The Zoo

Task Overview
This is a fun activity for a conversation class and usually takes about an hour.   The task is for students to work in teams to create the best possible zoo.


Task Outcomes

• Use animal vocabulary in context
• Communicate in speaking
• Negotiate and choose 

Resources

• 1 hour

Set Up

• Brian storm a list of all animals in zoos.
• Split students into 2-4 groups.

Team Goals

• Companies must create the best zoo with the animals they have.

Actions

1.  Each team ranks animals in order of importance for a zoo.

2.  Teams draft animals from the list.  

3.  After the animals are all chosen, teams discuss and create a plan for a zoo.  They should consider layout, attractions, and any features of a zoo they can imagine.

4.  Teams create a visual representation of their zoo (Paper, computer, etc.)

5.  Teams present their zoo to the class.

Rules

• Teams are only allowed to use the animals they have chosen.

Results

• Groups vote on one zoo (other than their own) as the best.

Feedback and Reflection

• Teacher provides language feedback from discussions and presentations. 
• Students find a partner from a different group and discuss the task.

Conversation Questions

• What criteria did you use to rank the animals?
• What animals did we forget to add to the list?
• Why were some animals not important?
• What was the goal for your zoo (e.g. fun, animal knowledge, etc.)
• What was the best idea you had for the zoo?
• What challenges did your group face trying to agree on a plan for the zoo?
• How could you have presented your zoo better?
• What did the other groups do that your group had not considered?

Task Variations

• The number of animals can be varied, so for example, each team has 1 of one type of animal, 2 of another, 3 of another, etc.

Emerging Language

• When students rank the animals, they will use comparatives and superlatives.
• When students discuss the plan with the group, they will use opinion language (e.g. I think we should, What about if we, etc.)