Short answer
Add a negative form to imaginative WH-questions and invite learners to explain their choices. In S06E23, Gav asks Em questions such as “Which superpower would you not like to have?” and “What film would you not want to be stuck inside forever?”
Changing a familiar prompt to a negative in S06E23 makes us think about an unwanted consequence instead of repeating a favourite answer.
Try this in your next lesson
Ask Which superpower would you not like to have? Model a negative answer and a reason, then ask a follow-up.
👇 Scroll down for our practical checklist or activity and download.
Listen to the whole S06E23 discussion in our podcast episode guide here🔊.
Turn prompts into a speaking activity
Negative questions require learners to pay attention to both the question word and the auxiliary pattern. A playful topic gives them a reason to listen closely and can lead to longer answers than a basic yes-or-no question.
Adapt the prompts to the learners’ level and interests, and allow them to choose a different example if a topic does not suit them.
Keep the negative in the right place
Model Which power would you not choose? or Which power wouldn’t you choose? With full not, the subject usually comes before not; with the contraction, wouldn’t comes before the subject. Ask what the speaker is excluding.
For our suggested task, offer three imaginary abilities: hearing everyone’s thoughts, glowing in the dark and always floating. Learners reject one and explain a difficulty. A partner asks why or suggests a way to control it. Offer another fictional topic if needed. The aim is a clear negative question and an extended answer, not the most entertaining response.
Gav and Em suggest: a short classroom adaptation
Use this as a starting routine and adapt it to your learners.
- Choose a theme learners can imagine, such as superpowers, films or historical periods.
- Model a question with a negative form, such as “What would you not want to…?”.
- Give learners time to think, then let them answer and explain why.
- Invite follow-up questions to extend the conversation.
Answers and teacher guidance
Models: Which power would you not choose? Which power wouldn’t you choose? Answer: I wouldn’t choose… because… .
📥 Download the free teacher practice card (PDF)
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