EFL Warmer Teacher's notes

1. That’s Sick! : Practitioner’s Notes
Level: Pre-intermediate to Intermediate
Timing: 10 min
Ages: 8 to adult
Language area: Illnesses and complaints
Diagnosis
This activity is a warmer or filler which revises the language of illness could be given
following a lesson on ailments such as headaches, colds, flu, etc.
Treatment
The event of the season is underway – the Annual Hypochondriac’s Ball. Students
play the roles of participants and have to circulate around the ballroom telling
anyone who will listen about their ailments in as much detail as possible. They
should compete to be the sickest person in the room.
Prescription
1. Pre-teach and write the words ‘hypochondriac’ and ‘symptom’ on the board.
2. Brainstorm and write on board the names of illnesses, complaints and some of
their symptoms.
3. Pre-teach and drill some complaints such as:
 Oh I feel so bad!
 I have a temperature.
 I feel like death warmed up.
 Oh I feel sick!
 I feel faint!
4. Tell the students they are all hypochondriacs at a ball and that they have to tell
about their illnesses etc. and find out about other peoples complaints.
5. Get the students out from behind their desks and into an open space.
6. Tell them that they have to chat to each other about all their complaints until you
shout ‘change’ after which they have to find someone else to complain to.
7. Start the activity and actively monitor helping as needed.
8. After 2 minutes, shout ’change’.
9. Students find another partner and repeat the activity.
10. Get them to change partners 3-4 times before calling a halt to the activity.
11. Conduct a feedback session if necessary.