127 Para terminar… Conversemos

¡Conversemos! 6: Mi estilo de ropa

We concluded the previous module by writing a diary entry with resolutions for next year. Specifically, we proposed changes to our habits, including to our daily routine and our hobbies. Continuing the theme of change, during this in-class activity you will take turns playing the roles of (1) a student who wants to overhaul their wardrobe and (2) a supportive friend (max: 2). The scene takes place at the student’s favorite restaurant. Begin the conversation by discussing why this restaurant is so special and what some of the best dishes on the menu are. Then get straight to the point– your wardrobe… and change! Be sure to use the vocabulary and structures you have learned in this module. Only 2-3 people per group are permitted. Before this in-class activity, please complete Pasos 1 through 5 below.

[Copy pre-activity Google doc here]

Paso 1. Start this pre-activity by preparing a list of questions you will use in class for both roles. Use the vocabulary in previous sections of this module and our textbook, as well as present tense verbs (both regular and irregular). This is also a review of question formation so make sure to include a mix of yes/no questions (e.g., ¿Eres de Austin?) and information questions (e.g., ¿De dónde eres?). Lastly, remember that these questions and their answers are only the beginning of a conversation. React to clothing suggestions from your friend. What do you find interesting, (dis)agreeable about what they share? Think on your feet and step outside your comfort zone!

Paso 2. Now prepare a list of useful vocabulary words and phrases from previous sections of our textbook (and beyond) to share information related to food, dishes, items of clothing, shopping, lifestyle, suggestions/recommendations, support. Importantly, do not write complete sentences here. You will lose points during the activity if you are reading or looking up information.

Paso 3. Remember, cognates are a great tool for communication. Have you included any in sections (1) or (2) above? Go ahead and copy all the cognates you used above into the columns below. If possible, group the words by association and label the column category. Practice pronouncing these words and make sure you are familiar with both the singular/plural and masculine/feminine forms when relevant.

Paso 4. As the person who chose the restaurant and is considering a wardrobe overhaul, get your phone out and share a few photos during the natural flow of conversation. One photo should show your favorite dish at the restaurant, a second should depict your current style, and a third should represent a potential future look. Describe the images below:

Paso 5. Finally, prepare a list of fillers to hold the floor, expressions that show interest and support, and helpful phrases for sharing opinions, expressing (dis)agreement, and getting others involved.

Paso 6. Upload this pre-activity to Canvas before the in-class ¡Conversemos! activity.

(Opcional) Proyecto Digital Segunda parte: Mi restaurante favorito

In this module you will talk about your favorite restaurant and dish.

I. Antes de escribir

Use the questions that follow to organize your ideas. Your instructor can help you with words or constructions that are unfamiliar to you.

1. ¿Cómo se llama tu restaurante favorito?
2. ¿Dónde está? (mention city/state)
3. ¿Cómo es? (Describe the building, inside of the restaurant, atmosphere, etc.)
4. ¿Qué tipo de comida sirven en el restaurante?
5. ¿Cuál es tu plato favorito allí? ¿Por qué?
6. ¿Vas seguido a ese restaurante? ¿Con quién vas? ¿Por qué?
7. Explica por qué este restaurante es tu favorito. (Your instructor can help you answer this question.)

II. A escribir

Now write your paragraph and…

• Pay attention to gender and number when you use articles, adjectives, and nouns and to the correct verb conjugations.
• Use connectors and conjunctions to connect your ideas. For example, use y, también (also), además (also), pero (but), aunque (even though), ya que (because), entonces (so), de igual forma (in the same way), etc. Your instructor can help you to use these words correctly.
• Complement your paragraph with:
  • At least one photo of the restaurant.
  • Additional photos (a maximum of two) of you and your friends/family eating at the restaurant.
  • If you use photos that you have not taken, please do not forget to cite the source. We recommend that you use Creative Common photos (CC, CC BY, CC BY-SA). You can search for this type of photos on https://search.creativecommons.org/.

III. Después de escribir

Now read your paragraph, and focus on the following:

• Content: Have you included all the information required? Are your photos big and clear enough to convey your message?
• Grammar:
  • Articles, adjectives, and nouns: Do they agree in gender and number?
  • Verbs: Have you conjugated your verbs correctly?
  • Cohesion: Have you connected your ideas with the suggested connectors and conjunctions?
• Go over your text, improve it, and write a new, polished version.

Tercera parte: Mi plato favorito

I. Antes de escribir

Use the questions that follow to organize your ideas. Your instructor can help you with words or constructions that are unfamiliar to you.

1. ¿Cómo se llama tu plato favorito?
2. ¿De dónde es? (Information about the place where the dish originated.)
3. ¿Qué ingredientes lleva?
4. Explica por qué te gusta este plato.

II. A escribir

Now write your paragraph and…

• Pay attention to gender and number when you use articles, adjectives, and nouns and to the correct verb conjugations.
• Use connectors and conjunctions to connect your ideas. For example, use y, también (also), además (also), pero (but), aunque (even though), ya que (because), entonces (so), etc. Your instructor can help you to use these words correctly.
• Complement your paragraph with:
  • At least one photo of the dish.
  • Additional photos (a maximum of two) of you eating or preparing this dish.
  • If you use photos that you have not taken, please do not forget to cite the source. We recommend that you use Creative Common photos (CC, CC BY, CC BY-SA). You can search for this type of photos on https://search.creativecommons.org/

III. Después de escribir

Now read your paragraph, and focus on the following:

• Content: Have you included all the information required? Are your photos big and clear enough to convey your message?
• Grammar:
  • Articles, adjectives, and nouns: Do they agree in gender and number?
  • Verbs: Have you conjugated your verbs correctly?
  • Cohesion: Have you connected your ideas with the suggested connectors and conjunctions?
• Go over your text, improve it, and write a new, polished version.