SKKN Guiding students in Quan Son high school to answer the conversation questions in the GCSE examination

The 
Content
Page
PART I. THE INTRODUCTION
2
THE REASONS FOR CHOOSING THE THEME
2
THE PURPOSE FOR THE INITIATIVE
2
THE RESEARCHED SUBJECTS
2
PART II. THE CONTENT
2
THE THEORICAL FOUNDATION OF THE THEME
2
CURRENT SITUATION OF THE THEME
3
THE METHODS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEMS
3
Thank you
4
Wish /congratulations 
5
Invitaions 
8
Suggestion 
10
Offer
11
Request 
12
Compliment
13
Idea 
14
Sorry/apology
16
 Other expressions 
19
PART III. THE CONCLUSION
20
PART I. THE INTRODUCTION
I. THE REASONS FOR CHOOSING THE THEME.
English plays an important role in life nowadays. If we can speak English well, we will have an opportunity to get a great deal of benefits, a good job with high salary, a chance to go abroad and access new civilizations. Correspondently with the development of science and technology, the demand of learning English is dramatically increasing. As a result, the number of English centers is increasing everywhere in our country especially in big cities. Hence, everyone at any age has chance to learn foreign languages. For students in high school, they have a professional learning environment, and they are taught carefully by well-trained teachers. However, due to exam pressure, students usually focus on tests and grammatical points rather than speaking skill. Having thought of this problems a lot, I have made decision to find out somes ways that help students both communicate well in English and get correct answer in the GCSE examination. Students not only need to communicate well but they also have to make a right option when sitting in an exam. In the latest structure of GCSE test, there are often two conversation questions which test students about different situations. Furthermore, each context has a distint respond. That students master ways of answering questions in different situations assists them to communicate effectively and get maximum points in the test. Because of above reasons I make a decision of choosing the initiative named “Guiding students in Quan Son high school to answer the conversation questions in the GCSE examination”
II. THE PURPOSE OF THE INITIATIVE.
	When doing the research on this theme, I focus on finding all the situations of conversation in our life as well as our work. I also discover the different ways to reponds in these cases. I also give some popular expressions, collocations used in daily communications by English native speakers. It enables students to react naturally and to recognise the right answer easily when doing the test. Moreover I also classify communicative situations into different styles such as very formal, formal and informal cases so that learners can apply them in different one. In addition, learners can also distinguish the options in multiple questions in the English tests. In some cases, students can choose the right option as soon as they look at the questions. This is really important for the students in Quan Son high school, who are lack of a good environment to speak English, and who do not pay much attention to a foreign language, too. When teaching English here, teachers in general always have to simplify the structures by using short and clear example so that students can understand the lesson easily and they find them interesting to learn. Therefore, the more tips the teachers provide in each topics, the more points students can get in the examination. For students in moutainous area, each right answer is really important, it can decide whether they fail or pass the GCSE exam at once. 
III. THE REEARCHED SUBJECTS.
Conversation is a necessary topic in teaching foreign language, we usually use these expressions in our daily life. If students understand clearly about the ways to convey their opinion, they can simply communicate with other people and get good mark in the written test.When researching this theme, I mainly concentrate on the learners who are the final year students of high school. They are students of class 12A1 at Quan Son high school. When applying successfully with them I will apply to all students in our school next time. 
PART II. THE CONTENT
I.THE THEORICAL FOUNDATION OF THIS THEME.
	As I mentioned before, conversation questions are not only popular in daily dialogues but they are also present at the written test. Although the number of these question is limited only two questions in each test, it is rather important for the students in Quan Son high school. Because along with grammartical points, these questions can be taught for them before each examination. And then, students can write down and learn by heart as important tips for their exams. In fact, the textbook mentions to this topic but it is not enough and it is not listed systematically. Furthermore it is not shown in real contexts as well as specific situations. Therefore the expressions given in the textbook can not give learners a deep impression so that they can remmember and understand these thoroughly. That is the reason why I choose to study the theme to research as a good chance to accumulate my experience for my teaching English at my school.
II. THE CURRENT SITUATION OF THE THEME
	Nowadays, the books and reference materials related to English and communication English are so plentiful that learners do not know which to choose and to read. Attending an English centre is a good way to improve spoken English and widen English grammar, but is is impossible for students in Quan Son district. Because they can’t afford to attend a club financially, and there is not any English centre in the local, either. The teachers here not only have to try to attract students in each classes and we also make effort to simplify the lesson so that the lesson will be more interesting, easier to understand and especially students do not have to pay any more money for it. So, the creation and impatience of the teachers are so important. Teaching about conversation situations can’t depend on the content printed in the textbook, but we have to redesign it, sometimes reduce and sometimes increase the level of each lesson to adapt to the students at the school. The ways of communicating needs to present clearly and systematically so that students can memorise the best. 
III.THE METHODS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM
To research the initiative, I used a lot of methods
- Finding the information in some reference books
- Asking my collegues for help
- Obersing students during teaching at school
- Asking for advices from the teachers all over the country
- Collecting the used tips on the different English websites
After I have collected enough material for my initiative, I organise them according to my using purpose as meaningful tips for my students. First of all, I classify them into diffrents types of conversation cases then I provide possible responses for each and then I give some examples. The examples are practice questions and sometime are questions used in the mock exams or even the official exam in the past school years. It is a good chance for students to apply what they have learn in the real context and specially they know how to answer the question which they may meet in an exam. I believe that after pacticing with these exercises, they will have good experience to face with the coming examination.
The theme is organised as below:
1.Thank you . 
These are some popular ways to say thanks and the response. It depends on the style of the conversation: formal or informal or very informal
Styles 
Thanking
Responds 
Informal ways
-“ Thank for (your gift).” . 
- “Thank you very much for (your help).
-“Thank you for 
- “Thank you very much”. 
à I’m glad you like it.
à You are welcome. 
No problem, 
 No sweat
à Not at all/ Never mind . 
2.Formal ways
- Thank you so much..
- Thank you so much for.
- Many thanks
- We really appreciate ..
 à It’s my pleasure.
- You're welcome.
- Don't worry about it.
- Don't mention it.
3.Very formal ways
-- I'm so thankful for .
- I want to thank you for .
- I appreciate all of your help..
- No, not at all. 
- It's my pleasure.
- It's the least I could do.
Exercise 1. Ways of thanking and the responds
a.Thanking somebody for doing something
1. Thank you very much. It’s very good of you .. me.
A. help B. helping C. helped D. to help
2. “ Thank you very much for your help” “”
A. It’s quite Ok	B. That’s right C. I’d love to D. You’re welcome
3. Thank you very much for lending me your bike! 
A. Don’t mention it	B. ok C. No, Thanks D. That’s alright
4. We couldn’t solve this trouble without your help! Thank you very much, Mr John!
-.
A. You can say that again	B. It’s my pleasure
C. It is ok	D. Don’t worry!
5. I’m so thankful for your donation to our club, sir! 	
- 
A. It is my job	B. it is a big problem
C. It is the least I could o	D. I agree with you.
The answer
1
2
3
4
5
D
D
A
B
C
b. Thank somebody for something
1. Thank you for a lovely evening? - 
A. Have a good day 	B. You are welcome 
C. Thanks 	 	D. Cheer
2. A: “Thank you for the lovely present. ” – B: “ . . ”
A. Go ahead 	B. Not at all 
C. Come on 	D. I’m pleased you like it
3. “Many thanks to you, Kate” “..”
A. Don’t say 	B. It doesn’t matter 
C. No thanks 	D. It’s a pleasure
4. A: Thanks a lot for your wonderful gift. – B: . . 
A. You are welcome	B. Thank you 
C. Cheers	D. Have a good day
5. Anne: “Thank for the nice gift!” –John: “..”
A. I’m glad you like it	 	 B. You’re alright	
C. In fact, I myself don’t like it D. But do you know how much it costs?
The answer 
1
2
3
4
5
B
D
D
A
A
c. Some related question in the official examinations and the mock exams 
(The official exam in 2018)
1. Jane is talking to Mike, who has just helped her with her luggage
-Jane: “____________”
-Mike: “It’s my pleasure”
A. it’s my pleasure	 	B. it’s not my duty 	
C. thanks a lot, indeed	D. Welcome back
The official exam in 2017
2.Linda is thanking Daniel for his birthday present
Linda: “Thanks for the book. I’ve been looking for it for months”
Daniel: “___”
A.You can say that again	B. Thank you for looking for it
C. I like reading books	D. I’m glad you like it
The mock exam in Thanh Hoa provinces
3.Carol is wearing a new dress and Helen loves it.	
Helen: “ 	”
Carol: “Thanks. I’m glad you like it. My sister gave it to me yesterday.”
A. What a fashionable dress you are wearing!
B. Oh! I like your fashionable dress.
C. I think you have a fashionable dress.
D. Your fashionable must be expensive.
The answer
1
2
3
C
D
C
2. Wish – Congratulation. 
When someone congratulates you on doing something, we can use the belowing way to express and reply.
Expressing 
Responding
1. “Good luck ..”
2. Have a nice . 
3.We wish you good luck 4.Congratulations!
5."Happy Christmas/ Birthday / New year!" 
6.“I heard you Congratulations!” 
- Thanks. I need it. 
- Thanks. Same to you/ You, too/ The same to you! : 
à Thank you. 
 à Congratulations! 
-Well done/ good job!
Exercise 1. Choose the best answer.
a.Wish 
1. A: I’m just phoning to wish you good luck in your exam tomorrow. 
 B: _____.
A. Thanks. I can’t wart to go       
B. Thanks, I can’t believe it’s been five years. 
C. Thanks. We’re really happy. Everything went smoothly 
D. Thanks. I’ m a bit worried abort it actually 
2. — Happy birthday to you, Mary.	    — _____.
A. The same to you    	B. It’ s very nice of you  
C. So do you    	D. Thank you
3. “I’m taking my driving test tomorrow.” - “...”
A. Good day 	B. Good luck	
C. Good time	D. Good chance . 
4.David: “ .” Mini: “ Thank you. Goodbye”
A. Nice to meet you, Mimi	B. How do you do?
C. Have a good trip, Mimi	
D. May I introduce myself. My name’s David Wilson
5. David: “ Happy Christmas!” Jason: “  . . ”
A. You are the same! 	 B. Same for you! 
C. The same to you 	 D. Happy Christmas. 
6. Mary: “ I’ve got an interview for a job tomorrow. ” – Peter: “ . . ”
A. Thank you B. Same to you C. Good luck D. See you
7.”Have a nice weekend. ” -“”
A. You are the same B. The same to you	C. so do I D. Will you?
8. — I’m taking my driving test tomorrow?	   — _____!
   A. Cheers      B. Good luck      C. Come on        D. Congratulations
9. “Good luck and have a nice weekend”. “.bye- bye”
A. The same to you	B. You have it too	
C. You are too 	D. The same as you
10. “Happy Teacher’s Day. Miss Lan!” “..”
A. You are so kind	B. I’m so happy	
C. Thank you 	D. It’s very good
The answer
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
D
D
B
C
C
C
B
B
A
C
b.Congratulations
1. A: I’m getting married next week. – B: . 
A. Thanks, the same to you	B. Congratulations!	
C. Well done	D. Sorry to hear that
2.Mary: “.” Peter: “ Congratulations”
A. I didn’t do the test well	B. I believe I’ll pass the exam
C. We’re going to get married next month	
D. I’ve got in stuck in the traffic jam for 3 hours
3. Tony: “ I’ve just passed my exam.” Jim: “ .”
A. You’re welcome	B. Well done!	
C. Good luck 	D. How are you getting on?
4. __________! I have heard of your success in the new project.
A. Congratulating 	B. Congratulation 	C. Congratulations D. Congratulate
5. A: “I’ve passed my exam. ” - B: “. ”
A. Good luck	B. It’s nice of you to say so
C. That’s a good idea. 	D. Congratulations!
6.A: I passed my job interview yesterday. -B: . 
A. oh B. Good luck C. Congratulations! D. Thanks
7. “Congratulations to you on passing the math exam”. “..”
A. You’re welcome	B. Never mind 	
C. Don’t mention it	D. Thanks a lot
8. “I passed the driving test yesterday.” “.!”
A. With pleasure	B. Congratulations	
C. Have a good time	D. You’re welcome
9. “Sam, I passed the exam”. ‘Did you?...............”
A. Congratulations	B. Good idea	
C. Best wishes	D. With pleasure
10. “Hi, Bill! Congratulations!” “.”
A. All right B. You are right C. That good D. Thank you
The answer 
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
B
C
B
C
D
C
D
B
A
D
c. some applying questions in the mock and official examinations
1. David is talking to his friend, Monica.
-David: “ 	”
-Monica: “Good luck for you”.
A. I don’t like rock music B. Have a nice day
C. I’m taking a test this afternoon D. How do you do?
2.Henry is talking to his mother.
Henry: “I’ve passed my driving test.”	His mother: “ 	”
A.All right. 	B. That’s too bad. 
C. That’s a good idea.	D. Congratulations!
3.Laura is telling Bob about her exam results
-Laura: “________________”
- Bob: “That’s great. Congratulations!”
A. I hope I’ll pass the exam tomorrow	B. I’ve passed the exam with an A
C. I’ll get the exam results tomorrow	D. I didn’t do well in the exam
4. Liz is telling Andrew about her first novel.
Liz: "Guess what? My first novel has just been published."
Andrew: "______"
A. It's my pleasure. 	B. Better luck next time!
C. Congratulations! 	D. It's very kind of you.
The answer
1
2
3
4
C
D
B
C
3. Invitation. 
Invitation 
Response 
Would you like..? : 
Do you feel like? : 
I’d like to invite you  
à Yes, please..
àThat would be great. 
àYes, I’d love to. 
àThat would be wonderful. 
àOh, that’s very kind of you. 
àNo, thanks. 
Exercise 1. Choose the best answer
1. “Would you like some more chicken?” “I’m full”.
A. Yes, please B. No, thanks C. Yes, I would D. No, I wouldn’t
2. A: I d like to invite you to a party this evening. 
 B: Thank you, but _____ 
A. I’m busy I’m afraid      	B. I will come
 C. when I am free I will come	   	D. I can’t
3. —I’d like to invite yon to dinner this Saturday, Mr. Smith.
    — _____.
A. Oh, no, let’s not         	 B. I’d rather stay at home
C. I’m sorry, but I have other plans.       D. Oh, no. That’ll be too much trouble
4. “Will you come to our party tonight?” “but I’ll have an important meeting”
A. I like it B. I will come	C. I’d like coming 	D. I’d love to
5. “Can I get you something to drink?” “..I’m thirsty”
A. Yes, please	B. No, thank you	C. You re welcome	D. Here you are
6. Tony: “ Would you like to have dinner with me tonight?” 
Cindy: “ ”
A. Thanks, but I’m afraid I’ve got something planned 
B. I’m terribly sorry. But I have to disagree.
C. Thanks. And you? 	D. Sure. Go ahead.	
7.A: Let’s meet for a coffee tonight. – B: . 
A. I hope not B. I’m afraid I can’t C. Yes, please D. Yes, thanks you
8. Would you like to go to the movie with me ? -“. . ”
A. No, I wouldn’t. That’s boring 
B. I’d love to but I can’t. I’m visiting grandma with Mom
C. Yes, I’d like to	D. I’d love
9to stay the night? – Oh, that’s very kind of you.
A. Do you feel like	B. Would you like
C. Why don’t you	D. Do you enjoy
10. Have a drink, Tony?-“.”	
A. Not yet	C. Oh, no, possibly	
B. Enjoy it	D. That’s ever so good of you, Henry
The answer
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
B
A
C
D
A
A
C
B
B
D
Suggestion. 
When someone suggests us to do sth we can choose among these answer to reply: 
Suggestion
Response 
-What about?
- Why don’t we?
- Shall we? Let’s!
- We could
- It might be a good idea to
- I think you/ we should
- It would be better if
- One thing you/ we coul d do is
- I suggest 
-Can I help you?
-What shall we 
- How about 
-. Let’s . . 
à Let’s go out for dinner. 
à Yes, I love to. 
à Good idea
->That’s a good idea. 
à Yes, please. 
à Yes, let’s do that. 
Exercise 1. Choose the best answer
a.Suggest doing something together
1. What about a cup of coffee to night, Mark?
-“____________”
A. Yes, let’s do that	B. No, I don’t 	
C. yes, I do	D. no problem
2.How about a game of cards? - 
A. Good idea	B. I’m afraid I do	
C. No, it’s interesting, isn’t it?	D. Sorry, I don’t like
3.Let’s eat out tonight mom!
-___
A. oh, no	B. Oh, we need to save money honey
C. yes, I like	D. it’s my pleasure
4. Jenifer: “ Let’s go camping”
Jack: “  The weather is not so good today”
A. No problem	B. Just bring yourself
C. Oh, I don’t think it’s a good idea	D. Yes, let’s do that
5. Why don’t we go to the zoo?-“”
A. Because we don’t have enough money	C. I couldn’t agree more
B. That’s a good idea	D. Yes, I’d love to
6. — What about having a drink?	    — _____.
A. Good idea       	B. Help yourself      	
C. Go ahead, please      	D. Me, too
7. —Why don’t we take a little break?   	
-Didn’t we just have_____
A. it        	B. that       	C. one        	D. this
8. “Let’s go to the movie now”. –“ Oh!.........................”
A. Good idea! B. I don’t C. Why’s that? D. I need it
9. Alice: “What shall we do this evening?”- Carol: “.”
A. Thank you	B. Not at all 	
C. No problem	D. Let’s go out for dinner
10. “Why not go and have dinner in a restaurant?” “..”
A. I agree	B. Why not? 	C. I’m sure	D. it’s a good idea
The answer
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
A
D
B
C
B
A
C
A
D
D
b. Suggest somebody to do sth 
1. Will you stay for lunch?-“..”
A. Well, don’t let it happen again	C. Yes, please
B. Sorry, I can’t	D. No problem	
2. A: Why not join us the game?  B: _____. 
A. Sure, please do     	B. No, you do the same  
C. Oh, that’s all right     	D. Ok, coming.
3: Sue: “Could you do something for me?”	Ken: “ ..” 
	A. Certain!	B. Certainly!	C. Right!	D. Well!
4.Why not open the windows to let clean air in?
- I’d rather you didn’t. air in our town is quite polluted.
A. the/ the	B. the/ Æ	C. Æ/Æ	D. Æ/ the
5.– John: ―How about giving me a hand?‖	- Tom: ― 	
A.I promise.	B. No, not yet.	
C. Sure, I’d be glad to help.	D. You’re welcome!
The answer
1
2
3
4
5
B
A
B
A
C
5. Offer
Sometimes we also offer to do sth for sb, so we can use one of these expressions below:
Agree 
Disagree 
-Shall I...
- Would you like me to ...
-Do you want me to ...
- What can I do for you ?
- May I help you ? 
 - Do you need any help?
- Let me help you. 
- Can I help you ?
-Yes. Thank you
-That's very kind of you.
 Yes, please.
 Oh, would you really? Thanks a lot.
No. Thank you
No, thank you. I can manage.
No, there's no need. But thanks all the same.
Well, that's very kind of you, but I think I can manage, th