Discuss & Debate in L2

Richard-Amato p. 113 mentions the importance of encouraging friendships and the finding of similarities in a classroom. Many sources discuss the value of having real, meaningful communication in the target language - immersion programs are praised because the focus is on content moreso than direct language instruction. So here's an activity idea in that vein.

Ask students where they stand on a controversial issue, a famous person, or a preference - i.e. - "Qui aime George Bush?" "Qui croit que la fumee devrait etre defendu en espaces publiques?" "Est-ce que les chiens ou les chats sont les meilleurs animaux domestiques?" Have students talk in small groups of like-minded students. Why do you think that way? What arguments would you give someone who felt differently? Next, have one small group of pro- students sit with a small group of con- students. Ask them to share their opinions and have a mini-debate.

Scaffolding: Write pertinent vocabulary and perhaps guiding questions on an overhead.