Job adverts are not rich in vocabulary and grammar structures and functions. This characteristic feature can be an advantage as it helps learners to identify specific language used in the text. The teacher can focus on word categories (e.g. positive adjectives) and language of description (e.g. company, qualification) and language of persuasion.

Word categories:

Procedure: Learners work in pairs or small groups. They read the texts of advertisement and categorize words into the following categories:

Later, learners use this chart in the process of writing a job advert.

Self image through a job advert:

Procedure: Individual work. Learners choose 2 - 3 copies of adverts for the job they are interested in. They study it and focus on job requirements and personal qualities required.

JOB: SECRETARY:

In the column learners copy requirements from the text of a job advert. In the second column they consider their strengths and points where they meet the requirements.

Find words and fill in prepositions:

Procedure:  Individual work. Learners get a copy of a gapped advert. They have to fill in words provided. It is possible to make this task more challenging by providing more words than gaps.

For lower levels the teacher can leave initial letters of required words. Words to be filled in: license, seeking, CV, position, salary, PC, ideal, bonus, degree.

Click here to return to Introduction or go to the 4 other lessons:

1. Warm Up

2. Teaching Reading

4. Teaching Writing

5. Teaching Communication