The fourth category includes those activities for which teachers do not actually give the students materials, but just set the task. One task might be to produce a class newspaper or cookbook. Students draw upon their own background and experience as well as their knowledge of English to contribute to this task. The language produced by the students will clearly vary according to their level. In the cookbook activity, the class works together to prepare a collection of favorite recipes from their countries.
Students first work alone or in same-country groups to write a favorite recipe.
They then share their recipes with a partner or small group to be sure the recipes are complete and clear. The teacher then prepares copies of the recipes for the class to read and edit some more. Volunteers might take a classmate's recipe home to try it. When the students are satisfied with the recipes, the resulting cookbook can be photocopied and distributed to the class members and, if they wish, offered to other classes. An advantage of activities like this is that they build community and each of the students has the satisfaction of being able to contribute to the overall task.