Content Outcome
    To express advise in the target language

Task
    The student will write a letter offering advice to someone who is experiencing a "romantic difficulty."

Explanation
    In order to express advice in the Spanish language, a verb form in what is referred to as the subjunctive mood must be used. In order to use this mood correctly, certain words or expressions must "trigger" the subjunctive form of a verb. This activity is designed to assess the students ability to perform a real life task in the target language which requires proficiency in a grammatical structure that is often difficult for a  non-native speaker.

Prior to this activity, each student will have written a "Dear Abby" letter in which he or she has explained a hypothetical romantic problem and has asked for advice regarding that problem. The letters will be handed back so that each student has someone else's letter to use during the preparation of this task.

 

Assignment

Someone out there is in desperate need of help concerning his or her current romance. Read the letter you've just received, then write a letter of advice in response to this person's problems. Remember...he or she is relying on you for some eye-opening words of wisdom.

Your letter must include the following:

    - a salutation
    - a total of 10 sentences within the main body
    - 7 of those sentences must express advice
    - each of these subjunctive triggers must be used: I'm glad that, I'm sorry that, How wonderful that, It's a pity that, It's necessary that, I don't believe that.
    - one sentence must use the expression "I believe that..."
    - 10 new vocabulary words or expressions related to this topic
    - a closing

You will be writing two drafts of your letter. The first draft does not have to be typewritten, but it must be double spaced. Please underline the subjunctive triggers and number the new vocabulary words you are using. This draft is worth 15 homework points. The second draft of your letter must be type written and double-spaced. It should be free of all errors. This final draft will be worth 20 quiz/test points.