| Listen for | Phrases and sentences. |
| Communication task | Increase the complexity of a sentence. |
Make a list of 5-10 very simple sentences. As a whole class, or in groups of 4-5, ask each learner in turn to add a word, phrase, or clause to the sentence so it gradually expands and becomes more complex. After a certain period of time, or when groups are unable to expand the sentence further, ask each group to write their final sentence on the board. Model this activity with the whole class before asking groups to expand sentences on their own. Possible starters: Jose is happy. In the morning. I live downtown.
Example:
Vera is a teacher.
My sister Vera is a teacher.
My older sister Vera is a teacher in Denver.
My older sister Vera, is a high school math teacher in Denver.
My older sister Vera, who lives in Arvada, is a high school math teacher in Denver.
My older sister Vera, who lives in Arvada, has been a high school math teacher in Denver for 10 years.
My older sister Vera, who lives in Arvada, has been a high school math teacher in Denver for 10 years but she is quitting.
My older sister Vera, who lives in Arvada, has been a high school math teacher in Denver for 10 years but she is quitting because she doesn’t like the new principal.