Decision Roleplay--Rebecca
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 "Rebecca" what she should
do, while "Rebecca" or others may ask them to clarify what they mean or disagree
with them.

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

Others try to predict "Rebecca's" decision.

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

Optional: Students conduct a guided post-roleplay discussion using the
discussion questions included below.

 
DECISION ROLEPLAY--Rebecca

Rebecca has a problem. She can't decide which school to go to. She applied to
two schools and got accepted to both of them.
The first school she applied to was Harvard University. Harvard is famous
throughout the whole world. A Harvard degree opens many doors of opportunity.
After she graduates there will be no problem for her to find a high paying job.
She wants to study economics and Harvard's program will really challenge her.
The problem is the tuition. Harvard will cost her almost $30,000 a year. The
school said that little financial aid is available. Her father has a good job,
but he recently bought a new house and now has a big debt. She is sure her
father will be willing to help her, but she doesn't want to burden her father
too much. The other problem is her boyfriend. He will attend Huppsburg State
College next fall and wants her to be with him. Huppsburg State College is in
Montana, a long way from the East coast. If she goes to Harvard, she will
probably see him only once or twice a year. She likes her boyfriend very much
and they have even talked about marriage. Rebecca does have a sister who lives
on the East coast near Harvard. Her sister loves life in New England.
The second school she applied to is Huppsburg State College. Huppsburg is not a
famous school. Few people have even heard of it. They do have a pretty good
Economics department and there are some interesting opportunities for
internships through the school. Unfortunately, the school is in Montana, far
from any promising, high paying jobs. Financially the school is attractive. The
school not only accepted her, but will pay half of her tuition and living
expenses next year. Rebecca thinks she'll only have to spend $3000 dollars a
year - total. She can make this much money during the summer vacation. Also, her
boyfriend attends this school and she can see him everyday.
Rebecca needs to make up her mind quickly. Where will she go?

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

Post Roleplay Discussion:

1. How important is the reputation of a school?

2. What do you consider first when choosing a school?

3. What is your opinion about taking a large loan to pay for school?

4. What's more important to you: a boyfriend/girlfriend or a good school?

5. What are some good schools you dream of going to?