International Women’s Day – Hua Mulan
Level (CEFR) A2+ - B1
GSE Learning · Can ask and answer questions about past times and past activities Objectives (GSE 40) · Can convey simple relevant information emphasising the most important point (GSE 45)
Time 20-25 minutes
Preparation for the activity
Divide the class into two groups or, if you have a large class, divide them into groups of four.
In one group, give all the students a copy of the Student A handout. In the other group, give each student a copy of the Student B handout.
Give them time to read through the text and to think as a group about the questions they need to ask to elicit the missing information. Move around the classroom, helping with question formation.
Activity
Pair students so there is a Student A and B working together. Have students take turns to ask for the information to complete their text.
As a follow-up activity, have students think of three questions they would like to ask Mulan. In feedback, invite them to share their questions with the class. They can then imagine what her answers would be.
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Student A
Hua Mulan lived many centuries ago in 1) ...... - and was probably born in the year 420AD. In her early life, she lived with her parents and grandmother. Traditionally, girls at that time were expected to 2) ...... and go to live with a good husband. Although Mulan loved her family, she did not want to follow this path because she was more adventurous. While Mulan was still young, China was invaded by a dangerous enemy and every family in the country had to send one 3) ...... to fight in the war. Unfortunately, Mulan’s father had 4) ...... and could not fight well. Mulan was frightened that he would be killed - and so decided to disguise herself as a man and take her father’s place. She fought for the army for 5) ...... years and was considered to be an excellent soldier. Mulan refused to accept any rewards for her work and she went back to 6) ...... to live out her old age in peace. There have been many stories told about the adventures of Mulan, and a 7) ...... film was made about her life in the year 1998.
What questions can you ask Student B to find the missing information? 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Imagine you are a journalist interviewing Mulan. What three questions would you like to ask her?
1.
2.
3.
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Student B
Hua Mulan lived many centuries ago in China - and was probably born in the year 1) ...... In her early life, she lived with her 2) ...... Traditionally, girls at that time were expected to marry and go to live with a good husband. Although Mulan loved her family, she did not want to follow this path because she was more adventurous. While Mulan was still young, China was invaded by a 3) ...... and every family in the country had to send one man to fight in the war. Unfortunately, Mulan’s father had a bad leg and could not fight well. Mulan was frightened that he would be killed - and so decided to 4) ...... and take her father’s place. She fought for 5) ...... for twelve years and was considered to be 6) ...... Mulan refused to accept any rewards for her work and she went back to her hometown to live out her old age in peace. There have been many stories told about the adventures of Mulan, and a Disney film was made about her life in the year 7) ......
What questions can you ask Student A to find the missing information? 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Imagine you are a journalist interviewing Mulan. What three questions would you like to ask her?
1.
2.
3.
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