EF2 UNIT 5

Apology-Excuse blackboard race

Preparation: Prepare a list of situations in which an apology and excuse would be expected.

Procedure: The number of groups will depend on available chalkboard space. Each group needs at least one square meter. Teams line up in front of their section of the chalkboard (ideally 3 meters/10 feet away). The teacher calls out a situation. The first student in each team runs to the board and writes an excuse which fits that situation. That student then runs back and hands the chalk to the next student who goes to the board and writes another excuse. This continues. Allow 30-45 seconds for each situation. Record the number of excuses each team lists for each situation. The team with the highest total is the winner. You may want to make the last round worth double or triple points to keep all teams interested and involved.

Possible situations:

• You are late for English class.
• You come home at 2:00 a.m. and your mother is upset.
• You were supposed to meet your friend at a certain time but are an hour late.
• You are stopped by a police officer for speeding.
• You borrowed $100 from a friend three weeks ago, and he wants you to pay him back. You don’t have any money.
• You forgot your girl/boyfriend’s birthday.
• You are invited to a party but you don’t want to go.
• You didn’t pay your rent and your landlord is upset.