Do the green thing!

Title separator

Reading

environment lesson plan

<span style="color: #ff0000;">Warning! There is a short but graphic reference to making love in this video, so make sure it's okay for your students!</span>

LESSON OVERVIEW

This environment lesson plan is based on the TEDTalk by Andy Hobsbawm titled “Do the green thing”. It concerns a very important issue of environment protection. The speaker introduces his idea of a creative approach to promoting nature preservation.

B2 / Upper Intermediate45 minStandard LessonPremium Plan

VOCABULARY AND DISCUSSION

The first task of the worksheet is synonym-matching of the vocabulary which then helps students discuss some points in the second exercise. There are such words and phrases as combat, contaminate, preserve, severe or at stake. Then, there is a picture of some methods of environment protection that can help students to come up with ideas. They have to answer questions about their attitudes towards the environment and their country’s initiatives.

READING AND VIDEO

The next task focuses of filling the gaps in the text which is about the service “Do The Green Thing”. After that, there is one discussion point to make students speculate whether the service can be useful. Finally, students watch the video and go into a discussion exercise that concerns the talk itself and aspects mentioned in it. Moreover, if you need some inspiration or additional materials for your lesson, you can check the website http://dothegreenthing.com/ . You can see there unusual and creative ideas to make us care about the environment more.

WORKSHEETS

Comments

Title separator

Leave a Reply

  1. Karen

    I should have watched the video before playing it to a class of teenagers – I’m sorry, I’m not prudish but … the sexual content was totally inappropriate for an ESL class for teens. Signed, Embarrassed Unprepared Teacher.

    1. Justa

      Oh, don’t be so harsh for yourself. It ain’t so bad, just a short story. You could have selected our Colour Psychology lesson, and that could’ve been a bit of a snafu 🙂 On a serious note, our lesson plans are designed for adults and we sometimes choose topics/videos which are not the standard ESL coursebook things! Still hope the lesson went fine.

  2. Tanya Stevens

    I THINK to say there is a There is a short reference to making love in this video….. is a bit if an understatement it talks about porn, spreading legs and penatration I think the premise of the video is great but your warning is not accurate

    1. Stan

      Well, let’s get to details. We’ve put “short reference” there as there are literally 3 sentences in the video that may be seen inappropriate, out of a total of around 450 words. The fragment we are debating is as follows:
      “Let’s go there and make love. In the tent.” Ford undressed. She spread one leg, and then the other. Gusty entered her boldly and made love to her rhythmically while she filmed him, because she was a keen amateur pornographer.”
      And that’s about it. Honestly, we haven’t even noticed that before a comment from Karen. The expression “make love” is not pornographic for us, the reference to speading legs makes sense with the visuals and it is rather funny. What’s left is the phrase “entered her boldly” which I guess might be a bit visual but… All in all, it’s part of a promo video that encourages people to walk – there’s no focus on sex or pornography, and the sentences quoted above in my opinion are just there for the fun effect.

      Nevertheless, I let you all be the judge of it. Watch the video yourself before deciding to use it in your classroom.

    2. Phillipa Engels

      I do have to agree with this. This content isn’t inherently inappropriate, but I do agree that the warning should be a little clearer. Perhaps “a short but graphic reference” would be enough.

      1. Stan

        Thanks for this suggestion – I’m updating the description right now.

  3. Alice

    hmmm, I would recommend watching the video first before using it . I mean, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for the lesson, And I fully understand why you say “embarrasses and unprepared” , yes, you are right!

  4. Lignum Nyelviskola

    I was fascinated by the Green things and this is a current issue that we have to deal with. Thank you!!

  5. HAWAIKI

    hi, I think it’s more about creativity and climate change than the green thing or sex/porn/make love. Sure, the language is a bit R-rated, so to speak, and I expected to hear more about the means to be green. Interesting nevertheless.

Browse other materials recommended for you

Title separator
sustainability in the hospitality industry
B2 / Upper Intermediate
Standard Lesson 60 min
Loading

Sustainable stays: eco-friendly hotels

Business Global Issues

Students discuss waste and sustainability in the hospitality industry! They watch and discuss a video about an organisation that recycles half-used hotel soaps, learn useful vocabulary, and read and discuss a text about an imaginary hotel.

adjectives to describe people
B1 / Intermediate | B2 / Upper Intermediate
Standard Lesson 60 min
Loading

Challenging gender stereotypes

Global Issues

Engage in discussing gender stereotypes with this intriguing lesson! Students practise adjectives to describe people, watch a video on women in sports and read texts about women who challenged stereotypes.

talk about technology for reducing crime
B2 / Upper Intermediate | C1 / Advanced
Speaking Class 45 min / 60 min
Loading

Fighting crime with tech

Global Issues Technology

With this lesson, students talk about the use of technology for reducing crime and watch a video about crime detection technology. They also talk about regulations and punishments for tech-related crimes, and discuss law enforcement in movies and real life.

ESL lesson about software
B2 / Upper Intermediate
Standard Lesson 60 min
Loading

Open-source software: use, study, share, improve

Global Issues Technology

With this lesson, students discuss personal software use, talk about open-source software, and watch a video about the concept. They also explore relevant vocabulary, think of potential challenges to the industry, and discuss its future.

ESL lesson on energy production
B2 / Upper Intermediate | C1 / Advanced
Standard Lesson 60 min
Loading

I get electricity from…

Global Issues Technology

Step into the world of energy production with this lesson! Students practise useful vocabulary and watch a video on electricity trading. They also talk about local and global power generation, examine statistics and discuss sustainable energy.

B1 / Intermediate | B2 / Upper Intermediate
Critical Reading Club 30 min / 45 min
Loading

A ban on cigarettes

Global Issues

With this lesson, students talk about bans and prohibitions. After reading an article, they discuss smoking and vaping. They also talk about trends and practise using adjectives.

talking about gentrification
B2 / Upper Intermediate | C1 / Advanced
Standard Lesson 60 min
Loading

Revitalized neighbourhoods or ghost towns?

Global Issues

With this intriguing lesson, students explore the concept of ‘gentrification’ and its impacts. They explore and practise vocabulary related to the topic, watch a short video, analyse opinions and examine solutions for gentrification challenges.

lesson on youth activism
B1 / Intermediate | B2 / Upper Intermediate
Standard Lesson 60 min
Loading

The youth changing the world

Global Issues

With this highly relevant lesson, students discuss youth activism, examine different causes and practise vocabulary related to the topic. They also watch and discuss a video about Malala Yousafzai and reflect on the impact of youth involvement in social causes.

useful phrases with ‘as’
B2 / Upper Intermediate | C1 / Advanced
Standard Lesson 60 min
Loading

Save coral reefs!

Global Issues Grammar

With this lesson, students will dive into the different uses of ‘as’ in phrases and statements. They will also explore the realm of coral reefs and watch an inspiring informational video.

Show more lessons

Questions

Title separator

Is there a minimum subscription period if I choose a monthly subscription?

No, there's no minimum required number of subscription months. You can cancel any time you want. Basically, you can sign up and then cancel your subscription the next day, which will mean you have access for 1 month and won't be charged again.

What currencies can I pay in for my subscription?

Our default currency is USD (American dollar), but you can also pay in EUR (euro), GBP (British pound sterling) or PLN (Polish zloty). You can change the currency you want to pay in at the Pricing page before selecting a subscription plan.

How can I edit an e-lesson plan?

You can get your own editable copy of an e-lesson plan and make changes to it. To do so, either (1) make a copy of it on your Google Drive (preferable method) or (2) download it in a Powerpoint format (but formatting might be a bit off so we can’t guarantee that it will work well).
Read more FAQ
Title separator

ESL Brains

Forgot password?
or continue with