ESL Day 1 writing & researching activity

1. Day 1: Interview, Reflect, Write

2. Part 1
An exercise in collecting data, making assumptions, and verifying
assumptions

3. Take an object out of your book bag which reveals
something about yourself. Find a partner and
exchange artifacts. Do not talk to your partner
during this activity.

4. Step 1A
 Look at the object. Touch it; pick it up; turn it
around. How big is it? How does it feel in your hand?
What is it made of? Describe the texture, color,
weight. Is it old or new? Hand-made or manufactured?

5. Step 1B
 Now think more deeply about the artifact. Write down
adjectives that come to your mind as you interact with it.
Think about the artifact and the person who gave it to
you. What connections can you make between the person
and the artifact? Why do you think that person chose it as
a representation of himself or herself? What does the
artifact tell you about the person?

6. Step 1C
 You have spent time freewriting about the
artifact—objectively and poetically. What is your
strongest impression? Try to narrow your thoughts
and express your feelings in ONE sentence—a BIG
IDEA.

7. Part 2: Story-Telling

8. Story-Telling
Spend a few minutes thinking about a story that
somehow relates to your artifact. It might be about
the person who gave the artifact to you, the place
where you bought it, or a funny story related to it.
Get together with your partner and exchange
stories. As you tell your story, your partner will take
notes.

9. Part 3: The Interview

10. The Interview
After you finish telling each other a story that is
somehow related to your artifacts, interview each
other. One person asks questions based on the
following cues and takes notes based on the answers.
Then switch roles.

11. The Interview
 Name—“What…?”
 Age and date of birth—“How old…?” “When…?”
 Place of birth—“Where…?”
 Native language(s)—“What…?”
 Length of time in the U.S.—“How long…”
 Length of time studying English—“How long…?”
 Length of time in school—“How long…?”
 Education: major, future plans—“What…?”
 Family: single/married, siblings, children, etc.—“Are you…?” “Do you…?”
 Interests: sports, hobbies, special talents—“What…?”
 Other information to share: travel, accomplishments, goals—“What…?”

12. The Interview
After the interview, do you want to change your BIG IDEA?

13. Part 4: The Composition

14. The Composition
Based on the information that you have collected, introduce
your classmate. Focus your ideas. Come up with a BIG IDEA—
what do you want to tell me about this person?

15. The Composition
Notes—Writing Essays for this class
The introduction will contain the big idea
In the body, include specific information that supports your big idea.
Decide what is important to mention. Once again, be selective and focus
on examples that relate to the big idea.
Finally, in your conclusion, provide some final thoughts about the subject
matter being addressed.