Teaching communicative situations in english tests through some typical structures for the students of class 12A3 at quan son 2 high school in quan son, thanh hoa

TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART 
( LIST OF THE EXPERIENCED INITIATIVES RANKED C BY THANH HOA EDUCATION AND TRANING DEPARTMENT)
PART I: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Rationale
	The GCSE examination and the entrance examination for upper- secondary school students are replaced by only one examination- the National Examination. English is one of the core subjects, which are complusory in this examination. Therefore, students have invested a lot of time in studying it.
 Generally speaking, students often feel nervous or shy when they try to speak English. They even struggle to understand what someone is saying to them despite years of study. They are embarrassed about their pronunciation or worried that they speak too slowly. Despite the fact that they have vocabulary and grammar, it is difficult for them to actually to understand communicative situations.
 For the students of grade 12 who are working hard to prepare for the National examination, there is a need to get to know and understand small talks or daily conversations in order to deal with two questions about communicative situations in their English paper tests. It is not easy at all because in English there are plenty of little phrases called idioms. An idiom is a phrase made up of words whose definitions don’t tell the complete story of the phrase. That is, you can know the definition of each individual word in the phrase, but the phrase itself means something completely different. It causes students a lot of troubles. 
 For these above reasons, I would like to choose the topic” TEACHING communicative situations in English tests THROUGH SOME TYPICAL STRUCTURES for the students of class 12A3 at Quan Son 2 high school in Quan Son, Thanh Hoa” in the hope of guiding students, especially the students of class 12A3 at Quan Son 2 high school the ways to select the suitable responses for communicative situations by recognizing their structures used in those situations. I also expect that this study may help the students feel more confident in choosing answers for communicative questions and prepare the best for their National Examination as well.
	It is hoped that both students and other teachers will find some useful reference for their learning and teaching.
1.2. Aims of the study 
 The study is aimed to help the students:
known how to do questions about communicative situation, gradually recognize and remember structures commonly used in communicative situations in English tests 
- select the most suitable respone to complete these exchanges
 - prepare better for the National Examination.
1.3. Subjects of the study
	The study focused on thirty-six students of class 12A3 at Quan Son 2 high school who are taking an intensive English course to prepare for 2017 National Examination to university. 
They have learned English for at least 5 years and years after years they have developed their conversation strategies for themselves with basic daily expressions in English. 
 1.4. Methods of the study
In order to achieve the above aims, the teacher used analysis and summary in order to give words, phrases or structures commonly used in specific communicative situations. The teacher guide the students the way to find the suitable answers. After that, the students will have time to practice them again and again. After doing in a period of time, they will gradually select the most suitable respones for those exchanges. 
The study is conducted in 4 periods with the summary of all the expressions or structures used in specific conversational situations and further exercise practice.
PART 2: CONTENT
2.1 Literature review
2.1.1. A communicative situation
A communication situation is the specific time, place, activity and people involved in a dialogue, which make it unique.
For example,
2017 National Exam- The 1st illustrating Test on English
Question 20: Two friends Diana and Ann are talking about Ann’s new blouse
 - Diana: “ That’s blouse suits you perfectly, Ann”
 - Ann: “.”
 A. Never mind	B. Don’t mention it	C. Thank you D. You’re welcome
Question 21: Mary is talking to a porter in the hotel lobby
Porter: “ Shall I help you with your suitcase?”
Mary: “.”
A. Not a chance B. That’s very kind of you 
C. I can’t agree more D. What a pity!
2.1.2. Some typical structures and their suitable responses in communicative situations
2.1.2.1. Compliments
Structures
 - Sb looks + positive adjective in sth
 - Noun+ suits+ sb+ positive adjective..
 - You really have + positive adjective + Noun. 
	- I’ve never seen such a perfect thing on you.
	- Your + noun + is/was + positive adjective!
	- You are a/an + positive adjective + complement
	- What (a/an) + positive adjective + Noun!
	- How + positive adjective/adverb + Subject + Verb!
Suitable responses
 - Thank you/ Thanks.
 - It’s very kind of you to say so, thank you!
	- Thank you. That’s a nice compliment.
	- Thanks. I think I’ve finally found (the color, the style, the way..) that + Verb
	- I’m glad you liked it, thanks./ I’m glad you enjoyed it.
	- You’ve got to be kidding/ You must be kidding. I thought it was terrible.
EX1:	Peter: “Your hair style is terrific, Cindy!”
	Cindy: “Thanks. I think I’ve found a style that looks decent and is easy to handle.
EX2: Phil: “You’re a great dancer, Huong. I wish I could do half as well s you.”
	Huong: “Thanks, Phil. That’s a nice compliment!”
2.1.2.2. Thanks
Structures
 +Thank you.
	- Thank you very much.
	- Thanks a lot.
 - It’s very kind of you
	+Thanks a lot for (N/V.ing)....
Suitable responses
 + You're welcome.
 - It's my pleasure.
 - My pleasure.
	- That's all right.
	+Not at all.
	- I’m you liked it
 I’m glad you enjoyed it 
	- Don’t mention it
 Example 1: A: What a beautiful dress you’re wearing! 
 B: Thanks. I made it myself 
Example 2: A: Don’t worry, John. I believe you can make it 
 B: Thank you. I’ll try my best 
Example 3: A: Thanks for reminding me 
 B: You’re welcome 
Example 4: A: It was very kind of you to help me 
 B: It’s my pleasure 
2.1.2.3. Apologies
Structures
Suitable Responses
- Sorry for
- I’m very/ extremely/ awfully/ terribly + sorry.
- Sorry. It’s / was my fault.
- I do apologise for.
- Please accept my apologies( for..)
- I’m sorry for + N/ V.ing
 - That’s all right, ok.
	- Not too worried!
	- No need to apologize
	- Don’t worry about it!
	- Never mind! 
 + It doesn’t matter 
 + It’s OK 
 + Forget about it 
 + No harm done 
 + It’s not your fault 
 + Please don’t blame yourself 
Example1. Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t see you. 
 I’m so sorry. It’s all my fault. 
 I’m sorry. I’ll be more careful next time.
Example 2: A: I apologize for the noise last night 
 B: Don’t worry about it 
Example 3: A: I’m very sorry. I just forgot to bring your book 
 B: It’s alright. I don’t need it today, anyway. 	
EX4:	Mike: “I’m sorry for coming late”	Lily: “______________”
A. Never mind!	B. Shut up!	C. Stand there!	D. Sit down, please.
EX5:	John: “Sorry. It’s my fault! I misunderstood the instruction.”
	Sam: “______________” Everything will be all right.”
A. Go ahead!	B. Keep it a secret!	 C. Why not?	D. Not too worried!
Keys: 4. A 5. D
2.1.2.4. Requests
Structures
 - Can you  + V.inf ?
	- Could you + V.inf ?
	- Would you please + V.inf ?
	- Would / Do you mind  + V.ing?
 - V.inf .!
	- V.inf ............., please!
	- Please + V.inf .
	- Will you + V.inf ?
	- I wonder if you'd/ could + V.inf ?
Suitable
responses
Accept
Refuse
 - Not at all. 
 - Certainly
	- Of course
	- Sure
	- No problem
	- What can I do for you?
	- How can I help you?
	- By all means
	- Yes, with pleasure
 - No, I don't mind.
	- No, of course not.
 - Why not?
- I'm sorry but I can’t.
- I'm sorry. (I don’t know how to do it/ I am busy)
- I'm sorry, I can't.( I have something else to do)
EX1: 	Ann: “______________.”
	A man: “I’m sorry. I can’t. I’m new here.
	A. Could you please show me the way to the post office?
	B. Can you swim?
	C. I’ve lost my wallet.
	D. Can anyone tell me why my camera is out of order?
EX2:	Peter: “Would you mind locking the door when you leave?”
	Linda: “______________”
	A. Yes, I would	B. Sure	C. Why not?	D. Not at all
Keys: 1. A 2. D
2.1.2.5. Offers
Structures
 - Can I..?
 - Can I help you?
	- Shall I + V.inf ? 
	- What can I do for you?
	- May I help you?
	- Do you need any help?
	- Let me help you..
 - Would you like me to.
 - Do you want me to.
Suitable
Responses
Accept
Refuse
- Yes, Thank you.
- That's very kind of you.
- Don’t worry! I’ll do it.
- That would be great.
- Oh, would you really? Thanks a lot.
- No, thank you
- Well, that's very kind of you, but I think I can , thanks.
- No, thank you. I can manage.
- Not just now
EX1:	Shop assistant: “Let me help you find the right shoes”
	Mrs. Smith: “______________”
	A. Is it cheap? Thank you.	B. It’s a good question
	C. That’s very kind of you.	D. I bet you will.
EX2:	Joan: “______________”
	Linda: “No, thank you.”
	A. What’s the matter with you?	
 B. Will you go to the supermarket?
	C. Can I get you something to drink?	
 D. What do you think about the food?
Keys: 1C 2 C
2.1.2.6. Permission
Structures
 - May I + V.inf ?
	- Can I + V.inf ?
	- Would you mind if I + V past tense..
	- Do you mind if I + V present tense.
	- Excuse-me! May I + V.inf ? 
	- Do you think I could + V.inf ? 	
- I wonder if I could + V.inf ? ...
 - Is it all right if I could/can + V.inf ? ...
Suitable
Responses
Agree
Disagree
 - Certainly
	- Of course
	- Please do
	- Please go ahead
	- Yes, sure
- I'd rather you didn't.
- I'd prefer you didn't.
- No, I'm afraid you can't.
- I'm sorry, but you can't.
EX1: 	The man: “Do you mind if I smoked here?”
	The woman: “______________”
	A. Yes, I do.	B. No, thank you.	
	C. I’d rather you didn’t.	D. Yes, please. 
EX2:	Lili: “______________”
	Christina: “Please go ahead!”
	A. Where is the post office?	D. Is it far from here?
	C. Do you mind going there on foot?	D. Do you mind if I sit here?
Keys: 1 C 2 D
2.1.2.7 Invitation
Structures
Suitable responses
- Would you like + food/ drink?
- Yes, please.
- No, thanks.
- Would you like + to inf?
- Do you fancy + V.ing?
- Do you feel like + V.ing?
- Yes, I'd love to. (Thanks)
- That’s very kind of you, thanks.
- That sounds lovely (interesting)
- That’s a good idea. Thanks.
- That would be great. Thanks.
- I'm sorry. I'm afraid I can't.
- That’s very kind of you, but
- Sorry, I can’t
EX1:	Tommy: “Would you like to see a movie tonight?”
	Gorge: “______________”
	A. Yes, by all means	B. Really?
	C. Why don’t you ask me early?	D. That sounds lovely.
EX2:	Kate: “Would you like some more wine?”
	Jack: “______________”
	A. No, I wouldn’t	B. Oh! I’m so thirsty.	
	C. No, I’m not	D. Sorry, I can’t drink wine.
Keys: 1 D 2. D
2.1.2.8 Suggestions
Structures
 -Let's + V.inf ?
	- Why don't we + V.inf ?
	- Shall we/ I + V.inf ?
	- How about + V.ing?
	- What about + V.ing?
	- I think we should + V.inf
	- I suggest that we + V.inf
	- It might be a good idea if we + V.inf
	- I think the best way of dealing with this situation would be + to V.inf
	- If you ask me, I think we should/ could + V.inf.
Suitable
responses
Agree
Disagree
 - Yes, let's.
	- That's a good idea.
	- Yes, definitely.
	- Sure, why not?
	- By all means.
	- That's probably the best option.
- No, let's not.
EX1:	Victor: “Shall we go to the cinema?”
	Bean: “______________”
A. Yes, let’s	B. Yes, we shall.	C. Yes, let us	D. Yes, I am.
EX2: William: “Let’s go to China town to have dinner!”
	His friends: “______________”
A. Yes, please.	B. No, we don’t.	C. Sure, why not?	D. Of course.
Keys: 1 A 2 C
2.1.2.9. Agreement and disagreement
Agreement
Disagrement
I can’t agree with you more
I couldn’t agree more
 - I agree completely./ I quite agree.
 - Absolutely!
 - You are alright.
 - You are correct.
 - I think so.
 - That’s right!
- I don’t agree
- I am afraid I disagree
- That’s wrong
- That’s not true
- I couln’t agree
- I don’t think so
- What nonsense!
- What rubbish!
EX: Hana and Jenifer are talking about a book they have just read
Hana: “ The book is really interesting and educational”
Jenifer: “..”
A. I’d love it B. That’s nice of you to say so
C. I couldn’t agree more C. Don’t mention it
2.1.2.10. Congratulations
Structures
Suitable esponses
- Congratulation!
- Congratulation sb on+ Ving
- I’ve + Vpp
- I’ve got .
- .
 - Thank you
 - Thanks alot h
 - You did a great job!
	- Congratulations!
	- Excellent!
	- Well done!
EX:	Sam: “I’ve won some lottery tickets!”
	 Laura: “______________”
	A. How comes!	B. It’s rediculous	
	C. Congratulations!	D. How stupid!
2.1.2.11 Encouragements 
Encouragements
( for people who are going to do sth) ( for people who are in difficulty or sad)
+ Good luck! = Break a leg! 
+ You can do it! 
+ I believe you can make/do it! 
+ Don’t worry. Just do your best. 
+ Be confident!
+ Don’t worry! 
+ That’s OK 
+ Everything will be fine 
+ Take it easy 
+ It’s going to be alright 
+ Don’t give up! 
+ Be strong! 
+ It’s not that bad. 
Suitable responses: Thank you/ Thanks a lot
 Example 1: A: I’m so woryy about the exam next week. 
 B: Don’t worry. Just do your best. 
Example 2: A: I have an interview tomorrow. 
 B: Good luck! 
Example 3: A: I’m so depressed. I think I’ll quit my job soon. 
 B: Take it easy. Everything will be fine. 
Example 4: A: My french is hopeless. 
 B: Don’t wory. It’s not that bad. 
2.1.2.12. Advice
+ You should/ ought to + Vinfinitive
Example 1: Yould should pay more attention to your family.
+ You need to Vinfinitive
	Example 2: You need to see the doctor soon.
+ You better + V
	Example 3: It’s so late. You ‘d better stay here tonight.
+ If I were you, I would + have
	Example 4: If I were you, I would call her right now.
+ Why don’t you V ?
EX: Kay: “ I would’t do that if I were you”
 John: “..”
A. Would’t you? Why? B. It’s out of question
C. I’d rather you didn’t D. Would you, really?
Key: A
2.1.2.13. Affirmative or negative agreement
Affirmative
Negative
So + aux.v + Subject
Subject + aux.v, too.
Neither + aux.v + Subject
Subject + aux.v + not, either.
EX1:	Steve: “I’m fond of Italian spagetty”
	Sarah: “Me, too. / So am I.”
EX2: Kate: “This evening, I can’t come to Peter’s birthday party. 
	I have to finish my assignment.”
 Gorge: Neither can I.
2.1.2.14. Wh- questions
 Depending on Wh- questions to find the suitable response
Wh- questions
Suitable responses
What
Who
What time/ When
What for
Where
Why
Which
How
+ How many/ much.
+ How often..
+ How long..
+ How far
+ How + adjective
Nouns refer to things
A person/ people
Time( at+ clock/ in/ on)
.to/ in order to/ so as to+ Vinfinitive/
 .for+ Ving
Nouns refer to a place
beacause..
..( choose )
.means of transport
.adjective
.( refer to quantity)
.( adverbs of frequency)
.( period of time)
.( distance)
..( depends on that adjective)
EX: Ken and Tom are high school students. They are discussing where their study group will meet.
 Ken: “ Where is our study group going to meet next weekend?”
 Tom: “.”
A. We are too busy on weekends B. The library could be the best
C. Why don’t you look at the atlas D. Studying in a group is great fun
Key: B
2.1.2.15. Some other situations
 With these situations, students must depend on the meaning of the sentence in the conversation and select the most suitable response or guess the purpose of the saying to select the answer. 
 EX1: A waiter in a restaurant is talking to a custumer who has just finished his meal there. Select the most suitable response to complete the exchange
Waiter: “ Here your bill, Sir”
Custumer” ..”
A. Don’t mention it B. Can I pay by credit card
C. What do you have C. You’re welcome
EX 2: Mike and Lan are university students. They are talking about Lan’s up-coming high- school reunion.
 - Mike: “ So, you have your fifth high- school reunion coming up”
 - Lan: “”
A. Oh, the school reunion was wonderful	 
B. The foot at the reunion was excellent
C. Yeah, I’m really looking forward to it
D. No, you are in no mood for the event
Keys: 1 B 2 C
2.2. The reality of seleting answers for communicative situations in English Tests of the students of class 12A3 at Quan Sơn 2 High School
Quan Son is one of the mountainous districts of Thanh Hoa province. The living condition and studying condition are poor and restrict. Although students who are in grade 12 have been learning English for 7 years, they still feel that English is a very difficult subject, especially the speaking skill. They have many difficulties in understanding English sentences as well as using English to communicate with others. 
Besides, in English conversations or communicative situations, words, phrases and expressions used are quite different from what they ‘ve seen and learnt in reading passages or other written documents. Because these expressions are spoken language.
Therefore, when the students have to choose the answer for these questions, they often select without understanding and they do not know it is right or wrong.
2.3. The process of teaching communicative situations in English Tests to the students of class 12A3
The teacher followed these stages:
+ Stage 1: The teacher asked the students to do 10 questions and checks their results. (the first survey)
 + Stage 2: The teacher provided the students with the knowledge about some structures and their suitable responses to communicative situations and then gave them examples to illustrate.
 + Stage 3: Because of the students’ low results on the first survey, the teacher was really worried about the students’ study. The teacher disscussed the problem with other teachers. Moreover, the teacher directly talked with the students about the difficulty that they were facing with. The result showed that they choose the answers without understanding. The teacher have the students do that exercise again after being provided the theory. This time the students focus on structures and find the suitable responses.
 + Stage 4 : During reviewing periods, the teacher analysed and guide them to select the most suitable response.
After that, the teacher gave students another exercise to help them understand more.
 + Stage 5 : After that, the teacher did the second survey with another 10 questions and collect and analyse the results.
 EXERCISES USED IN THE STUDY
In a paper test of the entrance exam to university from 2008 to 2014 or the national exam from 2015 to 2017, there are normally 2 questions on conversational expressions. The author has collected many of these questions from those tests and grouped them as followed.
2017 National Exam- The 1st illustrating Test on English
1. Question 20: Two friends Diana and Ann are talking about Ann’s new blouse
 - Diana: “ That’s blouse suits you perfectly, Ann”
 - Ann: “.”
 A. Never mind	B. Don’t mention it	C. Thank you D. You’re welcome
2. Question 21: Mary is talking to a porter in the hotel lobby
Porter: “ Shall I help you with your suitcase?”
Mary: “.”
A. Not a chance B. That’s very kind of you 
C. I can’t agree more D. What a pity!
2017 National Exam- The 2nd illustrating Test on English
3. Question 20: Susan accidentally stepped on Denise’s foot
Susan: “ Oóp! I’m sorry, Denise.”
Denise: “.”
A. You shouldn’t do that B. It’s alright
C. You are welcome D. It’s nonsense
4. Question 21: Hana and Jenifer are talking about a book they have just read
Hana: “ The book is really interesting and educational”
Jenifer: “..”
A. I’d love it B. That’s nice of you to say so
C. I couldn’t agree more C. Don’t mention it
 2016 National Exam- English Test, code 168
5. Question 15: A waiter in a restaurant is talking to a custumer who has just finished his meal there. Select the most suitable response to complete the exchange
Waiter: “ Here yo