Lesson 3: So Close, Yet So Far
Subject English Grade Level Senior High School Grade 1 Total 3 periods
Textbook Beijing Normal University Press, Senior High School English, Compulsory 1 Class Type Reading Class Period 3
Text Analysis
Text Analysis
The text "So Close, Yet So Far" discusses the impact of social networking and the Internet on people's daily lives, particularly focusing on a young man named Mark. The text highlights the paradox where despite being connected to hundreds of friends online, Mark feels increasingly isolated and disconnected from his real-life relationships. It explores themes of loneliness, addiction, and the superficial nature of online interactions.
Learner Analysis
Students are familiar with social media and the Internet, as they are an integral part of their daily lives. They have varying levels of awareness about the potential negative impacts of excessive online activity. Some students may relate to Mark's experiences, while others may have different perspectives. The challenge is to engage students in critical thinking about the balance between online and offline life and to encourage them to reflect on their own habits.
Teaching Objectives
Comprehension
1. Understand the main idea and supporting details of the text.
2. Identify the paradox of being socially connected yet feeling isolated.
Language Skills
1. Use key vocabulary and phrases related to social media and relationships.
2. Develop critical thinking and analytical skills through discussion and reflection.
Application
1. Apply the knowledge gained from the text to personal experiences.
2. Engage in group activities to explore the impact of social media on relationships.
Reflection
1. Reflect on personal social media habits and their impact on real-life relationships.
2. Formulate strategies to balance online and offline life.
Key Points and Difficulties
Key Points
1. Understanding the main idea and supporting details of the text.
2. Identifying the paradox of social connectivity and isolation.
3. Using key vocabulary and phrases related to social media and relationships.
Difficulties
1. Analyzing the deeper implications of social media on personal relationships.
2. Encouraging students to critically reflect on their own social media habits.
3. Balancing the discussion between positive and negative aspects of social media.
Teaching Methods and Preparation
Teaching Methods
Issue-based teaching, context inquiry, cooperative learning, lecture method
Preparation
Textbook, PowerPoint slides, handouts, internet access
Teaching Procedure Teacher Activities Student Activities
Warm-up Activate Prior Knowledge
(1) Greet students and introduce the topic of social media and its impact on daily life.
(2) Show a brief video clip or images that highlight the prevalence of social media in modern society.
(3) Ask students to share their initial thoughts on the role of social media in their lives.
(4) Write key vocabulary on the board: social networking, isolation, paradox, connectivity.
(5) Explain the meaning of these terms and ask students to provide examples.
Discussion Questions
(1) What roles do social networking and the Internet play in your daily life What do you use them for
(2) How many online friends do you have Do social networking and the Internet help improve your relationships with others Give some examples. 1. Watch the video and share initial thoughts.
2. Participate in the vocabulary review.
3. Predict the content of the text based on the title.
Reading and Exploration Pre-reading Activity
(1) Divide students into small groups and ask them to predict what Mark will say about social networking and his relationships with others.
(2) Distribute the text and ask students to read it individually.
(3) Instruct students to underline or highlight key points and unfamiliar words.
(4) After reading, ask students to share their predictions and compare them with the actual content of the text.
(5) Guide a class discussion on the main ideas and supporting details of the text.
(6) Address any questions or confusions students may have.
Post-reading Activity
(1) Ask students to complete the information about Mark based on the text.
(2) Provide a worksheet with the following questions:
- What is Mark's routine
- What activities does Mark engage in online
- Why can't Mark drop social networking
- How has social networking affected Mark's friends
(3) Review the answers as a class and discuss the implications.
(4) Introduce the concept of colloquial phrases and ask students to identify and explain the meanings of "way beyond," "go cold turkey," "booze," and "be hard-wired in."
(5) Provide additional examples of these phrases in different contexts. 1. Predict what Mark will say about social networking.
2. Read the text individually and highlight key points.
3. Share predictions and compare with the actual content.
4. Complete the worksheet and discuss the answers in class.
Group Work Discussion Leader
(1) Assign roles: Discussion Leader, Word Master, Summariser, Student Advisor.
(2) Instruct the Discussion Leader to think of two open-ended questions and write down their answers.
(3) Ask the Discussion Leader to share the questions with the group and invite members to answer.
(4) Allow each member to share their own work with the group.
(5) Encourage the group to discuss and comment on each other's contributions.
Word Master
(1) Find three expressions in the text to describe Mark's problems (actions, situations, or feelings).
(2) Explain each expression in English and use it in a new sentence.
(3) Invite the group to comment on the new sentences.
(4) Share the findings with the class.
(5) Discuss the meanings and usage of the expressions. 1. Take on assigned roles and complete tasks independently.
2. Share work with the group and participate in discussions.
3. Prepare for a class presentation.
Summary and Reflection Summariser
(1) Instruct the Summariser to read the text carefully and summarize it, including the following aspects:
- Situation/problem
- Effects of the problem
- Writer's attitude and conclusion
(2) Provide a worksheet with the summary framework.
(3) Review the summaries as a class and discuss the main points.
(4) Ask students to share their reflections on Mark's use of language.
(5) Encourage students to find examples from the text that support their ideas.
(6) Discuss the communicative purpose of the text and its impact on the reader.
Student Advisor
(1) Suppose the Student Advisor works at a Student Advice Centre.
(2) Instruct the Student Advisor to discuss the consequences of Mark's problems with the group.
(3) Ask the group to explain why these problems arise.
(4) Provide at least three pieces of advice on how to overcome these problems.
(5) Share the advice with the class and discuss the feasibility of the solutions.
(6) Encourage students to reflect on their own social media habits and formulate strategies to balance online and offline life. 1. Summarize the text and share reflections on Mark's use of language.
2. Discuss the consequences of Mark's problems and provide advice.
3. Reflect on personal social media habits and formulate strategies.
Evaluation Tasks 1. Active participation: ☆☆☆
2. Accurate summarization: ☆☆☆
3. Critical thinking: ☆☆☆
Design Intentions The warm-up activities are designed to activate prior knowledge and engage students in the topic. The reading and exploration activities focus on comprehension and critical thinking, while the group work encourages collaboration and application of language skills. The summary and reflection activities promote deeper understanding and personal reflection.
Homework Design
Comprehension Questions
1. What is the main idea of the text "So Close, Yet So Far"
2. How does Mark's routine reflect his dependence on social media
3. What are the negative effects of social media on Mark's relationships
4. What advice would you give to Mark to help him overcome his problems
Writing Task
Write a reflective essay (150-200 words) discussing the impact of social media on your own life. Include specific examples and strategies to maintain a healthy balance between online and offline activities.
Board Design
Title: So Close, Yet So Far
Key Vocabulary:
Social Networking
Isolation
Paradox
Connectivity
Main Ideas:
Mark's routine and online activities
Impact of social media on relationships
Paradox of being connected yet isolated
Strategies to balance online and offline life
Questions:
What roles do social networking and the Internet play in your daily life
How many online friends do you have
How has social media affected your relationships
Colloquial Phrases:
Way Beyond
Go Cold Turkey
Booze
Be Hard Wired In
Teaching Reflection
Insufficiencies
1. Some students struggled to articulate their thoughts during the group discussion, indicating a need for more structured guidance in expressing opinions.
2. The pace of the lesson was too fast for some students, leading to incomplete understanding of certain concepts. Adjusting the timing and providing more opportunities for individual reflection could help.
3. The homework assignment could be more varied to cater to different learning styles and abilities. Including multiple-choice questions or a creative writing task could enhance engagement.