Speaking

TED Talks – Greta Thunberg (2018): The disarming case to act right now on climate change

jmackayLeave a comment

Thunberg

Video worksheet

Introduction

Worksheet based on short TED talk by Greta Thunberg, just as she was coming to prominence as a teenage climate activist.

Summary

Climate change is an extremely topical subject, for good reason. This worksheet is based on a TED Talk by the teenage climate activist, Greta Thunberg when she was just 16. The ppt below can be used to brainstorm learners’ prior knowledge about the speaker. As she speaks very clear, articulate ELF (English as a Lingua Franca), this worksheet could work from B1+ (with subtitles). From C1+, try listening without subtitles first and then checking with the subtitles on the second listening.

Materials

Greta Thunberg intro

Greta Thunberg TED

Greta Thunberg TED KEY

Link to video

 

TED Talks: Jigsaw Listening – Mobile phones

jmackay1 Comment

 

mobile phone use

Ted Talks Worksheets and ppt discussion

Summary

Two worksheets (in print or paper-free ppt versions) related to TED talks on the subject of the (mis)use of mobile devices, followed by a ppt discussion/debate on using mobiles in class. Students have to negotiate and agree on what is and isn’t acceptable and draw up a code of good conduct. I find it very useful to do this early on in the course, as learners in different contexts (and especially of different age groups) may have different perceptions of mobile ‘etiquette’.

Procedure

Each of these activities can be used independently, but I find they work very well together, especially if you can use the two talks as a jigsaw listening before moving on to the debate:

  • In-class activity: The discussion on mobile use in class is a stand-alone activity, but it is very helpful to watch one or both of the TED talks on the subject beforehand to generate ideas. There are equivalent worksheets and ppt (paper-free) versions of the activities for each TED talk.
  • Jigsaw listening: Two groups in different rooms work through the exercises on their assigned talk, controlling the subtitles  & repetition of sections as they wish. Learners re-group and summarise the talks to each other before debating the issue of mobile use in class.
  • Jigsaw listening: Flipped version. Learners are set a different talk and corresponding worksheet for homework. They summarise talks to each other in the following class before the class discussion.

This activity was inspired by Anastasia Dedyukhina’s plenary talk at Innovate ELT conference, 2019.

Videos

TED Talk 1 Adam Alter (2017) Why screens make us less happy

TED Talk 2 Anastasia Dedyukhina (2016): Could you live without a smartphone?

 

Materials

There is a worksheet (paper and ppt version) and teacher’s notes with key for both talks, The debate on mobile phone use in class is on ppt only and has accompanying teacher’s notes,

TED Talk 1 (worksheet) Adam Alter – Why screens make us less happy – student

TED Talk 1 (ppt) Adam Alter 2017

TED Talk 1 Teacher’s notes Adam Alter – Why screens make us less happy – teacher

TED Talk 2 (worksheet) Anastasia Dedyukhina – Addicted to phones – student

TED Talk 2 (ppt) Anastasia Dedyukhina 2016

TED Talk 2 Teacher’s notes Anastasia Dedyukhina – Addicted to phones – teacher

PPT discussion Mobiles in class

PPT discussion Teacher’s notes Mobiles in class. Teacher’s notes

Discussion worksheet: Millennials

jmackayLeave a comment
Millennials
Image credit: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/312408

 

Speaking worksheet

Introduction

Worksheet inspired by the updated version of the song ‘Ironic’ (for millennials) by Alanis Morissette, shown on the Late Late Show with James Corden in 2015.

Summary

Discussion worksheet on the theme of millennials, focussing on vocabulary of personality traits and new technology. Learners listen to an updated version of the 90s classic ‘Ironic’ by Alanis Morissette, updated for Gen Y, and discuss their reactions. I used this to supplement unit 11 of Headway Advanced (on the subject of new technology), but it could also work at lower levels for discussion of personality, generation (gaps), etc.

I’ve uploaded both the ppt and pdf version here. The ppt version includes the song and has more animations, but it is a heavier file. You can adapt it if you want, but please remember to credit me if you do!

Materials

Ironic – for millennials – teacher

Ironic – for millennials (ppt)

Ironic – for millennials 

Link to video: Ironic (for millennials)

Link to video: Tracey Ullman ‘Woke’

NB: Adult themes, bad language!

 

 

TED Talks – Hackschooling makes me happy

jmackayLeave a comment

Logan LaPlante

Video worksheet

Introduction

Worksheet based on a TED talk given by a 13-year old boy, Logan LaPlante, about his experiences of homeschooling.

Summary

This worksheet is based on a TED Talk (the link below has subtitles in English). It can be used to introduce the topics of education, parenting and happiness and as a springboard for discussion on the subject of homeschooling. It is designed to be used at higher levels (C1+) and would supplement units 7 (happiness) and 8 (Gender/Parenting) in New Headway Advanced (4th Edition, Soars, J & L, & Hancock, P. Oxford University Press).

Materials

Logan LaPlante – Hackschooling – student

Logan LaPlante – Hackschooling – teacher

Link to video

Advert worksheet: We are what we do…

jmackayLeave a comment

Natwest

Video worksheet

Introduction

To round off the year, and kick off the new one: An activity based on a short (1 min,) advert by NatWest Bank, entitled ‘We are what we do’. Aimed at marketing this bank as an ethical company, the advert portrays images of social issues and uses lexical opposites (or near-opposites) to illustrate its theme.

Summary

I’ve used this worksheet with levels from A2-C1, as the images are very clear and powerful, and the vocabulary is relatively simple. Students brainstorm opposites of adjectives and nouns related to social problems, then watch to check their answers. Works well to supplement classes based around vocabulary of personality, or as a springboard for discussion on social issues. Personally, I’m going to use it in my first classes of 2019 to introduce the topic of new year’s resolutions.

The link below takes you to the vídeo with subtitles, which I use with lower levels. There are versions online without subtitles, which are easy to find.

Materials

Video worksheet We are what we do – student

Video worksheet We are what we do – teacher

Link to video

Iceland Palm Oil ad, Christmas 2018

jmackayLeave a comment

iceland ad

Christmas activity – vídeo worksheet

Introduction

The latest in a succession of worksheets and activities based on TV Christmas ads, this one might be interesting for those of you who like a dash of polítics with your Christmas cheers. The theme has made the news recently, largely due to shocking vídeos like this one:

 

Summary

This lesson is based on the 2018 Iceland Christmas ad which was banned for being too political. The lesson plan introduces the controversy surrounding palm oil with a T/F activity. The worksheet for the ad itself focuses on pronunciation (rhyming) and vocabulary to guide learners towards understanding the message. Finally, a follow-up discussion invites students to share their opinions and suggest ways of reducing the problem.

Materials

Iceland 2018 Christmas Ad ‘Rang-Tan’ – student

Iceland 2018 Christmas Ad ‘Rang-Tan’ – Teacher

Iceland 2018 Palm Oil (ppt)

Link to video

 

 

John Lewis Christmas Ad, 2018

jmackayLeave a comment

boy and piano

Christmas activity – vídeo worksheet

Introduction

The latest in a collection of a collection of (predominantly John Lewis) Christmas adverts. This is the latest, featuring ‘Your Song’ by Elton John accompanied by images of his life and career.

Summary

The song can be used for intense listening practice (focusing on individual words). As it says in the song, it’s quite simple, so could be used at any level. The ordering activity in part B lends itself to practice of comparative forms and modal verbs of speculation. As usual, any Christmas ad can be used to lead in to discussions on presents, gift-giving, Christmas values, etc.

Materials

John Lewis ad 2018 -student

John Lewis ad 2018 – teacher

Link to the video

 

John Lewis Christmas Ad, 2013

jmackayLeave a comment

 

The bear and the hare

Christmas activity – worksheet

Introduction

Nothing says Christmas like a John Lewis Christmas advert – and this is one of the best! Because it’s such a simple story it can be used at any level from beginner to advanced. It can also be used as a spingboard for discussion on the commercialization of Christmas, but you might want to just watch and enjoy the story. Be warned, I’ve had students cry while watching this, (happy tears!) so bring tissues!

Summary

This worksheet first focuses on the language in the song (Somewhere only we know), which provides a language focus: somewhere, someone, etc. (this fits in very nicely with English File Pre-Intermediate unit 4C, if you happen to be using it). Secondly, as the students watch the video itself, the focus is on vocabulary related to nature and wild animals, as well as an opportunity to anticipate, summarise and/or re-tell the story.

Materials

John Lewis ad 2013 -student

John Lewis ad 2013 – teacher

Link to the video

 

My Ideal English class

jmackayLeave a comment

classroom memory

First day activity

Introduction

This is an activity inspired by some research done by my colleague, Marilisa Birello, (which you can download here). We used drawing as a way of revealing core beliefs in a teacher development exercise. When you draw spontaneously the first thing that comes into your mind on a given topic it can be very revealing of the thoughts you might not express given time to prepare and conscious of how others will perceive you.

I wondered if this activity would work equally well at encouraging learners to discuss their attitudes and expectations. I tried it with groups from A2 to C1 level and the results were very interesting! I’ve included some examples of my students’ pictures as examples, which could be used as a discussion point: which ones de your students identify with most?

Reference:

Borg, S., Birello, M., Civera, I, Zanatta, T. The impact of teacher education on pre-service primary English language teachers. ELT Research papers 14.03 British Council

Description

In this activity, learners draw pictures of their ideal English class, then compare and discuss their expectations and preferences. A further writing homework task can be used as the basis for class discussion in a follow-up class. This can help to raise learners’ awareness of the variety of different attitudes and wishes that can be found within the same group. Explaining their own preferences can help learners to undertand their own thought processes and lead to enhanced metacognition.

Materials

learner pictures

Learner pictures – teacher’s notes

learner pictures – examples

English for beginners

jmackayLeave a comment

Polish Grandpa

Christmas advert – worksheet

Introduction

It’s that time of year again!

Over the next couple of days, I’ll be adding a few vídeo worksheets to use as Christmas activities. Most of them are based on adverts, which is itself a discussion point – is that what the spirit of Christmas is all about now?

Summary

Activity based on a short (3-minute) Polish advert for an online auction site. It provides listening practice for English in a non-native accent and acts as a springboard for discussion on themes such as language learning and living in other countries.

I’ve used this worksheet with levels from A2 upwards. The language is simple and easy to understand and the themes (family in other countries, emigration, learning languages, etc.) are fairly universal.

Materials

Polish Grandpa – student

Polish Grandpa – teacher

Link to video