How to Rob a Bank

If possible, arrange a way of projecting the Plan of the bank

Time Lio-60 minutes onto the board or a wall for the presentation stage. This could
be done using an interactive whiteboard or data projector
Interaction Teams of 3-5 learners
(scan the plan into a PC or photograph and transfer)
Level B1 (Intermediate) to C1 (Advanced) or an Overhead Projector (copy the plan onto an OHP
transparency). This makes the presentations more interesting
and replicates the mood of a 'heist meeting'. After the
Language areas practised presentations, mix up the teams to discuss the different plans
and to decide as a group which is best. This leads to more
Sub-skills and Functions discussion, debate and justification of opinions.
• describing sequences of events
Notes
• making suggestions This controversial topic has been chosen as it's a familiar
• justifying ideas and opinions theme of many Hollywood movies and computer games. It
should be introduced as a game: 'Imagine you are in a movie
or playing a computer game'. It may not be appropriate for
Grammar and Lexis
all classes. Nonetheless, in classes where it is appropriate, it
• modal verbs of possibility generates considerable discussion and debate, challenging
• 1st and 2nd conditional structures learners to offer suggestions, provide reasons for their
opinions and describe sequences of events in coreful detail.
• crime and courtroom
Variations
Preparation • In small classes (up to eight learners), they can work as a
Photocopy the Instructions and the Plan of the Bank (one whole class team for a shorter speaking activity,
of each per team). Allow 10-20 minutes preparation time for
each team to plan their presentation.

§<-------------------------------------------------------------

How to Rob a Bank Instructions

Preparation Presentations
Play in teams of 3-5 learners. You are professional bank During your presentation, you must answer the following
robbers. Your teacher will give you the secret plans to the questions:
WFM Bank in Bridgetown. Choose a name for your team.
1) What items will you need? How will you get them?

How to play 2) How will you rob the bank?

3) What possible problems do you predict? How will you deal

Stage 1
with them?
In your team discuss and agree on the best method for
robbing the bank.
Notes
Stage 2 • You have a budget of $5,000 only.

Each team presents their method to the class. • You can't use guns or violence.

• Bank opening times are 9am to 5pm, Monday to

Stage 3 Saturday. It's busiest at lunchtimes and on Saturday
The class decides on the best method. mornings.

• The bank is unmanned at night, but the alarms are

switched on. If they are set off, the alarms will call the
police (three minutes response time).

SPEAK I NG GAMES by Jason Anderson © Delta Publishing 2014

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