Immersion and Absorption:

Developing English Communication Skills

an English Proficiency Seminar for the High School Students of Mater Dei Academy
formulated and conducted by Ronaldo Ofalia, M.A. --- July 25, 2008
Schedule:
Freshmen Sophomores Juniors Seniors
1:00-2:00 PM Intro & Dyad Intro & Dyad Intro & Dyad Intro & Dyad
2:00-3:00 PM Discussion Discussion Buzz Group Buzz Group
3:00-4:00 PM Letter Writing Letter Writing Discussion & Discussion &
Journal writing Journal writing

Segment 1: Dyad. Discuss with your partner any of the topics below. Dwell on any topic as long as you like, and
touch many topics as much as you like for the duration of the activity.
1. Name 5 of your most favorite TV shows. Explain 11. Narrate your most enjoyable summer vacation.
why. 12. Tell the good qualities of you parents which you
2. Tell the story about your first crush. are so thankful about.
3. Narrate your most embarrassing experience. 13. Name 3 of your most favorite singers. Explain
4. Narrate your happiest experience. why.
5. Name your most favorite teacher. Explain why. 14. Name your most favorite actor and actress.
6. Name the three wishes that you would ask for if Explain why.
you are given the chance. Explain why. 15. Name your most favorite book. Explain why.
7. Name 3 of your most favorite food. Explain why. 16. Talk about your very best friend during your
8. Tell what degree you want to pursue in college. elementary days.
Explain why. 17. Talk about your achievement which you are most
9. Name the 3 gifts you want to have for your proud.
birthday. Explain why. 18. Name your most favorite hero (or superhero).
10. Name 3 of your most favorite love songs. Explain why.
Explain why. 19. Narrate the happiest Christmas you ever had.
20. Narrate the experience when you felt so close to
God.

Segment 2: Buzz Group. Discuss the following questions. Share as many ideas as you can and do not criticize the
ideas of your classmates.
1. What are the advantages that a person has when he/she speaks English proficiently?
2. What are the reasons why it is hard to speak English all the time in school?
3. What activities should MDA have to enhance the English oral communication skills of the students?
4. What must I do so that I could speak English fluently?

Segment 3: Discussion. “Immersion and Absorption Matrix”

Low end Middle High end
Speaking Duration: Speaking English in the Speaking English in school Speaking English outside the
classroom school
Content: Talking about everyday Talking about lessons and Talking about ideas,
topics assignments in school principles, future plans, etc.
Listening Duration: Listening to audio materials Listening to audio materials Listening to audio materials
for about 30 minutes for about one hour for about 2 hours
Content: Listening to songs and Watching TV programs and Listening to & viewing
watching computer videos movies literary works: movies, radio
drama, poems, audio books,
dramas, debates, speeches,
etc.
Reading Duration: Reading for about 30 Reading for about one and a Reading for about 3 hours or
minutes half hours more
Content: Using the internet: IM & e- Reading newspapers, Reading literary works:
mail; websites, blogs, news, comics, & magazines and novels, poems, essays, short
infos; etc. watching foreign movies stories, etc.
with English subtitles
Writing Duration: Writing for about 30 Writing for about one hour Writing for about 2 hours or
minutes more
Content: Using the internet: IM & e- Writing a journal/diary and Writing literary works:
mail; websites, blogs; etc. writing snail mail to friends poems, articles, essays, short
& loved ones stories, dramas, etc.
Segment 4: Letter Writing. Write letters to your classmates, teachers, and loved ones. Please use correct spelling,
vocabulary, and grammar.