This document provides an overview of a workshop presentation about using adapted novels to help students discover literary works. The presentation focuses on using Jane Austen's novel "Emma" to improve students' reading abilities while also developing their other skills. A variety of activities are described that involve listening to an audiobook of "Emma", discussing characters, doing roleplays of dialogues, and making predictions about plot points to engage students and increase their enjoyment of discovering literary texts.

1. Helping Students Discover Literary Works in Adapted NovelsPresentation elaborated byVioricaCondratlecturer at Alecu Russo State University Workshop Up-to-Date Techniques and Strategies in Teaching English,English Language Teachers’ AssociationApril 9th, 2011

2. Introductory remarksToday’s presentation was designed as a guideline for enhancing the reading competence with intermediate students. Its primary focus is to improve the reading abilities. Yet, it should be done in such a way that it boosts the other three skills as well. Thus, an integrative method is best suited.At the same time, activities were thought to develop the students’ creativity. As is known, this is a way to make one’s classes more interesting, and, thus, increasing the students’ motivation.An issue which I tried to deal with is: “How to make students like discovering literary texts.”Nowadays, the big number of audiobooks can be of great help in enhancing the listening competence. I have chosen Jane Austen’s novel, because of the success her works still are. Besides, there are so many movies based on her books which might also serve as a support for the lesson.

3. Is Jane Austen the best choice?Jane Austen is a timeless classic whose novels still thrill and excite the modern reader. She vividly depicts the sophisticated atmosphere of her time and the intricate relations existing between the people of the higher society.It is interesting to note that Jane Austen wrote her books in an age of turmoil, an age where the French Revolution shook Europe and shocked the aristocrats by the power of masses. Yet, Jane Austen is so detached from this. Her novels are calm instances of the society confronting their everyday needs. What she cherished was the beauty of a serene family life. She understood its utmost importance in a person’s life and she promoted family values. Although she never married she strove for her female characters’ happiness in marriage.

4. Materials needed:Jane Austen’s adopted novel “Emma” retold by Margaret Turner, Macmillan;The CD of the book;The film “Emma” (1996);

5. Activity 1Tell the students that this is a story of a young spoilt but very intelligent girl who likes matchmaking.

6. Explain what matchmaking is and let the students decide whether it is good or bad to match make. What can it result into?

7. Introduce the names of the main characters, and make them guess whom would Emma try to marry next and with whom.Jane FairfaxMr. EltonHarriet SmithGeorge KnightlyFrank Churchill

8. Activity 2Getting acquainted with the characters.Listen to the first chapter and say who:hates changes in life

9. is short and plump but not very clever

10. Is in charge of everything in the house because her mother died

11. wants Frank Churchill to marry Emma

12. does not approve of Emma’s friendship with Harriet

13. often thinks he is ill

14. criticizes Emma whenever she is wrong

15. made the match between Miss Taylor and Mr. Weston