E10 G - Compare future options
Einleitung
E10 G - Compare future options
Mini-description: Compare four fictional future options — apprenticeship, further education, volunteering and travel — by interests, requirements, costs and responsibilities.
Level: English as first foreign language · Grade 10 · G-Niveau · Baden-Württemberg
Learning route: English first → understand → respond → analyse → communicate → feedback → revise → transfer

Media start – 60 seconds: Look at the photo. Say one thing you can see, one future option you can imagine and one question you have.
Help: I can see … / Maybe … / I want to know …
Important: All people, organisations, prices and applications in this aiMOOC are fictional. Real requirements and costs can be different. Check current official information before making a real decision.
I can ...
- understand key information about four future options.
- compare options using interests, requirements, costs and responsibilities.
- ask for clarification and give simple reasons.
- write a short structured text for a clear purpose.
- use feedback to improve a text or short presentation.
Before you start
Choose two things that matter to you most.
| Choice | Think about |
|---|---|
| hands-on work | Do you like learning by doing? |
| more education | Do you want more time to study? |
| helping others | Do you want to support a project or community? |
| travel | Do you want to plan, budget and become more independent? |
Say one sentence: For me, … is important because …

Input: Four fictional options
The four profiles below are training examples. Do not treat them as real offers.
Option A: Apprenticeship

Fictional profile: Lena, 16
Lena likes repairing bikes and working with other people. She wants to learn by doing and earn some money while learning.
| Focus | Fictional details |
|---|---|
| Interest | practical work, tools, teamwork |
| Requirement | short application, reliable attendance, basic maths |
| Cost | low personal cost in this scenario; local travel is needed |
| Responsibility | be on time, follow safety rules, ask when unsure |
Useful phrase: An apprenticeship may fit Lena because she likes practical work.
Option B: Further education

Fictional profile: Ravi, 16
Ravi enjoys science and English. He wants more time to learn before choosing a job. In this course, further education means continuing to learn at school or college after Year 10.
| Focus | Fictional details |
|---|---|
| Interest | school subjects, projects, learning new skills |
| Requirement | regular attendance, homework, project deadlines |
| Cost | medium personal cost in this scenario; books and transport are needed |
| Responsibility | organise study time, meet deadlines, ask for help |
Useful phrase: Further education may fit Ravi because he wants to continue studying.
Option C: Volunteering

Fictional profile: Kim, 17
Kim enjoys outdoor work and helping people. Kim wants useful experience before making a long-term choice.
| Focus | Fictional details |
|---|---|
| Interest | helping, teamwork, community projects |
| Requirement | four-month commitment, regular attendance, simple interview |
| Cost | low fee in this scenario, but no regular pay; travel costs remain |
| Responsibility | complete agreed tasks, communicate early when absent |
Useful phrase: Volunteering may fit Kim because helping others is important to Kim.
Option D: Travel

Fictional profile: Alex, 17
Alex wants to see new places and use English. Alex likes planning and wants more independence.
| Focus | Fictional details |
|---|---|
| Interest | places, languages, independence |
| Requirement | route plan, budget, suitable documents and permission |
| Cost | high personal cost in this scenario; transport and accommodation are needed |
| Responsibility | keep documents safe, manage money, follow travel rules |
Useful phrase: Travel may fit Alex because Alex wants independence and new experiences.
For real travel, check current age, document, insurance and permission rules with trusted adults and official sources.
Compare the options
| Option | Main interest | Requirement | Cost level in this fictional scenario | Main responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apprenticeship | practical work | application and attendance | low | work safely and reliably |
| Further education | studying | homework and deadlines | medium | organise learning |
| Volunteering | helping others | regular commitment | low | complete agreed tasks |
| Travel | places and languages | planning and documents | high | manage money and safety |
Think, then speak: Which option costs most in this fictional scenario? Which needs the most school-style study? Which suits practical interests? Give one reason with because.
Listening and Viewing

Core video: talking about jobs
Round 1 – gist: Watch once. What is the main topic? Do not stop for every new word.
Round 2 – detail: Watch again. Write down three useful job or career words and one useful question. Use captions in the second round if they help.
Pair check: Compare notes. You do not need to use every word you understood.
Challenge video: gap year
Use the first part for the core task; the rest is optional. Listen twice. Decide: What can a gap year be used for? Note one possible benefit and one word you want to remember.
Reading
Jamie’s decision notes — fictional
I like working with people and doing practical tasks. I do not want to spend a lot of money next year. I can travel later. I need a clear routine because I sometimes forget deadlines. I want to improve my English, but I do not want to study all day. An apprenticeship and volunteering both interest me. I need to compare the responsibilities before I decide.
Reading steps:
- Underline two interests.
- Circle one cost concern.
- Find one responsibility Jamie needs to think about.
- Choose two options Jamie should compare. Give one reason.
Small help: routine = a regular way of doing things; deadline = the latest time to finish something.
Context vocabulary
You do not need to produce every word. Start with the Use words. The Understand words are mainly for reading and listening.
| Use | Simple meaning | Understand | Simple meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| interest | what you like | allowance | money you receive |
| requirement | what you need | accommodation | a place to stay |
| cost | money you spend | insurance | protection from some costs |
| responsibility | what you must manage | qualification | a certificate or grade |
| skill | something you can do | commitment | promised time and effort |
| experience | learning from doing | deadline | latest time to finish |
| compare | look for differences and similarities | flexible | easy to change |
| reason | why something is true | reliable | someone others can depend on |
Pronunciation
Goal: clear English, not accent-free English.
Say the stressed part clearly: reQUIREment · reSPONsibility · exPERience · volunTEER · qualifiCAtion.
Practise these short chunks:
It costs less than travel.
I have to be on time.
I’m going to compare two options.
Shadow one short sentence from the core video: listen, pause, repeat. A recording is optional. If you record yourself, keep it local or private; no upload is needed.
Speaking
Work with a fictional partner profile.
A: Which option are you considering?
B: I’m considering … because …
A: What about the costs or responsibilities?
B: The main cost is … / One responsibility is …
A: Sorry, could you say that again?
B: Sure. I mean …
Speaking target: give one choice, two reasons and one comparison. If you do not understand, ask.
Writing

Choose one writing form unless your teacher asks for more. You do not need to produce every text type at once.
| Text type | Simple structure |
|---|---|
| greeting → reason → two questions → ending | |
| Opinion | choice → two reasons → one comparison |
| Mini-report | purpose → findings → next step |
| Simple fictional application | reason → skill → availability → polite ending |
Core task: 80–100 word email
Write to a fictional organisation. Do not use your real address, phone number or documents.
Situation: You want more information about a fictional future option.
Subject: Question about the programme
Hello Ms Green,
I’m interested in … because …
Could you tell me … ?
I would also like to know …
Best wishes,
[fictional first name]
Check: clear subject, greeting, reason, two questions, ending.
Mediation
Fictional German information card:
Freiwilligenprojekt Stadtgarten: 16–18 Jahre. Samstags 9–13 Uhr. Feste Teilnahme an sechs Terminen. Arbeitskleidung mitbringen. Keine Teilnahmegebühr.
A fictional English-speaking student asks: Can I join and what do I need to know?
Explain the key information in simple English. Do not translate every word. Keep only the information the student needs.
Functional grammar
Use grammar for the task, not as a full grammar course.
| Purpose | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| compare | comparative + than | Travel is more expensive than volunteering in this fictional scenario. |
| say what is necessary | have to / need to + verb | You have to be on time. |
| talk about a plan | be going to + verb | I’m going to compare two options. |
| make a decision now | will + verb | Okay, I will check that now. |
Accuracy step 1: Make your meaning clear.
Accuracy step 2: Check than, have to + verb and be going to + verb.
Accuracy step 3: Check key spelling and the structure of your text.
Use the video when you need help with future plans. Focus on the difference between a planned future action and a decision made now.
Help for comparing
| Function | Sentence starter |
|---|---|
| interest | I’m interested in … |
| requirement | You need to … |
| cost | … costs more / less than … |
| responsibility | One responsibility is … |
| reason | For me, … fits because … |
| clarification | Could you say that again, please? |
| uncertainty | I’m not sure. I need more information about … |
Feedback and error analysis
Partner feedback: First check meaning. Then check only one language target at a time.
- Can I understand the choice?
- Is there at least one clear reason with because?
- Check one target: than, have to + verb or going to + verb.
Then revise your work.
| First version | Better version | What changed? |
|---|---|---|
| This option is more cheaper. | This option is cheaper. | Do not use more with cheaper. |
| I have to to work. | I have to work. | Use one to in have to. |
| I going to apply. | I’m going to apply. | Add a form of be. |
| I am interested on travel. | I am interested in travel. | Use interested in. |
Keep your first draft. Mark the changes you make. Your own ideas should remain your own.
Safe and responsible learning
- Use fictional names, profiles and application details only.
- Recording is optional. Keep recordings local or private; do not upload them unless you have clearly chosen to and your school rules allow it.
- This course does not require you to upload CVs, IDs, addresses, photos or recordings to public websites or external AI tools.
- If a teacher gives you AI-generated information, check facts, sources and wording before you use it. Keep your own first draft and your own final decisions.
- Clear communication is more important than sounding like a native speaker. Avoid culture clichés and ask when something is unclear.
Transfer
New fictional case: Casey
Casey wants to spend little money, likes practical work, prefers a clear weekly routine and wants useful experience.
Compare two options for Casey. Use all four criteria: interests, requirements, costs and responsibilities. Then make a reasoned suggestion.
Target: 5–7 connected sentences.
Can-do check
| I can ... | Yes | Not yet |
|---|---|---|
| find interests, requirements, costs and responsibilities in a short text | □ | □ |
| compare two options with than | □ | □ |
| give a reason with because | □ | □ |
| ask for clarification | □ | □ |
| write a short structured text | □ | □ |
| revise common errors after feedback | □ | □ |
If you have several Not yet boxes, return to the matching short section. Repeat one task, not the whole course.
Follow-up course
Continue with E10 G - Apply for a future option: create a fictional mini-application, prepare simple interview answers and practise asking follow-up questions.
Interaktive Aufgaben
Quiz: Teste Dein Wissen
Which word means money you need to spend? (cost) (!interest) (!skill) (!reason)
Which sentence makes a clear comparison? (Travel is more expensive than volunteering.) (!Travel is expensive volunteering.) (!Travel more expensive volunteering.) (!Travel is expensive as volunteering.)
Which sentence gives a requirement? (You have to attend every Friday.) (!You like practical work.) (!The project sounds interesting.) (!Travel can be exciting.)
Which sentence talks about a planned future action? (I am going to compare two options.) (!I compare yesterday.) (!I comparing two options.) (!I am compare two options.)
Which example is a responsibility? (Arrive on time and follow safety rules.) (!Like working with tools.) (!Enjoy learning English.) (!Prefer new places.)
Which phrase asks for clarification? (Could you say that again, please?) (!I am more cheaper.) (!I went to yesterday.) (!You must because.)
Which sentence is grammatically correct? (This option is cheaper than travel.) (!This option is more cheaper than travel.) (!This option cheaper that travel.) (!This option is cheap than travel.)
Which opening fits a simple formal email? (Hello Ms Green,) (!Yo Green!) (!Hey you,) (!What is up Green?)
What is the main goal of mediation in this course? (Give the key information in simple English.) (!Translate every word exactly.) (!Add new facts that are not in the source.) (!Use the longest words possible.)
What is a good first step when giving feedback? (Check whether the message is clear.) (!Correct every small error at once.) (!Replace the writer’s ideas.) (!Make the text much longer.)
Memory
| interest | what you enjoy |
| requirement | what you need |
| cost | money you spend |
| responsibility | a task you must manage |
| apprenticeship | learning through work and training |
| further education | continuing to study after school |
| volunteering | helping in a project without regular pay |
| budget | a plan for your money |
Drag and Drop
| Ordne die richtigen Begriffe zu. | Thema |
|---|---|
| Interest | what you enjoy |
| Requirement | what you need for an option |
| Cost | money you spend |
| Responsibility | a task you must manage |
| Budget | a plan for spending money |
Kreuzworträtsel
| Budget | What word means a plan for your money? |
| Skills | What word means abilities you can use? |
| Duties | What word means tasks you are responsible for? |
| College | What place can be part of further education? |
| Travel | What word means going to other places? |
| Volunteer | What word means a person who helps without regular pay? |
LearningApps
Lückentext
Offene Aufgaben
Leicht
- Future icons: Draw four simple symbols for apprenticeship, further education, volunteering and travel. Add one English keyword to each.
- Word cards: Make eight small cards with the active context words. On the back, write a short English explanation.
- One-minute pair talk: Choose one fictional option and give one reason. Recording is optional; if you record, keep it private and local.
- Cost sorter: Put the four fictional options into low, medium or high cost groups from this course. Explain one choice with a full sentence.
Standard
- Comparison poster: Compare two fictional options by interests, requirements, costs and responsibilities. Use at least three complete English sentences.
- Career adviser role-play: One person is a fictional student and one is an adviser. Ask, answer and use one clarification phrase.
- Fictional inquiry email: Write an 80–100 word email asking two questions about one fictional option. Use no real personal data.
- Mediation note: Explain the fictional German volunteering card from this course to an English-speaking student in 4–5 simple English sentences.
Schwer
- Decision matrix: Give the four criteria your own importance labels and compare two fictional options. Explain why your priorities change the result.
- Revise after feedback: Keep a first draft, get feedback on meaning and one accuracy target, then create a second version and mark the changes.
- Private mini-presentation: Present a fictional option for about 60 seconds. You may speak live instead of recording. Any recording stays private unless you choose otherwise under school rules.
- Source check: Use a claim card prepared by your teacher about a future option. Check it against two trusted sources and mark what is confirmed, unclear or outdated. Do not upload personal files to AI tools or public sites.


Lernkontrolle
- Casey comparison: Casey likes practical work, wants low costs and needs a clear routine. Compare apprenticeship with one other fictional option and explain which better matches these priorities.
- Change one condition: Imagine Casey now wants to travel and use English every day. Explain how this new priority changes your comparison.
- Improve an email: Rewrite a short fictional inquiry email that has no greeting, no clear question and no ending. Explain two changes you made.
- Mediation transfer: A fictional German notice says that a project starts at 9:00, needs six Saturdays of attendance and has no fee. Explain the key information to an English-speaking student without translating word for word.
- Error detective: Correct I going to apply, more cheaper and I have to to work. Explain one rule in simple words.
- Reasoned choice: Choose two fictional options for a student who has little money but wants teamwork and new experience. Compare both and give a reasoned suggestion.
Lernnachweis
For a Lernnachweis, show that you can:
- compare two fictional future options using interests, requirements, costs and responsibilities.
- write a short structured English email, report, opinion or simple fictional application with clear reasons.
- take part in a short speaking task, ask for clarification and respond clearly; a recording is optional and may stay private.
- improve a first version after feedback while keeping your own ideas.
- use the key accuracy targets: comparative + than, have to + verb and be going to + verb.
- explain what you can already do and what you still need to practise.
OERs zum Thema
A related background article is Berufsbildung. Use it for real-world context; the training profiles in this aiMOOC remain fictional.
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