Describing Objects and Things

Main ideas / lesson conveyed

• The video teaches a target language skill: describing objects (“things”) so others can identify them.
• It emphasizes learning useful vocabulary and question forms for guessing objects based on their attributes.

Methodology / instructional structure

Step 1: Review the target language

Learn how to describe an object using several categories:

Appearance

• Size/shape (examples of descriptors):
  • “round,” “square,” “triangular,” “rectangular,” “oval-shaped”
• Size:
  • “big,” “medium-sized,” “small”
• Color:
  • “red” (and similarly other colors)

Example question prompts:

• “What does it look like?”
• “How big is it?”
• “What color is it?”

Function / what it’s used for

Use purpose-based phrasing such as:

• “It’s used for boiling water.”
• “It’s used to keep you dry.”
• “It’s used to tell the time.”
• “It helps you get up in the morning.”

Example question prompt:

• “What is it used for?”

Material

Describe what it’s made from, for example:

• plastic, metal, wood, fabric, rubber, paper, leather

Example question prompt:

• “What is it made of?”

Weight

Describe heaviness with:

• “heavy,” “medium weight,” “light”

Example question prompt:

• “What does it weigh?”

Texture

Describe feel with:

• “rough,” “smooth,” “hard,” “soft”

Example question prompt:

• “What is its texture?”

Cost

Describe price:

• “expensive,” “cheap”

Example question prompt:

• “How much does it cost?”

Step 2: Practice via a guessing game

• The instructor thinks of an item and the learner asks questions using the vocabulary above.
• The video demonstrates multiple rounds, including:

Example item 1: Alarm clock

• Appearance clue: “round”
• Material clue: “metal and glass”
• Function clue: “wake you up in the morning”

Example item 2: Sofa

• Shape clue: “rectangular”
• Function clue: “sitting down”
• Material clue: “wood and fabric”

Step 3: Apply independently (home task)

At home, the viewer should:

• Describe three things
• List the items in the comment section
• Follow a pattern using attributes like shape, function, and material (optionally appearance/size/texture/cost).

Vocabulary / object examples mentioned

• Desktop computer, comb, electric razor, kettle, chair, scales, calculator, umbrella, briefcase, games console, microwave oven, book, camera, sun hat, hairdryer, alarm clock, car key, hard hat, television, espresso maker, belt, torch, pencil
• Headphones, telescope, tent, toaster, newspaper, smartphone, remote control, fountain pen, woolen hat, sofa, mug, e-book, BBQ, wallet, rubber duck, gas oven

Home-task examples given (3 items described)

1. Round — protects your head from the sun — made from fabric.
2. Rectangular — holds money/credit cards — made from leather.
3. Rectangular — used for reading current events — made from paper, cheap.

Speakers / sources featured

• The video instructor / narrator, including phrases like:
  • “I’m going to think of one of these items…”
  • “ask me some questions…”
  • “now it’s your turn at home…”
  • “thanks for watching”