Jan 30, 2017

Before I Wake: Euphemism






Euphemism:

It's important that we be all polite to each other. For this reason, there are many polite ways to talk about impolite topics.

Match the euphemisms with the real message transmitted.

1 - He's light-fingered

2 - She's been doing time

3 - I'm just going to powder my nose

4 - Down and out / A down-and-out

5 - She's in the family way

6 - She had a baby

7 - He made an honest woman of her


(   ) she has been in prison.

(   ) she gave birth to a new child.

(   ) the person is a thief / steals things.

(   ) a polite phrase that some people use to say that they are going to the toilet.

(   ) 'Down and out' is an adjective but 'a down-and-out' is a noun that describes a person who is homeless.

(   )  a man has married a woman.

(   ) means pregnant. Other euphemisms include 'she's expecting a baby' and 'she has a bun in the oven'.


KEY: 
2 - 6 - 1 - 3 - 4 - 7 - 5



Watch the movie segment and decide:

What is the euphemism used?

What is the real message given?



KEY -

Euphemism: He's in heaven.
Real meaning: he is dead.


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Jan 15, 2017

Mr. Baseball: Modals for Advice and Regrets

One of my Methodology students showed me this segment to express regrets. I loved it. I adapted what she had in mind and came up with  this fun activity to express advice and regrets. .





I. Work in small groups.

Imagine you are receiving an American friend for a very informal "feijoada" in a friend's house. Prepare a list of advice you would give her so that she can feel comfortable in the event. Thing about the following things:

*You can adapt the activity with questions about a traditional luncheon or dinner party in your country (Thanksgiving, for example)



- What should she wear?
- What time should she arrive?
- Should she bring anything for the host?
- How much should she eat? 
- What shouldn't she do there?
- What time should she leave?
- Does she have to eat everything that is served?
- What if she doesn't want to eat such an exotic dish? What should she say or do?
- Can she bring someone with her?

II. Watch the movie segment and make a list of the American guest's inappropriate behavior.





III. Report to the class what he SHOULDN'T HAVE DONE, expressing regrets.

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MOVIE SEGMENT DOWNLOAD - MR BASEBALL