[ESL] NEW CONCEPT ENGLISH 2: LESSON 1 - A Private Conversation

 

I. First listen and then answer the question. 

Question: Why did the writer complain to the people behind him?

Passage 1: A Private Conversation

Last week, I went to the theatre. I had a very good seat. The play was very interesting. I did not enjoy it. A young man and a young woman were sitting behind me. They were talking loudly. I got very angry. I could not hear the actors. I turned around. I looked at the man and the woman angrily. They did not pay attention. In the end, I could not bear it. I turned around again. 'I can't hear a word!' I said angrily.

'It's none of your business," the young man said rudely. 'This is a private conversation!'

 

II. SUMMARY WRITING: 

Directions: Answer the questions below. Write a 55-word paragraph using your answers to the questions to summarize the passage.

1. Where did the writer go last week?
2. Did he enjoy the play or not?
3. Who was sitting behind him? 
4.  Were they talking loudly, or were they talking quietly?
5.  Could the writers hear the actors or not?
6. Did he turn around or not?
7. What did he say?
8. Did the young man say, 'The play is not interesting.' or did he say, 'This is a private conversation?

III. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. Have you ever watched a performance at a theater or opera house?
2. If yes, what did you watch? What was it about? 
3. What is your favorite theater play? Why is it your favorite?
4. If no, is there any theater play you wish to watch?
5. What would you have done if you were in the speaker's situation in the passage?

IV. GRAMMAR STRUCTURE:

V.  ACTIVITIES:

Last week, I went to the theatre. I had a very good seat. The play was very interesting. I did not enjoy it. A young man and a young woman were sitting behind me. They were talking loudly. I got very angry. I could not hear the actors. I turned around. I looked at the man and the woman angrily. They did not pay attention. In the end, I could not bear it. I turned around again. 'I can't hear a word!' I said angrily.

'It's none of your business," the young man said rudely. 'This is a private conversation!'