Recipes for tired teachers by Tanjapan

Recipes for tired teachers

'Interrupting'—Student's Worksheet (1) Your teacher is going to start reading or speaking on a particular subject. You should try to interrupt him or her as often as you can. Put a check ( J ) next to each of the phrases as you hear it. You should try to use each of the phrases at least once. Phrases for interrupting:

Expressing opposition or disagreement:

I wonder if I could just interrupt you there . . .

I'm afraid I don't agree with that . . .

Could I interrupt to say . . .

Look, that really isn't quite right . . .

Do you mind if I say something here?

I don't see how it's possible to say that . . .

Sorry to butt in, but . . .

Yes, but on the other hand . . .

Excuse me for interrupting you, but . . .

I really don't see how you can justify that.

I'm sorry to interrupt your presentation, but . . . If I could just say something here . . . I don't want to hold us up, but . . .

Contradiction: Yes, but if you say that the logical conclusion is . You don't seriously think that, do you?

Asking for clarification:

That can't possibly be right.

I wonder if I could ask for clarification on that point? Could you be a little more specific?

Annoyance:

I wonder if you should give us an example of that?

Excuse me, but you really mustn't talk nonsense.

I'm afraid I didn't quite get that.

Don't give me that rubbish!

'Interrupting'—Student's Worksheet (2) Now it is your turn to read or speak about a subject for two minutes. It does not need to be an interesting subject. You will have to read or speak while the others interrupt you. Here are some useful phrases to counter the interruptions. If you will allow me to continue . . . I wonder if I could explain that point later . . . If I could explain that at the end . . . Just a moment, please, I won't be long. I wonder if I could continue with what I'm saying . . . I'll be glad to clarify any points at the end.