Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[aisen]

Hi all,

I'm sorry to bother you with another question again.
Here's my problem.
Dr. Ferndon is one of those professors who ___________ distracted most of the time.
SEEM
SEEMS

I would like to know how to read the ________ part, when you read this in a classroom or something.

Thanks in advance.

Yours

[gulius]

I always use my arms for the space, and say nothing. When you end who, have your hands in the center of your body and move them away from each other, and then continue the sentence.

You may have to tell your class this is what you do to indicate a fill in the gap. After that they will always know what you are doing and the meaning.

Hope that helps. I find it works very well in my classes

[aisen]

Thank you for your idea.

[gulius]

hmmmm, a very good question. I suppose there are a couple of ways that you could do it. ONe would be to say the sentence twice, using first one word, and then say the sentence again, this time using the other word.

Another way to do it would be to say:

Dr. Ferndon is one of those professors who "_blank space_" distracted most of the time Then tell the listeners that in the blank space they have to choose between SEEM or SEEMS.

I think if you have the time try saying the sentence twice. It helps to enforce listening skills, and negates any confusion saying 'blank space' may cause to people listening if English is a second language for them.[/b]

[Lorikeet]

I would probably just use "blank" or make some silly noise.

[Jintii]

First I would announce that the sentences have a word or words missing. Then I would say that I will say BLANK when I get to the missing words. Then I'd give an example. And then I'd finally get started on the sentences.

It's a lot of steps, but this way everyone will understand what you're trying to do, instead of feeling frustrated until they figure it out.

[aisen]

I thank you all for your advice.
I think I'm going to use "blank." There seems to be various ways to indicate blank space.

Yours,