In the Magic Ring
This post is ielts_7 group task only.
The diagram shows a graphical summary of the activity in which your group participated in one of the recent lessons. Write a description of the activity presenting its stages and provide a caption for the diagram. Write at least 150 words in comments.
The diagram shows an idea for a 10-15 minute activity for a language lesson. The participants, students and teacher, sit comfortably in a ring, close enough to hold each other’s hands and keep them on their laps. It is important to keep the eyes closed throughout the activity. When everybody is relaxed, the teacher slowly gives a set of instructions in a calm, stable voice and encourages students to speak about anything that naturally comes to their minds. All students are going to speak and answer some questions. Topics could vary, but it is all about visualizing the past and one’s memories. Participants naturally get into a reflective mode.
They speak in turns and assign the next speaker by passing on a number of gentle squeezes to the hand of the person sitting next to them. Someone who, for example, receives three squeezes passes on only two squeezes to someone else, and their neighbour gives one squeeze to someone to speak.
In the end the teacher counts down for 10 seconds, then everybody opens their eyes and all are “back in the class”. The activity is good for looking into words, concentrating not on grammar but on the sense of one’s speech.
(200 words)
The diagram depicts an innovative method of communication and thought exchange. Sitting in their chairs and holding hands, the participants gathered in a room form a circle. They keep their eyes shut during the whole performance, which helps them to imagine things and visualise their train of thoughts. As it is important to feel comfortable, the room is worm, silent and airy. The leader, be it a teacher, introduces the subject to the group and asks the initial questions.
By squeezing their partners’ hands a few times, clockwise or anti-clockwise, the students pass a signal to the person sitting next to them, keeping one squeeze to themselves. The one who receives the final squeeze is to present their ideas and opinions.
The fact that speakers are relaxed and to some extent anonymous, enhances their confidence and stimulates reflection. In terms of contents, almost no restrictions exist. The moderator ends the 15 to 20-minute-session by slowly counting down from 10 to 1.
(164 words)