Lifestyle: Moving with the Times

Le cours

1. Topic Presentation\n\nStarter dialogue\nMarie: Hi Koffi! Our teacher said we need to talk about how life has changed. What was it like for your dad when he was our age?\nKoffi: He told me they didn't have mobile phones. They used to send letters (envoyer des lettres) or go to a neighbor's house to make a call!\nMarie: Wow! And what about public transport (le transport public)?\nKoffi: The SOTRA buses were different, and there were fewer cars. Today, with apps, it's easier but sometimes more expensive (plus cher).\n\nKey vocabulary\nDaily routine, mobile phone, social media, public transport, values, solidarity, tolerance, to change, to evolve, modern, traditional.\n\n## 2. Listening & Reading Comprehension\n\n### 2.1 Authentic text\nA short article from 'Fraternité Matin' about a neighborhood solidarity group in Yopougon that helps students with school supplies.\n- Comprehension: True/False, find the main idea.\n- Reflection: Is solidarity different today than before? Why?\n\n### 2.2 Listening activities\nAudio: A clip from RTI radio interviewing a young entrepreneur in Abidjan about how digital technology has changed his work.\nExercises: Fill in the blanks with key verbs in the present perfect (has/have + verb).\n\n## 3. Speaking & Writing Expression\n\n### 3.1 Guided practice\n- Transform sentences from simple past to present perfect to show change.\n- Model dialogue: Complaining politely about a frequent power cut (coupure de courant) to a friend.\n- Role-play: You are explaining to your Ghanaian penpal how you use your phone for studies vs. leisure.\n\n### 3.2 Free production\n- Debate: 'Social media strengthens or weakens community solidarity in our neighborhoods?'\n- Short writing: Write a paragraph about one positive change in your city in the last 10 years.\n\n## 4. Grammar in context\n\n### 4.1 Clear and simple explanation\n- Present Perfect: Has/Have + past participle. Used for actions that started in the past and continue to now, or for past actions with present results.\n- Example: 'I have lived in Abobo since I was born.' (J'habite à Abobo depuis ma naissance.)\n- Comparison with French: 'Passé composé' often translates to simple past OR present perfect in English.\n- Common mistake: Using simple past for unfinished time (e.g., 'I lost my phone this morning.' vs. 'I have lost my phone this morning.' - if it's still morning).\n\n### 4.2 Application exercises\n- Recognition: Identify present perfect verbs in the article.\n- Production: Complete sentences about changes in your school using 'has/have' + changed/built/improved.\n\n## 5. Cultural aspects\n\n### 5.1 English-speaking cultures\n- Focus on Ghana: Similar rapid urbanization and digital adoption in Accra. Importance of community ('obruni' - foreigner, but also community support).\n- Differences: Ghana's official language is English, influencing daily business and education more directly.\n- Stereotype to avoid: Not all West African English is the same. Nigerian, Ghanaian, and Liberian Englishes have unique accents and expressions.\n\n### 5.2 English in Ivory Coast\n- English is crucial for trading with Ghanaian neighbors at the border markets (like at Noé).\n- Tourism: Guides in Assinie or Grand-Bassam need English for visitors from Ghana, Nigeria, and beyond.\n- Opportunities: ECOWAS internships often require English proficiency.\n\n## 6. Formative assessment\n\n### 6.1 Self-assessment\n- I can describe changes in my lifestyle using the present perfect. [ ] Yes [ ] Not yet\n- I can write the outline of a formal complaint letter. [ ] Yes [ ] Not yet\n- I understand the importance of solidarity in our society. [ ] Yes [ ] Not yet\n\n### 6.2 Final project\n- Create a two-slide digital presentation (or poster) for the Ghanaian exchange: 'Solidarity in Action: My Neighborhood.' Include one past example and one present example.\n- Rubric: Content (4pts), Language accuracy (3pts), Creativity (2pts), Oral presentation (1pt).\n\n## 7. Additional resources\n\n### 7.1 For practice\n- Song: 'Time of Our Lives' by Sarkodie (Ghanaian artist) - discuss themes of change and success.\n- App: 'British Council LearnEnglish Teens' for grammar games.\n\n### 7.2 To go deeper\n- Article: 'The Digital Revolution in West Africa' on BBC Africa website.\n- Visit: The Museum of Civilizations in Abidjan to see exhibits on traditional Ivorian life.