Unit 2: Communication Activities
I. Taiwan Then And Now - Making Comparisons of Past and Present Conditions
Look at the chart below, then answer these questions.
TAIWAN (ROC) 1960 TODAY Population 6,500,000 23,000,000 Population Density 181 per km2 639 per km2 Per Capita Income U.S. $142 U.S. $16,500 Population Distribution 58% urban, 42% rural 71% urban, 29% rural Exchange Rate US $1 = NT $40 US $1 = NT $34
2. Making Guesses and Conjectures
- What was Taiwan's population in 1960? What is it today?
- How much has Taiwan's population increased since 1960?
- How much did an average Taiwanese earn per year in 1960? How about today?
- How has Taiwan's per capital income changed since 1960?
- What per centage of Taiwanese lived in cities in 1960? How about 1990?
- How does the current US/Taiwan dollar exchange rate compare with 1960's?
- How has Taiwan's political situation changed since 1960?
- Have Taiwan's formal diplomatic relations with the USA changed since 1960?
When you want to make guesses or give opinions
without knowing any certain facts, these expressions are often useful -
I'm not sure - I suppose that . . .
I'm not certain - it seems likely that . . .
Though I may be wrong, I guess that . . .Answer these questions using the patterns above
EXAMPLE: Q: Is Taipei growing faster than Tainan? A: I'm not certain - it seems likely that Taipei country is growing faster than Tainan county, but I'm not sure about Taipei city. What do you think? Q: Though I may be wrong, I guess that Taipei city is growing faster than Tainan. Many people are moving to Taipei. A: Perhaps you are right.3. Extended Role Plays (in pairs)
- Is mainland China's population growing faster than Taiwan's?
- Do you think Taiwan's economy is stronger than Japan's?
- Is the gap between the rich and poor in Taiwan becoming wider?
- Will the conflict between Taiwan and mainland China be resolved soon?
- Is Taiwan's economy today much different from what it was in 1960?
- Do you think Taiwan is becoming more polluted?
- Do you think Taiwan is better now than it was twenty years ago? Why / why not?
Situation 1
Student A - You are a foreign tourist in Taipei. You will be in northern Taiwan few days and would like to see some beautiful places in the northern part of Taiwan. Ask for advice about where to go. Also ask about prices.
Student B - You are Taiwanese and from Taipei. A foreign tourist is asking for advice about places to travel in northern Taiwan. Recommend several places worth visiting.
Situation 2
Student A - You are from Tainan and like to speak English. It is vacation time, and you want to help the tourist who is speaking with you. Be helpful and suggest places to see in southern Taiwan.
Student B - You are a foreign university student and want to see southern Taiwan. Ask Student A about places in southern Taiwan that are worth visiting. Since you don't have a lot of money, be sure to ask about prices. Try to find inexpensive, fun places.
4. Giving Praise and Making Polite Complaints
Let's practise practice praising things we like, and politely complaining about things we don't like.
These expressions may be useful -
Expressions of Praise
I really love _____ in (Taiwan).
What I really love about (Taiwan) is _____.
One thing great about (Taiwan) is _____.
Expressions of Polite Complaint
I'm afraid I really don't like (Taiwan's) _____.
I can't say that I am fond of (Taiwan's) _____.
One thing I have never learned to appreciate in (Taiwan) is _____.
Sample Skit
A: So what do you like most about (Taiwan)?
B: What I really love about (Taiwan) is (the food).
A: (The food)?
B: Yeah - (it's great). I especially like (stinky tofu). How about you?
A: Well, I really love (the people in Taiwan) the most.
B: (The people)?
A: Yeah - (they are friendly). I especially like (people from the countryside.)
& So what do you dislike most about (Taiwan)?
B: I can't say that I am fond of (Taiwan's pollution).
A: (The pollution)?
B: Yeah - (there is garbage everywhere). I especially dislike (dirty air). How about you?
A: Well, I dislike (the corruption in Taiwan) the most.
B: (The corruption)?
A: Yeah - (there is too much dirty money).
B: I see.
Now praise and/or complain about each of the following topics -
1. Taiwan. 2. Taipei. 3. Ming Chuan University. 4. This class. 5. Japan. 6. The USA.
