Speaking: Which Proverb?

Photo of author

Anita

Work in pairs

Choose ONE proverb from the list below, but don’t tell your partner which one you have chosen.

  • Actions speak louder than words.
  • Better late than never.
  • Every cloud has a silver lining.
  • Practice makes perfect.
  • Two heads are better than one.
  • Honesty is the best policy.
  • Don’t judge a book by its cover.
  • A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.

Your task

Think of a real or imaginary story that clearly illustrates your proverb.

Your story should last 1-2 minutes.

Try to include:

  • where and when the story happened
  • who was involved
  • what had happened before the main events
  • the main events in order
  • how the story ended
  • what the characters learnt (without saying the proverb)

Use a range of narrative tenses and sequencing expressions such as:

  • By the time…
  • While…
  • As soon as…
  • Eventually…
  • In the end…
  • Afterwards…

While you are listening

As your partner tells their story:

  • Listen carefully for clues.
  • Ask two or three follow-up questions.
  • Decide which proverb best matches the story.
  • Explain why you chose it.

Leave a Comment