Monday, 23 March 2015

talking about MEMORY

How good is your memory? How would you feel if were unable to remember what you've just done? There a plenty of questions that could be asked during a lesson on memory. I've prepared an advanced lesson integrating reading, listening, writing and speaking. It also allows to practice some new vocabulary and introduces idioms connected with the subject of memories and remembering. To make the lesson less serious you may play memory game with the students using any vocabulary previously taught. Enjoy.
READING
Read the article and decide if the sentences below are TRUE or FALSE.

Are cell phones dumbing down the humans? According to a new study out of Britain, the answer is "yes." Too much RELIANCE on technology has reduced our brain power, and we can measure it.
The research REVEALED that most citizens in Britain have to remember five passwords, five pin numbers, two number plates, three security ID numbers, and three bank account numbers--quite a lot to just managed life on a daily basis! To do this, most people use only one or two passwords. This results in POTENTIAL security problems for the average person. Cell phones and other memory devices offer a solution to all the numbers and codes the average person has to remember. Scientists STATED that people are relying too much on devices for their memory. And the less you use your memory, the poorer it becomes.
The study discovered that 1/4 of all Britons couldn't give their home phone number when asked. What's more, only 1/3 of those SURVEYED could remember more than three birthdays of their IMMEDIATE family members.
The study divided the results into groups. About 1/3  under the age of 30 couldn't RECALL their home phone numbers without using a cell phone. In the same group only 40% could provide important dates, such as birthdays or anniversaries, for family members. For those over 50, 87% could remember details on family. The study also showed that 58% believed it impossible to remember numbers and codes they use every day.

T / F     According to the article, cell phones are making humans stupid.
T / F     People can't remember numbers well because they have so many passwords.
T / F     If you don't use your memory, it becomes poor.
T / F     Most people in Britain don't know their home phone number.
T / F     Older people couldn't remember numbers and codes as well as young people.

Match words from the text with their synonyms.

close               ______________           remember        ______________
dependence     ______________           say                  ______________
possible          ______________           show               ______________
question          ______________

Can you remember those?

your boyfriend/girlfriend birthday                      your dad's (or mom's) birthday
your parent's anniversary                                  your sibling’s birthday  

DISCUSSION POINTS

  •          How many birthdays, anniversaries, and other important dates can you remember? How about numbers?
  •          Has your cell phone helped or harmed your life? Why?
  •          What can you do to improve memory?
  •          Could you live without your cell phone?
VIDEO
Watch a video about a man who has a thirty second memory and the impact this has upon his life. Answer the questions below.

How long ago did he lose his memory? __________________________
How long does his memory work?        __________________________
What celebration is his wife talking about?__________________________
Which celebration he mixes it with?       __________________________
What is he saying about doctors?         __________________________

Apart from the difficulties shown on the video, what other difficulties do you think Clive would have on a day to day basis?
Why do you think he can play the piano despite his condition?

WRITING
Write about memories your most vivid memories for 10 minutes.

FIRST MEMORY ______________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
SCARY MEMORY _____________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
HAPPY MEMORY _____________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________

IDIOMS, EXPRESSIONS AND PHRASES
a trip down memory lane – to remember some of the happy things that you did in the past
commit something to memory – to memorise something
if my memory serves me correctly – if I have remembered correctly
to jog someone’s memory – to stimulate someone’s memory to recall something
to have a memory/mind like a sieve – to be very bad at remembering things
to refresh your memory – to help you remember something

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