Objectives
- Enhance vocabulary related to politeness in social settings.
- Develop reading comprehension skills.
- Practice using new vocabulary in context.
Warm-up (5 min)
- Begin with a discussion on the importance of politeness in crowded places.
- Ask students to share their experiences in busy environments (e.g., public transport, events).
- Introduce the topic and key vocabulary they will learn.
Reading (10 min)
Article: Being Polite in a Crowd
In crowded places, such as public transport, concerts, or markets, being polite is crucial. People often feel stressed and anxious in these situations. Simple acts of politeness can make everyone feel more comfortable.
One important way to show politeness is by saying “excuse me” when you need to pass someone. This phrase lets others know you are trying to get by without causing disruption. It is also polite to offer your seat to someone who may need it more, such as an elderly person or a pregnant woman.
When waiting in line, it is common for people to become impatient. However, maintaining a calm demeanor and waiting your turn is essential. If someone accidentally bumps into you, saying “no problem” or “that’s okay” can diffuse any potential tension.
Gestures can also convey politeness. A smile or a nod can go a long way in making interactions smoother. In some cultures, making eye contact and smiling is a sign of respect and friendliness.
In summary, being polite in crowded situations involves using kind words, gestures, and showing patience. These actions not only help you but also create a more pleasant environment for everyone.
Vocabulary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Excuse me | A polite phrase used to get someone’s attention. |
| Offer | To present something to someone for acceptance. |
| Impatient | Unable to wait calmly; restless. |
| Gesture | A movement of the body to express something. |
| Diffuse | To spread out and reduce tension or conflict. |
Dialogue / Role-play
- Have students work in pairs to create a short dialogue using at least three of the vocabulary terms. They can role-play a scenario in a crowded environment, such as a bus or a market.
Practice Exercises
Fill in the blanks
1. When I need to pass someone, I always say “_______.”
2. It’s polite to _______ your seat to someone who needs it.
3. I felt _______ waiting in line for so long.
4. A friendly _______ can make someone’s day better.
5. Saying “that’s okay” can help _______ a tense situation.
6. In crowded places, it’s important to be _______ to others.
7. You should always _______ to help someone who is struggling.
8. A simple wave can be a nice _______ to greet someone.
9. If someone steps on your foot, try to remain _______.
10. Remember to say “_______” if you bump into someone accidentally.
Match the terms with definitions
A. Excuse me
B. Offer
C. Impatient
D. Gesture
E. Diffuse
1. A polite way to get attention.
2. To present something for acceptance.
3. Unable to wait calmly.
4. A movement to express an idea or feeling.
5. To reduce tension in a situation.
Create sentences
1. Write a sentence using the term “excuse me.”
2. Use the word “offer” in a sentence about helping a friend.
3. Create a sentence with “impatient” describing a situation.
4. Write a sentence using the term “gesture” in a social context.
5. Use “diffuse” in a sentence about resolving a conflict.
Wrap-up & Homework
- Review the vocabulary learned in class.
- For homework, students should write a short paragraph about a time they experienced a crowded place and how they managed to stay polite.
Answer Key
Fill in the blanks
1. excuse me
2. offer
3. impatient
4. gesture
5. diffuse
6. polite
7. offer
8. gesture
9. patient
10. excuse me
Match the terms with definitions
A – 1
B – 2
C – 3
D – 4
E – 5
Created with NESOE AI Starter.