Decision Roleplay--Martha
Name: James Davis
Time Required: 45 minutes
Area(s) of Emphasis: Listening Reading Conversation

Students' Level of English: Intermediate Advanced
Materials Needed:
Copies of the handout below for each group.

Objective(s): Students will be able to:
practice listening and reading
articulate their thoughts through role playing
articulate a response to a fictional character's problem

Procedure:
Students are divided into groups of six (or less). Each student is assigned a
role.

Copies of the handout are distributed and teacher reads aloud the problem as
students follow along.

Each person roleplays according to character and tells "Martha" what she should
do, while "Martha" or others may ask them to clarify what they mean or disagree
with them.

"Martha" then leaves the room and tries to come to a decision.

Others try to predict "Martha's" decision.

"Martha" returns to tell her decision and reasons to support it.

Decision Roleplay--Martha

Martha is a well known movie actress. She has played the star role in several
Hollywood flicks. She made it big with her sexy figure and pretty face. But now
Martha has a problem. She's getting older and her face is showing wrinkles. Her
agent is worried that her age lines will keep her out of competition in
Hollywood. He suggests that Martha get a face lift. Her husband, however,
disagrees. He says it is Martha's acting ability and personality that makes her
special.
Hollywood's famous cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Wadsworth, has agreed to give Martha a
face-lift if she wants one. Martha's agent has even agreed to pay 50% of the
costs. Martha's doctor, however, warns Martha that there are serious risks with
a face-lift surgery. The summer movies are now being casted and directors are
looking for leading roles. Martha needs to make a decision soon. What will she
do?

ROLES:
MarthaMartha's Husband Martha's agent
            Dr. WadsworthMartha's Doctor A movie director

Each of you tell Martha what you think she should do. (Remember to give the
opinion of your role, not your own personal opinion). Martha or others may ask
you to clarify what you mean. They may also disagree with you. Martha will
listen to each person's opinion. Then we will stop. Martha will leave the room
and the group will try to predict Martha's answer. Then Martha will come back
into the room and tell her decision and why she decided that way.