Topic Five (1.5): Beyond words

to read about gestures and other kinds of body language in different cultures;
to use abstract nouns to describe human interaction (friendliness, confidence…).

In this topic, you will learn about non-verbal communication in different countries.

Please work through the following sections in your coursebook, completing all listed exercises:

Do you know what non-verbal communication is? Write down examples of non-verbal communication.
Page 20 – Read the words from the Key words: Social Studies box. Make sure you understand the meaning of the words.
Page 20, Exercise 1 – Read the article ‘International body language’. There will undoubtedly be words in this text that are new to you and that you do not understand. Make sure that you look up the meaning of these words then write them down (remember you can use the link for the online dictionary Wordreference.com Links to an external site.).
Page 21, Exercise 2 – You are going to respond to each scenario in this exercise using non-verbal communication. Act out each scenario.
Page 21 – Learn about abstract nouns from the Use of English box on page 21. There are further explanations and exercises to help you in the Grammar section of this topic.
Page 21, Exercise 3 – When you are ready complete the exercise finding the abstract nouns in the article ‘International body language’ that match the adjectives.
Page 21, Exercise 4 – Choose an appropriate adjective or abstract noun from Exercise 3 to complete the sentences.

Page 21, Exercise 6 – Discuss the use of non-verbal communication in your culture and country with family and friends. Look again at the words in the key words box and then write down your answers to the questions in Exercise 5. You can use words and phrases from the article on page 20 to help you.

In the UK, there is very little physical contact in daily life. However, there are some gestures that are commonly used. In the video below, Greg gives us examples of gestures used in the UK. Can you guess each one before the timer runs out?

WATCH – Using common gestures in British English (YouTube)

During the coronavirus pandemic, millions of people worldwide had no option but to meet others only through a computer screen. In this podcast, listen to Neil and Sam discuss how we can make online communication feel more natural. As they discuss, they will teach you useful vocabulary so listen carefully and stop the video as often as you need. Remember that you can also slow down the speed of the audio if you prefer. But how can we make these meetings feel more natural? That's what Neil and Sam discuss, as they teach you related vocabulary.
Some of the key vocabulary is provided to you so do make sure that you read through these before you begin.

LISTEN – Body language online – 6 minute English (YouTube)

Look again at the Use of English box carefully then complete the worksheet below on abstract nouns. Take your time and when you are ready, check your answers.

Let’s revise the vocabulary introduced in this module, as well as abstract nouns, in this fun wordsearch.

If you would like to check your answers to the exercises in this topic, please consult this document here. Download here.
The section with the answers is highlighted in yellow.