Can we trust this study?

Olia | Nov 26, 2025Nov 26, 2025

LESSON OVERVIEW

The main objectives of this lesson are to:

• read an article where a researcher debunks longevity myths;
• discuss the reliability of research;
• practise vocabulary for talking about studies.

In this CRC lesson, students examine headlines on longevity, read a short text about the validity of Blue Zones studies and explore vocabulary for discussing research (e.g. fail to address, corroborate, surface). They summarise the article they read beforehand using the target vocabulary, discuss research reliability and share opinions. Students also evaluate sources of error in research and discuss how to conduct studies.

ACTIVITIES

This lesson starts with a warm-up. Students look at headlines about diet and lifestyle tips for a longer life. They then discuss their personal experiences with lifestyle media. Moving on, students read a text that questions the credibility of Blue Zones’ longevity claims.  They match useful words and phrases for discussing research (e.g. account for, delve into, constrain). Afterwards, students give an account of the article they read at home using the words and phrases from the previous exercise. Following that, they discuss questions about research reliability. Next, students explain how different factors (e.g. bias, ethical concerns, selected sample) could make research inaccurate or unreliable. They also give examples if possible. Finally, students choose three studies (e.g. how video games affect problem-solving skills) and discuss how they might be conducted, as well as potential problems that could make the research inaccurate. They use the target vocabulary from the lesson.

ARTICLE

http://eslbrains.com/crc093

WORKSHEETS

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