OxfordSec B1 Mediation WS
OxfordSec B1 Mediation WS
OxfordSec B1 Mediation WS
Task
Work in pairs A and B.
MEDIATION STRATEGY
Your English class is organizing World Food Day.
Choosing the right information
Students have to prepare a dish from another country.
You and your friend want to make a dish that: You don’t have to use all the information in the text.
Read the task carefully and underline the key points:
• is easy to make what your class is doing, how you make the recipe
• doesn’t require many ingredients and what the ingredients are. Then read the recipe
and underline the corresponding information you
• includes ingredients that are easy to find (or that
need.
you have at home).
Each of you has found a recipe for a dish that you’d like
to make. Share the information and decide together
which dish you’re going to make.
Use your own words. You have 3–5 minutes to prepare
and about 5 minutes for your conversation.
Mushroom Pierogies
INGREDIENTS
Dough
2 cups flour
1 cup hot water
1 egg yolk
½ teaspoon salt
Filling
8 large mushrooms
1 medium yellow onion
olive oil (for frying)
salt and pepper
METHOD
To make the dough:
Mix the flour and salt in a bowl. Make a hole in the middle of the flour and pour in half of
the water. Mix the flour and water. Then add the egg yolk. Mix until you get a soft dough.
If your dough is wet, add a bit more flour. If it’s too dry, add more water.
To make the filling:
Wash and cut the mushrooms into small pieces. Peel and cut the onion. Heat a pan and
fry the onions and mushrooms until they are soft. Add salt and pepper to taste.
To make the pierogies:
Roll out the dough until it’s very thin. Then cut out small circles. Place some filling in
the middle of each circle. Fold the circle and press the edges together. Boil a saucepan
of water and put the pierogies into the saucepan. Boil for around 6–8 minutes, until the
pierogies are soft. Serve with warm butter and bacon if you like.
Task
Work in pairs A and B.
MEDIATION STRATEGY
Your English class is organizing World Food Day.
Choosing the right information
Students have to prepare a dish from another country.
You and your friend want to make a dish that: You don’t have to use all the information in the text.
Read the task carefully and underline the key points:
• is easy to make what your class is doing, how you make the recipe
• doesn’t require many ingredients and what the ingredients are. Then read the recipe
and underline the corresponding information you
• includes ingredients that are easy to find (or that
need.
you have at home).
Each of you has found a recipe for a dish that you’d
like to make. Share the information and decide
together which dish you’re going to make.
Use your own words. You have 3–5 minutes to
prepare and about 5 minutes for your conversation.
Ceviche
INGREDIENTS
500 g fresh fish
(for example, salmon)
1 ½ cups lemon juice
1 medium red onion
2 tomatoes
2 green chilli peppers
¼ cup green olives
1 tablespoon olive oil
salt and pepper
METHOD
• Cut the fish into small pieces and place in a bowl.
• Pour the lemon juice over the fish and mix well.
• Cover the bowl and put in the fridge for about two hours.
• Mix the fish and the juice again and put the bowl back in the fridge for
another two hours.
• Cut the vegetables into very small pieces and mix with the fish.
• Add the olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well. Serve with crackers or crisps.
Task
Your friend really likes reading. You have found
information about a speed-reading course that you
MEDIATION STRATEGY
think is very interesting. Leave a voice message for Combining information
your friend giving information about the course Sometimes you might have to combine information
and why you think it’s worth attending. Use your from different texts. Find connections and similarities
own words. You have 3–5 minutes to prepare and between the texts:
2 minutes for your voice message. • underline similar ideas
• group these ideas by topic: e.g. advantages of
attending the course, reasons for choosing the
course, etc.
• use language to join, or contrast ideas: Both say … ;
While the advert gives information about … ,
the review mentions … ; Apart from … , / As well
as … , you can also … .
Task
Work in pairs A and B.
MEDIATION STRATEGY
You and your English-speaking friend have decided
Collaborating with a partner
to get healthier and start exercising more.
When discussing a topic, you can keep the
Each of you has found some information about
conversation going by using phrases like:
getting fit. Share the information and decide together
which option to choose. You like to do a variety of • What do you think? Why don’t we … ? How about …
(-ing form)?
activities including group classes and swimming. You
haven’t got a lot of money, but you don’t mind paying • I think that’s a good idea, but …
a monthly fee. • I don’t mind doing … , but … seems like a better
option.
Use your own words. You have 3–5 minutes to prepare
and about 5 minutes for your conversation. • I’m not really into it. / Come on! It’ll be fun. / I think
you’d really enjoy it.
• All right then. I’ll give it a go. / I suppose we could try it.
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Task
Work in pairs A and B.
MEDIATION STRATEGY
You and your English-speaking friend have decided
Collaborating with a partner
to get healthier and start exercising more.
When discussing a topic, you can keep the
Each of you has found some information about
conversation going by using phrases like:
getting fit. Share the information and decide which
option to choose. You enjoy outdoor activities like • What do you think? Why don’t we … ? How about …
(-ing form)?
running, and you’re also interested in wellbeing.
You don’t want to pay a monthly fee as you haven’t • I think that’s a good idea, but …
got much money. • I don’t mind doing … , but … seems like a better
option.
Use your own words. You have 3–5 minutes to prepare
and about 5 minutes for your conversation. • I’m not really into it. / Come on! It’ll be fun. / I think
you’d really enjoy it.
• All right then. I’ll give it a go. / I suppose we could try it.
FITNESS
GROUP!
Task
Your school is thinking of including virtual reality
(VR) in your lessons. Your teacher has asked you
MEDIATION STRATEGY
to prepare a presentation on VR which covers Presenting information
these points: When you give a presentation, it’s important to use
• where VR is used language to help listeners follow your main points. Use
phrases like these to structure your presentation:
• how it can be used in education
• beginning a presentation: I’d like to start / begin by … .
• its advantages and disadvantages
• moving on to a new topic: Now it’s time to look at … ;
• its popularity among students and teachers. In the next part of this presentation, we’ll be talking
You have found this information about VR. Use it about … .
to give a presentation on VR and education. • giving examples: A good example of this is … ; To
illustrate this point … .
Use your own words. You have 3–5 minutes
to prepare and about 5 minutes for your • introducing the final part: And that brings me to my
conversation. final point … .
• ending a presentation: Thank you for listening to my
presentation.
VIRTUAL REALITY
IN EDUCATION
Task
Work in groups of three (A, B and C).
Luigi’s
19.10 PM
Your friend’s cousin is visiting during the summer
holidays. All three of you want to go out to the cinema
with them and then get something to eat, but you all
have different dietary requirements and preferences.
You don’t eat meat and generally prefer healthy food
options. Let’s Get Started
Each of you has downloaded a menu from a restaurant Olives
you like. Share the information and decide together Garlic bread with cheese
where to go to eat. Grilled vegetables
Use your own words. You have 3–5 minutes to prepare Sweet potato chips
and about 5 minutes for your conversation.
MEDIATION STRATEGY
Collaborating in a group: reaching an agreement
When you have to reach an agreement in a group,
it’s important to understand everyone’s needs and
preferences. Not everyone will share the same ideas.
Respect each other’s choices and try to be flexible
when making a final decision. You can use the
following phrases for discussing options and reaching
Salads
an agreement:
Agreeing: I agree with you on that. / That’s a good Caprese salad
suggestion. / That sounds good. / Sure, no problem. Avocado salad
Disagreeing: I’m afraid that doesn’t work for me. / Pasta
Can we look at other options? / No, I’m not keen on that
idea? / I don’t really fancy it. Pasta with tomato sauce
Spaghetti bolognese
Reaching an agreement: I think we’ve made a
decision. Is everyone happy? / This looks like the best
option for me.
Pizza*
Four cheese
Pepperoni
Meatball
Green vegetable
Sweet ending
Ice cream
Chocolate cake
Task
Work in groups of three (A, B and C).
12.21 PM
Your friend’s cousin is visiting during the summer
holidays. All three of you want to go out to the cinema GO LD E N
with them and then get something to eat, but you all
have different dietary requirements and preferences.
C H IC K E N
You don’t eat gluten (bread, pasta, pizza, cakes, etc.),
Starters
and you like to order several dishes and share food
with friends. Chicken wings (mild, medium or hot)
Each of you has downloaded a menu from a restaurant
you like. Share the information and decide together
where to go to eat.
Use your own words. You have 3–5 minutes to prepare
and about 5 minutes for your conversation.
MEDIATION STRATEGY
Garlic bread sticks
Collaborating in a group: reaching an agreement
Spicy olives
When you have to reach an agreement in a group,
it’s important to understand everyone’s needs and Sharing plates
preferences. Not everyone will share the same ideas.
Respect each other’s choices and try to be flexible Whole chicken, four wings, potato chips
when making a final decision. You can use the and green salad (for four people)
following phrases for discussing options and reaching Whole chicken, six wings, potato chips,
an agreement: garlic bread sticks and green salad (for six
Agreeing: I agree with you on that. / That’s a good people)
suggestion. / That sounds good. / Sure, no problem.
Chicken*
Disagreeing: I’m afraid that doesn’t work for me. /
Can we look at other options? / No, I’m not keen on that Whole chicken
idea? / I don’t really fancy it. Two chicken legs
Reaching an agreement: I think we’ve made a Chicken breast
decision. Is everyone happy? / This looks like the best (Choose from mild, medium or hot sauce.)
option for me.
Mains
Chicken salad
Avocado, red pepper and rice bowl
Spinach and goat’s cheese frittata
Desserts
Ice cream
Cheesecake
Task
Work in groups of three (A, B and C).
12.21 PM
Your friend’s cousin is visiting during the summer
holidays. All three of you want to go out to the cinema
with them and then get something to eat, but you all
have different dietary requirements and preferences.
FOOD EXPRESS
You eat almost everything, but when you eat out with
friends, you like to go to fast food restaurants.
SMALL PLATES
Tomato soup with fresh bread
Each of you has downloaded a menu from a restaurant Macaroni cheese
you like. Share the information and decide together Fried cheese sticks
where to go to eat.
Use your own words. You have 3–5 minutes to prepare BURGERS*
and about 5 minutes for your conversation. All burgers come with chips and a salad or soup.
Beef burger with bacon and cheese
Chicken burger with avocado
MEDIATION STRATEGY Veggie burger
Collaborating in a group: reaching an agreement
When you have to reach an agreement in a group,
it’s important to understand everyone’s needs and
preferences. Not everyone will share the same ideas.
Respect each other’s choices and try to be flexible
when making a final decision. You can use the
following phrases for discussing options and reaching
an agreement:
Agreeing: I agree with you on that. / That’s a good
suggestion. / That sounds good. / Sure, no problem. * Change bun for a lettuce wrap.
Disagreeing: I’m afraid that doesn’t work for me. / PIZZA (GREAT FOR SHARING)
Can we look at other options? / No, I’m not keen on that Ham and mushroom
idea? / I don’t really fancy it.
Spicy chicken
Reaching an agreement: I think we’ve made a Roasted vegetable
decision. Is everyone happy? / This looks like the best Cheese and tomato
option for me.
LARGE PLATES
Chicken kebabs with lemon rice
DESSERTS
Ice cream
Apple pie
Task
Your relatives want to go to Manchester for a week
in the summer. Their English isn’t very good, so they
MEDIATION STRATEGY
have asked you to help them find a place to stay. Translating phrases
They would like to: You shouldn’t translate word for word. It will sound
• stay close to the centre strange. There are also some words and phrases which
can’t be translated easily. Make sure you understand
• have access to a kitchen the meaning of the phrase in English and use a phrase
• have a place to park their car. in your own language with the same meaning. It will
make your writing more natural.
You have found this advert. In an email to your
relatives tell them about the flat in your own
language and explain why it would be suitable
for them. Write 100–150 words.
10
< 1 of 10 >
Task
A Hungarian student who visited your school during
an exchange programme has just emailed you asking
MEDIATION STRATEGY
for your help. Your friend lost their phone at your Changing the form of a text
school. Use their email to write a post about the When changing the form of a text from an email to a
missing phone in your own language for your school post on a message board:
message board. Write 100–150 words. • include a title or heading
• include only the relevant information
• keep sentences short
• use your own words as much as possible.
From: István
I Subject: Lost phone
Hi,
How are you? We’re finally back in Budapest, but I think I lost my phone at your school. Could you
please check if anyone has found it? It’s a silver iTechXS. It probably fell out of my pocket when
I was sitting on the sofas by the Music Room just before we left for the airport. It’s got a black
leather cover with a white moon on the back. It’s locked, but if the battery’s still working, you can
see a photo of a dog on the screen. I can pay a small reward to say thank you. If someone finds it,
can you let me know?
István
Task
Your friend has been complaining about waking
up tired in the morning. You have recently listened
MEDIATION STRATEGY
to a podcast in English about sleep hygiene and you Using compensation strategies
took the notes below. Use your notes to write a text When you don’t know the exact translation of an
message in your own language to your friend about English word, use a description of the concept in your
sleep hygiene. Write 100–150 words. own language to explain its meaning.
Sleep hygiene
Taking care of your sleep is important because it has a huge impact on
your physical and mental health. There are a few simple things you can
do to improve your sleep hygiene:
don’t eat a big meal
get at least seven hours sleep a night before going to bed
Task
Some of your school friends have mentioned that
they are not able to find the time to do schoolwork,
MEDIATION STRATEGY
homework, sports and hobbies, spend time with Summarizing information in your own language
family and see friends. You don’t have to translate every word in a text.
You have found this article about productivity and Instead, use your own words to summarize the main
time management in an English magazine. points or relevant ideas of the article. Think about, or
make a list of, phrases in your own language which
Write a blog post about the article in your own would be useful to explain these ideas.
language. Write 100–150 words.
Task
On an online forum for teenagers there’s a discussion
about fake news. Forum members agree that a lot
MEDIATION STRATEGY
of parents and adults believe everything they read Interpreting information
online. When interpreting information, try to explain it
You have come across this poster about fake news. in your own words. Look at the structure of the
infographic – how is the information presented? Is
Write a post on the forum in your own language giving information organized by topic? Are the key points
advice on how parents can spot fake news using the in chronological order? Does the infographic show
information from the poster. Write 100–150 words. cause and effect, or advantages and disadvantages?
Look at the design: what do the icons, symbols and
numbers represent? Think about how you can present
this information in your own words.
bs
We ite Author
How to
spot fake
news Do you know the website? Do a search for
Is it a respected news outlet? the author’s name.
Does the website address Do they exist?
end in a well-known domain, Have they written
e.g. com, es, co.uk, org or edu? anything else on
Are there too many adverts the topic?
on the website? If there are, then Are they trustworthy?
it probably isn’t a credible site.
O
dl
sh
k
s
Bey
Thin
ine
are
Read the text. Does it make Can you find other Only share information that
sense? Does it go with the reliable websites you have checked or that
headline or was the headline reporting similar you fully support.
written just to get clicks? information?
Task
Your classmate, who really loves writing, has missed
school because of illness. During their absence,
MEDIATION STRATEGY
your English teacher told you about a new school Adapting language
writing club and competition. Send your friend a text When changing language from formal to informal,
message telling them about the club and competition. you can use:
Use your own words. Write 100–150 words. • phrasal verbs (take part instead of attend)
• contractions (who’s instead of who is)
• pronouns (You can find out … instead of To find
out …)
• colloquial language (hand in instead of submit).
Write on!
creative writing competition
A creative writing in English
competition for students. English
How it works Creative Writing
Go to write-on-competition.co.uk and choose
one of the five topics. Write an essay between
300–500 words.
Club
Anyone who is preparing for the Write on!
Dates Cost English creative writing competition is invited
You must submit your The competition to an after-school club which will be run by Mrs
essay by 27 May. is free. García, our new English teacher. The classes
will take place every Tuesday and Thursday at
More information 3.30 p.m. in classroom 202. Attending the club
To find out more about the rules, or to is free, but you can make a small contribution
read last year’s topics and essays, go to to books and other materials.
write-on-competition.co.uk.
The club begins on
Tuesday 8 January.
If you have any questions, talk to Mrs García.
Task
On a forum for people travelling in the UK, a
friend posted a question about getting a refund for
MEDIATION STRATEGY
a cancelled train. They bought their tickets online Explaining
and they would also like to know how long it will When you explain something in English:
take to get their money back. You have found • put yourself in the position of the person who needs
the following information. Use it to write a reply the information. What do they need to know?
to your friend on the forum. Use your own words.
Write 100–150 words.
• focus on the key information and explain it in short,
simple sentences
• think about the language level of the person
you’re explaining to
• check understanding by asking questions, for
example: Is this clear? Does this make sense?
10.31 PM
Frequently Asked
Questions
Cancelled or delayed trains
My train has been cancelled. Can I return my
ticket and get a refund?
If you bought a ticket at the railway station
and your train has been cancelled or delayed,
please return your ticket to the ticket office.
For tickets that were bought online through
the MyTrain app, you have to use the app.
Please select ‘My tickets’ and click ‘Cancel
my ticket.’ You can expect your refund within
three to five working days.
Task
Your friend is in the UK and is interested in going on
a tour this weekend. They would like to learn more
MEDIATION STRATEGY
about different animals. You have found some Deciding on the best option
information about tours at the Natural Sciences When deciding on the best option, always consider
Centre in London. the person’s requirements, e.g. time of day or price.
They only have the morning available and don’t want Use phrases like these to make suggestions: This tour
to spend too much money. In an email to your friend, might be best for you because … ; You could go to … ;
tell them about the tours and recommend one of You might want to … ; You might like … ; Perhaps you’d
like to go to … .
them.
Use your own words. Write 100–150 words.
Task
On a forum about gaming, a friend has asked how
to move to the next level of a game that you enjoy
MEDIATION STRATEGY
playing. Use the information below to write a reply to Simplifying language
your friend on the forum. Use your own words. Write A text might include complicated ideas or high-level
100–150 words. vocabulary. You may need to simplify the language
if you’re passing this information on to a friend. For
example, you might need to change more complex
vocabulary, e.g. acquire to get, or advance to move.
8.08 PM
Task
Your American friend is planning a trip to Europe.
They have asked on their social media profile about
MEDIATION STRATEGY
countries they should visit. Using your own cultural knowledge
You really like Portugal and Croatia and you have When talking about a topic that is familiar to you,
found this information online for US travellers. include your own experience and the experiences of
your family and friends. Use your own knowledge of
Write a reply on your friend’s social media profile Europe and European countries. You can use phrases
suggesting they visit Portugal or Croatia and giving like: From my own experience … ; Generally, I have
them the key points about that country. Use your found … ; I can personally recommend … ; I have limited
own knowledge, or online research to add any other experience of … , but … ; I suggest … .
information you think they should know about, places
to visit, the weather, food, what to pack, etc. Use your
own words. Write 100–150 words.
Travelling to Croatia
for US Citizens
Travelling to Portugal QUICK FACTS
for US Citizens Capital: Zagreb Currency: Croatian Kuna (kn)
QUICK FACTS Language: Croatian
Capital: Lisbon Currency: Euro (€) Important Information
Language: Portuguese • American citizens do not require a tourist visa
Important Information when travelling to Croatia.
• American citizens can visit Portugal for travel • Passports should be valid for at least three months
purposes without a visa for up to 90 days. beyond the date of departure, although six months
is highly recommended.
• Passports should be valid for at least three
months beyond the date of departure. • When arriving in Croatia, you have three days
to register at the police station. If you’re staying
• When entering Portugal (or any other country
at a hotel or holiday rental, then the owner will
in the Schengen Area), you might be asked for
register you.
proof of funds and a return plane ticket.
• If you have to see a doctor or go to the hospital,
• If you want to drive in Portugal, you can use your
you will need to pay in cash or by credit card.
American driving licence for up to six months.
It’s advisable that you take out adequate travel
• Make sure you have health insurance to cover insurance to cover these costs.
any medical costs in Portugal.
• You can use a valid American driving licence for
• In an emergency, dial 112. up to 12 months. After that, you will need to get
a Croatian licence.