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92 Stating-Preferences US
92 Stating-Preferences US
Stating
Preferences
Let’s Learn
In this lesson, you will learn how to describe
a preference. You will learn how to use
the following words and expressions:
• prefer
• preference
• like better than
• would rather
• than vs. then
Warm-Up
A. Stress B. Syllables C. Practice
The words prefer (verb) and The word prefer has two syllables. Listen to your teacher recite
preference (noun) are pronounced these sentences. Then practice
a bit differently. Notice where • pre | fer them with your teacher:
the stress is.
The word preference • I prefer coffee.
• prefer has three syllables. • I prefer tea.
• pref | rence
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Stating Preferences
Functional English
Dialogues
Read the dialogues, and practice with a partner.
Dialogue 1
A: Really?
Dialogue 2
A: I like chicken burgers better than beef burgers. I don’t really like veggie burgers.
Dialogue 3
B: I prefer cycling.
B: Good idea.
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Stating Preferences
Functional English
Useful Expressions
Review these common words and expressions.
Recite them together as a class.
A. Preference
• I like coffee.
like + noun (+ better than + noun)
• I like coffee better than tea.
like
• I like bowling.
like + -ing (+ better than + -ing)
• I like bowling better than swimming.
• I prefer coffee.
prefer + noun (+ over + noun)
• I prefer coffee over tea.
prefer
• I prefer bowling.
prefer + -ing (+ to + -ing)
• I prefer bowling to swimming.
Note #1 Note #2
THAN VS. THEN BETTER VS. MUCH
Use “than” to compare. Do not use “better” with “prefer.” Use “much” instead.
• I like reading better than writing. � I prefer coffee better. � I like coffee better.
• I like skiing better than snowboarding. � I much prefer coffee. � I much like coffee.
• You don’t like writing? T hen you read and I’ll write.
• Let’s go skiing first. Then we’ll go snowboarding.
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Stating Preferences
Functional English
This is a way of
saying you don’t Q: Do you want coffee,
informal
It doesn’t matter to me. have a preference tea, or juice?
or formal
when there are more A: It doesn’t matter to me.
than two choices.
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Stating Preferences
Functional English
Listening Practice
A. Preferences
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Stating Preferences
Functional English
Speaking Practice
A. Complete the Dialogue
B: Good idea.
B: Either is fine.
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Stating Preferences
Functional English
Review
Task 1
FORMAL OR INFORMAL?
Formality Preference
Q: Green or black?
5
A: Black. It goes with your jeans.
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Stating Preferences
Functional English
Review cont.
Task 2
Complete this dialogue on a piece of paper. Recite it with your teacher or with a partner.
Server: Of course.
Do you want to order now, or would you wait a few minutes?
3.
Customer: .
4.
Server: Okay. I’ll take your order now . What can I get for you?
5.
Task 3
STATING A PREFERENCE
Work with a partner. Take turns asking questions and responding about
the following topics in front of your teacher. Use a variety of words
and expressions that you learned (prefer / like better / would rather).
Demonstrate your understanding of “than” and “then.”
• colors
• beverages
• food
• clothing
• entertainment
• activities
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Stating Preferences
Functional English
expresses a lack of
preference in both a
formal and informal way
Notes
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Stating Preferences
Functional English
Learner Reflection
STATING A PREFERENCE
Add check marks () to show what you've learned in this lesson.
My Notes
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Stating Preferences
Functional English
Answer Key
LESSON DESCRIPTION: LEVEL: Int
In this lesson, students review language and useful expressions TIME: 1 hour
for stating preferences. They practice using formal and informal
TAGS: functional English, stating a preference,
language in questions and responses and learn to recognize
preferences, likes, dislikes, formal, informal,
and express a lack of preference. Includes listening practice
rather, interacting with others
and assessment tasks.
Recite the words and expressions and have your students 5 I’d rather not eat in. b
repeat after you for pronunciation and intonation practice.
6 I don’t like tea. a
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Stating Preferences
Functional English
B. CHOOSE THE CORRECT RESPONSE The last three tasks are optional and can be used for assessment
purposes and/or review practice. Task 3 includes an assessment
Play the recording or say each statement out loud for your
tool that you can share with learners so that they understand
students. Your students will listen and circle whether the
your expectations.
speaker has a preference or not.
TASK 1
# Sentence Answer
Have students read each dialogue and determine if it is formal or
1 Either is fine. b informal and if there is a preference or no preference.
Answers may vary. If you want to use this task for summative assessment, hand out
the ready-made Assessment tool (page 9), or personalize your
1. than
own from a template in Shared Criteria for Success:
2. then
https://esllibrary.com/resources/2352
3. prefer / like
4. either / swimming Place students in pairs and have them discuss their
5. then preferences in front of you and the class (or just for you)
using the subjects provided. Have students take turns
Students can read the dialogue and practice with a partner. (continued on the next page...)
Then have them make some changes and perform it for the class.
Answers will vary.
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Stating Preferences
Functional English
SPELLING NOTE:
The emoji (and their derivatives) used in this lesson are from
Twemoji, an open-source project by Twitter. They are licensed
under CC-BY 4.0. https://github.com/twitter/twemoji
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