person with dyslexia is concerned?

10. What potential does the video training program “Fast ForWord” present when practical application is concerned?

Final home assignment: using the active vocabulary and the grammar structures you have studied develop a narration in a letter format in writing to cover the methods to treat dyslexia. Follow the sample letter format below.

Your narration should be submitted in the written form (typed, 350 – 400 words) on a separate piece of paper and comply the sample format.

SUPPLEMENT

SAMPLE LETTER

To: John Smith,

3491, Cherry Lane

Arlington, 28301, Virginia

USA

From: Marina Nikonova,

Apart. 54, Bldng 119, Sovetskaya Str.,

Izhevsk, 426102, Udmurt Republic

Russia

September 02, 2015.

Dear John !

It has been a while since I received your letter. I am so happy to have such a friend abroad. You told me so many interesting facts about your country and the place you live in, so it took me some time to digest everything…

I was very much impressed with the fact that Arlington is actually a suburban part of the US capital, so close it is to Washington, DC. It is so nice of you to have such an opportunity to visit the capital any time you wish. Moreover, I find the Underground transportation system very convenient, as you have described it, to use and get to any place of interest like art galleries, museums, the Capitol, the White House and many other sites in the downtown area … You might feel a lucky man to have all those sights within your reach!

On my side I can tell you that my city, perhaps, is not as big and nice as Washington, DC, yet I may say it is sure to catch the eye of a visitor when sightseeing is concerned. The history of Izhevsk roots back to 1800s and accumulated plenty of the national heritage in terms of culture and industry. Many of the sights have been executed in churches and cathedrals, monuments, names of the streets and squares; … in particular, the design of the City of Izhevsk is very interesting as well since it is similar to Saint Petersburg’s because one the same architect developed the city plans. Like in Washington, DC we have many recreational areas nearby the water bodies and fountains… Like in Washington, DC you may find quite a few skyscrapers in Izhevsk, yet many more appear in the City Hall area.

The ground transportation system in Izhevsk is something we can be proud of like you are over there in Washington, DC. It is well-developed and makes it possible for every resident to get to any place in the city within less than an hour. In my opinion, Izhevsk has a great potential for growth when urban development and tourism are concerned.

Well, so many people, so many opinions on our sweet homes …

Looking forward to receiving your note on many more interesting facts about your country and people.

Sincerely, Marina.

Please, refer to the additional Internet resources below. Watch a video and describe in brief the main idea of the topic presented there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zafiGBrFkRM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaQfuxODpog

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8m1fCz3ohMw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XsJXyJWuzY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2CIjD1gEiE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxA_rvSNpx8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhygmurIgG0