Lexie Live from NYC

Objective & Plot Summary

The pedagogical objective is to lead students to understand an audio story in 'diary entry' format, by identifying the complex dynamics between characters, the numerous New York cultural references, and the main plot.

The story follows Lexie, an American who has just spent a year in England and moves to New York. She welcomes her three British friends for the holidays: Lily (her BFF), Jane (the art-loving intellectual), and Vanessa (the "fashionista" obsessed with pop star Katy Allen). The stay is marked by constant arguments between Jane and Vanessa, who want to do radically opposite activities. One day, while Vanessa is sulking and isolated, the other three girls accidentally meet Katy Allen in person at the Ellis Island Museum. They spend a dream day with the star, who turns out to be adorable. To surprise Vanessa, they keep it a secret and take her to a private concert of her idol that same evening, where they all end up on stage. It's a spectacular ending that reconciles the whole group.

Suggested Procedure

Before the activity (~10 min): EXPLORING NEW YORK

• Getting started: Project the map on page 2. Brainstorm about New York: "What do you know about New York City? What monuments can you see?". List the answers on the board (Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Central Park...).

• Plot anticipation: Present the four main characters. "Imagine: four friends visit NYC. One loves museums. One loves shopping. What problems can happen?".

During the activity (~35-40 min): FOLLOWING THE GIRLS IN MANHATTAN

• 1st listening - Tensions and visits (Chap. 1-4): Listen to the girls' arrival and the first day of visits that exposes their disagreements. Pause and initiate a mini-debate: "Who do you agree with, Jane or Vanessa? Why? What would you do if you were Lexie?".

• 2nd listening - The surprise encounter (Chap. 5-7): Continue listening with the visit to Ellis Island, Vanessa's departure, and the meeting with Katy Allen. Ask factual comprehension questions: "Where does Vanessa go? Who do the other girls meet? Why is it a very big surprise?".

• 3rd listening - The unforgettable concert (Chap. 8-10): Listen to the last part, from the return to the apartment until the end of the concert. Ensure that students have understood the nature of the surprise organized for Vanessa.

After the activity (~15-20 min): DEBATE AND CREATE

• Discussion and argumentation: Ask questions that encourage reflection. "Was it right for the girls to keep their day with Katy a secret from Vanessa? Was Vanessa selfish to leave her friends? Explain your opinion."

• Written production task: "You are one of the four girls (Lexie, Lily, Jane, or Vanessa). Write a short postcard to a friend in the UK describing your favorite (or least favorite) day in New York and why."

Adaptations

• To simplify: Provide a checklist of New York locations mentioned in the story. Students check off the locations as they hear them. Focus on the simple emotions of the characters (Vanessa is bored/angry, Jane is frustrated, Lexie is excited).

• To deepen: In pairs, students choose one of the cultural locations visited by the girls (Ellis Island Museum, Guggenheim, 9/11 Memorial). They conduct a quick research and prepare a mini-oral presentation (1-2 minutes) to explain its importance to the class.