On The Table

On The Table - Locating Objects

Thor May

This exercise teaches some language to describe the location of objects on something like a table. The pattern we use for this is a bit different from describing location in large areas like a city (north, south etc.).

Step 1. We usually describe where an object is on the table itself.

Step 2. We describe where the object is relative to other objects on the table.

Within the pattern of step 1, step 2, there are usually several ways we can describe a position.

Examples

1. The notebook is on the front left corner of the table. A pen is lying to its right, and the telephone is behind it.

2. The appointment book is on the right hand edge of the table, near the middle. A table lamp is to its left.

3. The table lamp is a little forward from the back left hand corner of the table. In front of it is a notebook.

4. An appointment book is open in the centre of the table, with a pen lying on it. To its left is a notebook, and behind it, a little to the right, is a table lamp.

Exercise

This is a speed and memory game.

a) The teacher will show students a card with a picture of various objects on a table. No writing is allowed. After a couple of minutes he will hide the card.

b) Students are challenged to recall and describe (speaking) the position of objects in the picture which they were shown.