The Cat and The Cake 1/2

The Cat and The Cake

Read the situation below about a problem at a guest house. Work in pairs to imagine a conversation between the guest house owner and the chef. Use the prompts given below and the guidance for the interaction.

Situation You are waiting for a group of ten guests that should arrive in 2 hours. They requested a surprise cake for one of their friend’s birthday party. You have all the necessary ingredients, except the eggs, which have just been broken by the cat. Discuss the situation together with the chef, weigh your options and come to a decision about what to do.

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS COMMENTS AND CONSEQUENCES

� 1. Check the barn for fresh eggs. � Not enough eggs � 2. Borrow them from another guest house � Too far / Takes too long � 3. Order the eggs from a supermarket � Not ecological � 4. Skip the cake surprise � Risk of upsetting / disappointing the customers

These are your options and possible consequences

� 5. Change the cake recipe � Different ingredients

The Cat and The Cake 2/2

Guidance for the interaction A. In order to fulfil this task, you should

• cover all the aspects mentioned in the instructions • actively involve your partner • make reasonable suggestions • appreciate what your partner has said • provide new ideas if appropriate • compare and contrast these suggestions and their consequences • agree on one feasible course of action that both of you find suitable.

B. Your own statements should

• be clearly organised • relate to what your partner has said • contribute positively to the discussion

C. During the discussion, you should use expressions from the box below in order to enhance your dialogue:

• make suggestions ( e.g. What about…?; Why don’t we…?; Let’s…) • (dis-)agree (e.g. That would never work; That’s a great idea!) • express possibilities ( e.g. It would set off…, if we do this..) • express preferences (e.g. I’d rather…; It would be better to….) • state necessities (e.g. we have/ need to…; it is essential that…) • make a decision(e.g. OK! Let’s go for that! That’s the best way to ….)