Next, the students listen intently, trying both to understand the situation and to confirm whether the commercial mentions any of the words or sentences they wrote down previously. Depending on their level of understanding up to that point, students can remove several of the papers covering the info-windows. The windows provide additional clues while preserving the anticipation and excitement of the exercise. Now that the students understand the situation and language, they watch the commercial again and discuss in small groups any language and cultural similarities or differences that they notice. A man shakes his head.
Students form groups of three and write a commercial about their own original product.
When possible, students should use library facilities to research the history, development, production, and promotion of similar products to build academic reading and writing skills, and to acquaint themselves with the language of marketing. First, students prepare a poster of the item using magazine and newspaper clippings, markers, and crayons, including the product's price, customer service, unique features, or benefits. Next, they write a short script for a one-minute commercial and decide if they want to use background music. After some practice, videotape their productions, including the poster. In Summary While many teachers have gotten on the video bandwagon, the potential of commercial messages remains largely untapped.