Can we trust this study?

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Read at home,
talk in class

ARTICLE: http://eslbrains.com/crc093

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.

B2 / Upper Intermediate
C1 / Advanced
45 minCritical Reading ClubUnlimited Plan

This is a Critical Reading Club worksheet. With this format, students need to read an online article at home and do the exercises in the classroom. Learn more about how to use such worksheets and their benefits in our post.

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

Comments

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  1. Olena Kesko

    I tried this lesson with some of my students, and it was a success. I honestly didn’t expect them to be so involved and engaged. Thank you!

    1. Olia

      That’s great to hear, thanks for sharing!

  2. Dedene Nelson-Court

    This is very pertinent. I’m going to use it with a former R&D director who now follows standards and norms for the food industry. I’m also going to provide her with the accompanying podcast. Thanks!!

    1. Olia

      So glad it’s useful 🙂

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