Language functions: discussing issues; reading comprehension

Topic/Vocabulary area: memory

MEMORY
TEACHER WORKSHEET LEVEL:

focus on discussion

ACTIVITY 1 PAIRS
Discuss the following questions.

• Do you think your memory is average, better or worse than average?

• Do you have a good memory for names? Do you remember people’s faces
but often forget their names?

• Do you often forget important dates, appointments or anniversaries?

• Do you keep a diary where you write down things you need to remember?

• Do you find it difficult to remember where you have put things?

• How long is the longest poem you can recite from memory?

• Do you often have to learn things by heart?

• Do you have any special methods for remembering phone numbers, PIN
numbers, passwords, etc.?

• Do you think that your memory is getting worse with age?

• Does your job require a good memory? How could a better memory help
you in your professional career?

• Do you use any memory aids to help you learn new things? Do you have
any special system for revising before the exams.

• What do you do to memorize new English words?

www.english-4U.com: SEPTEMBER 2006 1

focus on reading
ACTIVITY 2 INDIVIDUALLY > WHOLE GROUP
Read the article about a new invention to find out:

1. what it is for
2. how it works
3. where you can buy it and how much it costs

Remember Rings-
Rings - Never Forget an Anniversary!
Anniversa ry!

Forgetting your wedding anniversary could have pretty serious consequences. Now, however,
remembering important dates is easier than ever before thanks to The Remember Ring™.

It works by heating up from hand temperature to 120F for approximately 10 seconds, and
continuing to warm up every hour to remind you about your anniversary 24 hours before your
special day.

The ring is maintenance free. It converts the heat from your hand into electricity, keeping the
battery charged and microchip clock running perpetually. It does not require any special care,
and is completely waterproof and impact resistant. They are available in seven styles, in white
and yellow gold.

The ring can be programmed with up to three dates, which you need to specify while placing
an order.

Mr Oines, the inventor of the ring, says he came up with the idea for his invention because he
himself tends to forget important dates.

The Remember Ring can be seen and ordered at the www.alaskajewelry.com website. It costs
around £400.

Thom Ketmann, who has been married for 4 years, is very happy with the new invention.. So
is his wife Cayli. "At first I was pretty upset! Like, why do you need a silly gadget to remind
you? But then I remembered how angry I was when he forgot my birthday. That won't happen
again."

www.english-4U.com: SEPTEMBER 2006 2

focus on discussion

ACTIVITY 3 WHOLE GROUP DISCUSSION

Discuss the following question.

• Do you think that The Remember Ring is an interesting product or a useless

gadget? Would you buy one for yourself or for your husband/wife?
• What do these expressions mean: ‘maintenance free’, ‘waterproof’, ‘impact
resistant’?
• Have you ever forgotten your wedding anniversary? Was your husband/wife
angry?
• Do you know or use any memory aids that help you remember important
dates?

focus on vocabulary: expressions connected with memory

ACTIVITY 4 PAIRS > CHECK WITH WHOLE GROUP
Complete the sentences with the words from the list below.

think heart slipped tip

refresh jog brings life

1. I forgot to buy butter. It completely slipped my mind.

2. I had to refresh my memory by looking through my notes.

3. I’m sure I know his name. It’s on the tip of my tongue.

4. Come to think of it, I did hear strange noises upstairs.

5. For the life of me I can’t remember what time I saw him.

6. This music brings back lots of good memories.

7. I know the lyrics of this song by heart .

8. If you don’t remember his face, maybe these photos will help to jog
your memory.

www.english-4U.com: SEPTEMBER 2006 3