Is science denial worse than it’s ever been?

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Speaking - debates

class debate in English

photo of the author Ewa |

LESSON OVERVIEW

With this lesson plan, students reflect on a video about the role of science in the modern world, expand their vocabulary and hold a lively class debate.

C1 / Advanced60 minStandard LessonUnlimited Plan
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WARM-UP & LANGUAGE INPUT

As a warm-up activity students reflect on four world issues (e.g. climate change, vaccinations) and explain what concerns people have about them. Then, they look at nine scientific research steps and decide what their correct order is and why (the first and last one are given). Students move on to a vocabulary task and focus on four questions in which five words are underlined. They have to match them with their meanings (omitted – excluded, crucial – fundamental) and then discuss the questions. Next, they analyse twelve half-sentences and try to put them in pairs to create six logical sentences related to science. After that, students decide whether they agree or disagree with them.  

LISTENING COMPREHENSION & CLASS DEBATE

Having learnt some new vocabulary, students watch a video about the role of science in society. At first, they watch it for gist and try to find out who the speaker addresses and why. Then, they listen for more detailed information. They have to answer five multiple-choice questions (CAE exam format). The video activity leads to an extensive discussion about science denial and sharing views on the role of science in the modern world. The lesson finishes with a class debate. Students are given two topics. First, in small groups, they prepare arguments for and against one of them. Then, they hold a heated class debate.

WORKSHEETS

3

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Leave a Reply

  1. Ann Yantsevich

    Thank you, Ewa! You create the best classes for C1-C2 levels. Waiting for more)

    1. Ewa

      Thanks, I really appreciate it 🙂
      More is coming!

  2. amironova

    An amazing lesson plan! If you and your students watch the movie “Don’t look UP”, the discussion is going to be even more lively!

    1. Ewa

      Thank you 🙂 When I saw the movie I also thought that this lesson plan would go perfect with it!

  3. Ossimar Mariano

    Fantastic lesson! ESL Brains only gets better!

    1. Ewa

      Thank you, that’s great to hear 🙂

  4. Rebecca Page

    Love this lessons and my students absolutely loved it! Great class!

    1. Ewa

      Happy to hear that! Thanks!

  5. shirleyj

    Excellent lesson – and well thought out vocab. exs. It was a hit for my students!

    1. Ewa

      Thanks! It’s always good to hear that a lesson was a success 🙂

  6. charleschernohorsky

    I love love love this lesson! Keep them coming!!!!!

    1. Ewa

      I love that you love it! We will definetely keep them coming.

  7. Marcin Ratajczyk

    Science should always be questioned and no one should ever be allowed to dictate what people should or should not do to and with their bodies.

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