Songs

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!

 

 

Advert worksheet: John Lewis, 2009

jmackayLeave a comment

guns n roses

Video worksheet

Introduction

An advert is not just for Christmas! You’ve probably noticed a number of John Lewis ads on this blog and I make no apology for adding another one, even if it isn’t Christmas.

Summary

Video worksheet based on the 2009 Christmas ad. Yes, it’s commercial and portrays an aspirational lifestyle perhaps not in keeping with the times, but I think that can be used as a springboard for discussion: how much has changed in the 10 years since this advert first came out? As for language, I’ve used this worksheet as a way to introduce the indirect object passive at B1 -B2 level (challenging for Spanish speakers as there is no equivalent in their L1). Plus, the song is a classic!

Materials

Ad – John Lewis 2009 Sweet child o mine – Teacher

Ad – John Lewis 2009 sweet child o mine – Student

Link to (ad) video

Link to (music) video

NB – the video has English subtitles. Play just sound first if you want your learners to do the listening practice first.

 

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

 

Song worksheet: Rag ‘n’ Bone Man – Human

jmackayLeave a comment

Rag 'n' bone.jpg

Song worksheet

Worksheet on song related to the theme of ‘humanity’, which can be used to supplement the first unit of Headway Advanced 4th Edition (Soars, J & L, Hancock, P., 2015) Oxford University Press.

Materials

Song – Human -student

Song – Human – teacher

Video

Here’s a link to the video

 

Ed Sheeran: Castle on the Hill

jmackayLeave a comment

 

castle-on-the-hill-ed-sheeran

Song worksheet

This worksheet is based on the lyrics of Ed Sheeran’s ‘Castle on the Hill’. The version of the vídeo with lyrics has animated images which make the text easier to understand. The activity involves listening for detail, first without vídeo, then using the song lyrics to check.

I’ve used this with learners from B2 level upwards. As it deals with the theme of nostalgia and growing up, it works well as a first class activity. Use as a springboard for learners’ personal histories and narratives.

Image credit: https://www.theupcoming.co.uk/2017/01/06/ed-sheeran-releases-two-new-songs-castle-on-the-hill-and-shape-of-you/

Video

Here’s the link to the vídeo with lyrics.

Materials

Ed Sheeran Castle on the Hill – Teacher’s notes

Ed Sheeran Castle on the Hill – Student