The Visually Inspired Creation of Narration：A Video-Based Activity for Conversation and Writing Instructors

[[abstract]]With the proper approach, the use of videotape materials in the EFL classroom can be motivational, educational and enjoyable. This paper introduces a video-based activity that can be used by Composition and Conversation instructors who wish to provide a motivationall} positive experience that builds the leamer's listening, speaking and writing skills and like\\;se encourages social skills necessary for in-group cooperation. In the hands of an experienced professional, this activity can be adapted for use with any level, from basic to advanced. It also presents an unusually comfortable combination of both student-centered and teacher-guided activities, with an emphasis on goal-oriented communication and grammatical correctness. Equally encouraging is that the activity makes use of commercially produced videotape materials readily available throughout Taiwan. Called "Synopsizing" for lack of a better term, this exercise asks students to re-tell the action of a previously viewed short scene excerpted from a larger film. Instructors can prepare students by teaching necessary vocabulary and phrases, and training pupils in the recognition of what information must be included or excluded in order to make their narratives comprehensible and concise. Once a satisfactory narrative is achieved, instructors can conclude with a focus on correctness in a non-threatening manner that even encourages student participation.[[sponsorship]]彰化師範大學英語學系[[conferencetype]]國內[[conferencedate]]19990522~19990522[[booktype]]紙本[[iscallforpapers]]Y[[conferencelocation]]彰化, 臺