DIGITAL WORKSHEET ANSWER KEY UNIT 1

Avatars

Part 1: Let’s discuss

1 Read the text and answer the questions.

• Ask students to read the text and discuss the questions in pairs. Elicit some

answers and discuss as a class.

What is an avatar? Extra information

An avatar is a graphical representation of a person or a character. It can be used

to represent yourself or any other person, animal or animated character.

Avatars can be made to exaggerate certain physical characteristics and to find

the humour in these traits (big eyes, huge nose, little ears, etc.).

Many computer-users create avatars to use on social networking sites such as

Tuenti and Facebook, or on their personal blogs. Some people prefer to use

avatars instead of their real photo as it can hide their identity.

Talking avatars can be used to foster communicative skills and can therefore be

used to describe things or create narratives. A self-recorded or robot-generated

voice can be added to a talking avatar. A still avatar does not have any

movement but some avatars can move.

Answer key

1 It is a graphical representation of a person or a character.

2 Students’ own answers.

Part 2: Let’s analyse

2 Look at two different types of avatar. Answer the questions in groups.

• Ask students to look at the avatars and discuss the questions in groups of three or

four. Elicit some answers and discuss as a class.

© Macmillan Publishers Limited, 2014

Answer key

1 He’s got short hair, big eyes, a large nose and a big smile.

2 She has got brown eyes and a very small mouth. She has got make-up on her

eyes. She has also got a handbag. This avatar is different because you can see the

whole body.

• Go online and show students a few of the recommended websites for making

avatars.

• Try making a group avatar using suggestions from the class. Ask students what

they would like the class avatar to look like and make the changes on screen.

Print the finished avatar and stick it on the board.

Part 3: Let’s do it!

• This can be completed in class or as homework.

• Ask students to make an avatar of themselves or another person. Remind them to

organize their ideas on the Task Sheet.

• Once you have all the links to the avatars, use one lesson to view them all as a

class. Students can vote for their favourites and choose the best three.

RECOMMENDED WEBLINKS

Avatar creator tools

www.voki.com

Allows you to make talking avatars. You can choose a person, an animal or a

monster.

www.doppelme.com

Allows you to create a cool representation of yourself or of an invented character.

www.eclectech.co.uk/facemash/facemash.php

Allows you to make silly and strange looking faces referred to as ‘face mashes’.

www.unique.rasterboy.com

Allows you to make a full body avatar with some cool outfits and accessories.

www.amctv.com/madmenyourself

Allows you to create an avatar with a 50s/60s feel.

© Macmillan Publishers Limited, 2014