Teacher Discussion Forums

Hi there,
I'm currently teaching one to one & my student is an estate agent with a good knowledge of English (Upper Intermediate). However, I'm finding it hard to find any information relating to his occupation.
Can anyone reccomend any sites, books or any other ideas which may help me further please?

Thanking you very kindly

Sassy

I would check www.voanews.com or any major newspaper to look for articles. I like voanews since they give a transcript of the story and have an audio link to listen to the story.

I would also download advertisements. I would do a Google image search under real estate or similar terms. And I would look at classified ads under real estate. I use this page for classifieds since it is available in pdf form and the lettering is zoom-able and clear: http://www.grandcountynews.com/all_classifieds.htm

I would also do some role plays of what its like on the job for him. Script out one side of a conversation he might have with a client. I use this script for my work with students in Mexico:

Buying a house
1. How many bedrooms does it have?
2. How many bathrooms does it have?
3. Does it have a yard?
4. How many floors is it?
5. How many cars can fit in the garage?
6. Is the laundry room inside or outside?
7. How many square meters is the house?
8. Does it have air conditioning?
9. Is it natural gas or propane?
10. How much does it cost?

One of us is the buyer and the other the seller. He should try to respond what he is able to in English and fill in the holes with his native language. This way you don't have to script both sides of the conversation, you leave room for creativity, fun and learning opportunities. I would ask him to tell you some specific role play questions he would have to know or wants practice.

Josh

Thanks a lot Josh, I'll give it a go !!


Sandra