Detailed Sample Task:
Stage I

CLB 3 - Listening
Comprehending Instructions

Shopping

image of Listening icon

Real-World Task

Follow instructions for purchasing an item online.

Planning Context

Vocabulary and Grammar

Knowledge and Strategies

Activities and Tasks

Sample Skill-Building Activities:

  • Discuss as a class: Who has shopped online in Canada or in other countries?  Discuss how this online shopping experience compares to in-person shopping in Canada and in other countries. What are some of the advantages of online shopping? What are some of the challenges and risks of online shopping? How easy is it to find what you are looking for at an in-person store and an online store?
  • Introduce subjects that involve following simple instructions such as making the bed, following a simple recipe or doing laundry. Practice two to 3 step instructions with a partner. One person can give the instructions and another can act out the instructions or number the sentences on a worksheet in the correct order.
  • Using the vocabulary words written on word cards, complete some simple sentences about online shopping in a teacher created handout  by filling the gaps with the missing words. Check your sentences with a partner and take turns reading the sentences aloud.
  • Create a poster depicting an online shopping website. Using the key vocabulary terms and label different parts of the image including such items as the search bar, menu buttons, URL, and so on.
  • Discuss as a class some tips for online safety when shopping, such as using https:// websites only, checking for additional taxes and delivery charges for a specific website, and only giving credit card information when you are certain the website is trustworthy. 
  • Each learner reads a simple instructor-made set of instructions about how to find a specific item on an online store website. Repeat the instruction to the classmate sitting to your right and listen to the instruction from the classmate on your left. Continue the activity until you have repeated each instruction at least once.
  • Listen to three simple instructions about how to navigate an online store website, such as using the menu buttons, typing in the search bar, and adding a filter to the search. For each instruction, underline the verb on a transcript of the instructions. Match the verb to an image of someone doing this action. Practice following the navigation instructions at an online store website.
  • Review the grammar rules for how to use imperative verbs and correct the errors on a handout  with imperative sentences that give instructions for how to shop online and find the sale items on an online store website.
  • Complete exercises to practice the imperative.
  • Read five simple sentences with instructions for using filters such as price ranges, materials, brands, sizes and so on. Go to a well-known online store website and practice using filters to limit the search results. 
  • Role play asking wh-questions about your classmate’s online shopping habits, such as What items do you often buy online? What items do you never buy online? What website do you use? Your partner will respond with the correct information. 
  • Practice listening to instructions, shopping-related or other, on the computer. Answer true/ false questions about the listening.

Sample Skill-Using Tasks:

  • Listen to instructions on how to use the website of a well-known online store to buy a new mouse for your computer.  Write down the cheapest option, along with the price, when it can be delivered and  the cost of delivery.

Sample Assessment Tasks:

  • Follow instructions for purchasing an item online. After following the instructions, list the first three search results that come up, along with the price of each of the items.

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.