Talking about Needs

 

Lesson Plan- Talking About Needs 

Sometimes there may be situations in which you or someone will ask about what is needed to complete a task or get something done. For example, your child may want to know what is needed in order to get a driver’s license or a colleague may ask about the documents needed to get a passport. Job applicants always need to know the specific requirements of a job before applying for it. There are several expressions that can be used when asking about needs and requirements. Look at these examples. 

 

English Expressions- Talking About Needs 

Expression: What do you need for a (…driver’s license?) 
Response: You need a birth certificate. 

Expression: What is needed to get a (…visa to a foreign country)? 
Response: The first thing you need is a passport. 

Expression: Do I need (…a bank guarantee card to cash a check)? 
Response: Yes. 

Expression: What documents are required (… before applying for college)? 
Response: You should have a copy of your high school diploma or GED. 

Expression: What are the requirements (…for the job)? 
Response: You need a B.S. in education. 

Expression: Is it necessary to (…have immunization documentation before entering the country)? 
Response: Yes it is. 

 

Dialogue- Talking About Needs

Janice: Hi James, what’s new? 
James: Nothing, same old, same old. What’s new with you? 
Janice: A couple of my friends have decided to go camping this weekend. 
James: That sounds like fun. I hope you have a good time. 
Janice: Me too, except we’ve never been camping. We have no idea of
  what to take.  Do you know?
James: First you will need a tent and a sleeping bag.  
Janice: A tent? I only have a sleeping bag. Do I really need a tent?
James: No, if you don’t mind critters crawling on you at night and if it
  doesn’t rain. You can borrow mine if you want.
Janice: Thanks, I appreciate it. What else should I take?
James: You should probably take some warm clothes. It gets pretty chilly
  at night in the mountains. And you will need pots and pans to cook with
  and dishes and silverware to eat with. 
Janice: Okay, I think my mom will let me take some old dishes. Anything
  else?
James: It might be a good idea to take an ax or a saw to cut firewood with.
  And lots of matches to  start fires with. Also take a shovel to smother the
  fire. You wouldn’t want to start a forest fire.
Janice: That hadn’t occurred to me, thanks. Is that it?
James: You might consider a small first aid kit, with a large bottle of insect
  repellent. The mosquitoes can be murder this time of year.
Janis: Is that all we need?            
James: A portable toilet is always handy. It’s much more convenience than
  the nearest bush.  
Janice: How much will that cost? 
James: About $50.00. I happen to have one if you want to borrow
  that too. 
Janis: Well, Okay… since you offered. By the way, would you like to
  come with us.
James: Who’s all going?
Janis: Just me and my three cheerleader friends.
James: You’re friends are cheerleaders? What time do we leave? 

 

Conversation Activities- Talking About Needs

1. Pair work- discussion 
     What do you think you would need or like to take on a bicycle tour of
     Europe? Imagine that a group of four friends are planning a 30 day road
     tour. Since money will be tight, you will have to camp out and not stay
     in hotels.
 
      Everything you take must fit on a bicycle. Decide as a group what would
     be needed (or wanted) and who would carry what items. Plan well to ensure
     that the trip is memorable and that you have a great time. Don’t forget
     the camera!

2. Group work- discussion
      Work in groups of three or four and discuss what items a person would
     need or the skills that may be needed to do the following. Make your
     list as comprehensive as possible and provide justification for why
     those items or skills are needed. Be prepared to orally present your
     items to the rest of the class. The teacher may ask you to do so.

1. Survive on a deserted island alone
2. Take a journey to Mars with six other astronauts
3. Go on safari in Africa
4. Take a vacation to Disneyland
5. Break out of prison
6. Climb the Himalayas       
7. Make a movie
8. Make a successful business