Detailed Sample Task:
Stage I

CLB 2 - Speaking
Giving Instructions

Banking & Numeracy

Speaking icon

Real-World Task

Give 1 to 2 instructions to a friend on how to deposit a cheque through online banking.

Planning Context

Vocabulary and Grammar

Knowledge and Strategies

Activities and Tasks

Sample Skill-Building Activities:

  • Discuss as a class: Do you have a bank account? Which institution do you use? In what ways (if any) is banking different in Canada to other countries you have lived in? Do you ever use online banking? Do you use banking apps on your phone? What are the benefits of online banking?
  • On a simplified image of an online banking web page, circle each of the vocabulary words found on the webpage image. Discuss the meaning of each word and build a set of simplified definitions for the vocabulary word list. 
  • Learners create a set of word cards with the vocabulary words on one side and definitions on the other. Practice activities using these cards can provide a review for each lesson focused on different aspects like pronunciation or word meanings.
  • Incorporate phonics activities based on vocabulary words and other vocabulary related to the topic.
  • Listen to a short, instructor-created audio with 3 simple instructions for how to check your bank balance. Answer three simple true / false questions about the instructions.
  • Introduce the imperative verb form through a total physical response approach. Take turns to give one instruction to the rest of the class, such as stand up, sit down, and so on. Pay close attention to the imperative form of the verb and word order, as well as using hand gestures to support the communication. Write the simple instructions on the board and repeat the activity. Ask learners to read the sentences aloud in a choral manner.
  • Review the grammar rules for how to use imperative verbs and practice copying the simple imperative sentences used in the classroom instructions. Highlight the imperative verb in each sentence. Now read the instructions aloud with a partner. 
  • Read three simple sentences with simple instructions about online banking and match the instruction to an image of a bank customer following the instruction. Now practice reading the sentences aloud to your partner. 
  • Review sequencing words used frequently in giving instructions such as first, then, after that, finally and so on.
  • Practice explaining to your partner how to open your online banking app. such as ….
  • Each learner creates a set of three cards each with a one step instruction for how to use your mobile banking app. Learners practice their set of instructions and then give the instructions to three classmates. Each time they make the request, learners try to speak a little faster and use your cards a little less each time.
  • Read a short, instructor-made story about the steps of depositing a cheque online. Identify the sequencing words and circle, underline the imperative verbs and highlight the capital letters and punctuation. 
  • Listen to the instructor read the story, then repeat after them and finally, read individually in turn and in pairs. Read the story multiple times over the course of several lessons to practice pronunciation, intonation and fluency.
  • Take three jumbled sentences for how to deposit a cheque using online banking and put the words in the correct order. With a partner, practice reading the sentences aloud.

Sample Skill-Using Tasks:

  • Give 1 to 2 instructions to a friend on how to check your bank account balance through online banking.

Sample Assessment Tasks:

  • Give 1 to 2 instructions to a friend on how to deposit a cheque through online banking.

Teaching Considerations

Resources

Detailed Sample Task

This exemplar is aligned with the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) and is designed to guide and inform your lesson and module planning. Consult the Canadian Language Benchmarks English as a Second Language for Adults for detailed performance descriptors at this benchmark and skill.

The information in this document is not exhaustive and can be expanded on. As well, you can use
more learner-friendly language in your materials and assessments.

This is NOT a lesson or module plan.