Publication details
Taboo Words: Practice Definitions and Defining
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2016 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Humanising Language Teaching |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Web | http://www.hltmag.co.uk/apr16/ex06.htm |
| Field | Linguistics |
| Keywords | taboo; definitions; words; structure |
| Description | This activity is good for pairs or groups of three to four students. It includes speaking, definitions, and subject-specific vocabulary, and can be applied in lessons based on ESP or in general English classes. I use Taboo Words in my course English for Mathematicians attended by students of all branches of mathematics whose level of English is usually between B1 and B2 levels. As we teach both Academic English and subject-specific terminology, this activity is ideal as it nicely combines both of these approaches. Definitions are important from the structural and language perspectives – most Ss are able to recognize definitions but the structure and grammar patterns in English definitions are not clear to all of them. The lesson is both theoretical – making Ss aware of the patterns employed in definitions – and practical – Ss create their own definitions using the method of Taboo Words. The aim of the exercise is to practice definitions and defining in a creative and engaging way. Students can consolidate their knowledge of structure and grammar patterns and create their own original definitions that they share and discuss within their groups. |