Page 151 - English Download B1+

Speaking

1 Ask and answer the questions with a partner.

• Have you ever done any voluntary work? What sort of volunteering appeals to you?
• Are there groups of people in your area who you think don’t receive enough support?
• Are you a member of any local organisations for young people?
• Do you think there are enough things for young people to do in your area?

2 Fill in the gaps to complete what you might say if you don’t hear (1 and 2) or don’t understand (3 and
4) what someone says.
1 I’m sorry, I didn’t hear what you said. Could you that, please?
2 Could you that again?
3 Can you why you said that, because I don’t quite understand.
4 Sorry, but I’m not sure what you by that.

3 Work with a partner. The local council is threatening to
close the youth centre because not enough young people
attend. You think your area needs a youth centre, so you It’s important that you interact with your
want to prevent its closure. Here are some ideas that might partner in this type of task. Therefore, if
help to keep it open. First, talk to each other about how you don’t hear or understand something
effective you think each idea would be. Then decide which your partner says, ask him or her politely
two ideas you would put into practice. Use the Language to repeat, rephrase or explain it.
Bank to help you.

make an
encourage your announcement at
friends to join How can we keep the local schools
youth centre open?

start a Facebook
write a letter to page for the
the council
youth centre
suggest new activities
to attract members

4 Work in pairs to discuss these questions.
• What can be done to help young people who are unemployed?
• Do you think it’s more important for councils to spend money on services for young people than for elderly
people or pre-school children?
• Do you believe young people sometimes turn to crime because there isn’t enough for them to do?
• What can be done to help young people feel more included in society?

Asking for clarification
Sorry, could you repeat that please?
Could you say that again?
I didn’t quite understand what you said.
I’m sorry, but I’m not sure what you mean.
What did you mean by ...?
Can you explain why you said ...?

UNIT 12 155