All about acting

Inna | Dec 30, 2024Dec 27, 2024

LESSON OVERVIEW

The main objectives of this ESL lesson on acting are to:

• review cleft sentences;
• explore different perspectives on acting;
• learn and practise phrases related to acting;
• watch videos of famous actors sharing their experiences.

With this lesson, students talk about actors they admire, discuss the challenges of acting, and share opinions on the profession. They explore phrases about acting (e.g. seamlessly shift, channel emotions, tap into, etc.), watch two videos featuring actors talking about their experiences and discuss what is more important for an actor’s career. Students also plan and present their vision for a film and practise cleft sentences and emphasis.

WARM-UP AND VOCABULARY

This ESL lesson on acting begins with a warm-up. Students name an outstanding actor and explain why they admire them. They use some ideas to help them (e.g. charisma, facial expressions, vocal delivery, etc.). Afterwards, students discuss acting and its challenges. Then, they read opinions about it. Students explain words and phrases to talk about acting (e.g. a nuanced performance, channel emotions, infuse, etc.) in their own words. Following that, they choose opinions they agree or disagree with (e.g. Actors shouldn’t cut their teeth on TV commercials because they will struggle to be taken seriously.) and discuss them with a partner. Next, students choose a point (e.g. an actor who gained recognition as a child) to elaborate on. They use expressions related to acting. After that, students watch an interview with an actress. As they watch, students note what she says about some concepts (fame, success, confidence and experience). 

VIDEO AND DISCUSSION

In this part of this ESL lesson on acting, students say which options are more important for an actor’s career and why (e.g. natural talent OR training). Following that, they watch a video of an actor sharing his role experience. Students complete sentences with their ideas. They then watch the video and check themselves. Afterwards, students discuss challenges in acting. Next, they revise cleft sentences for emphasis. Students look at sentences and decide how each differs from its counterpart. Students consider which piece of information is emphasized. Then, they rewrite sentences about acting to emphasize specific parts. Students make any necessary changes but keep the same meaning. Finally, students imagine they are making a film. They choose a topic (e.g. rare hobbies) and present their vision based on some points (e.g. the name of the film, the genre, the cast, etc.). Students give reasons for each point.

HOMEWORK/REVISION

This lesson plan also includes an additional task that you can use as homework or revision. In the task, students complete sentences using one of the words or phrases from the lesson in any form. The task is available in the teacher’s version of the worksheet. You can print it and hand it out to your students. It’s also included in the e-lesson plan.

WORKSHEETS

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