It’s a one-way street! Parasocial relationships

Megan | May 15, 2024Feb 28, 2025

LESSON OVERVIEW

The main objectives of this lesson are to:

• read an article about parasocial relationships and discuss the notion;
• practise vocabulary to talk about the topic;
• share personal experiences and perspectives.

With this lesson, students study the signs of fandom, share their experiences and discuss the term ‘parasocial relationship’. They learn vocabulary (e.g. one-sided relationship, illusion of closeness, blur the lines, etc.) and say whether they agree or disagree with ideas related to celebrity culture and parasocial relationships. Students also read about and give their opinions on fans and fandoms.

ACTIVITIES

After students read an article about parasocial relationships at home, the lesson starts with a warm-up where they study the signs of fandom (e.g. owning merchandize, attending events, accumulating trivia, etc.). Students talk about their personal experiences and give details. After that, they discuss questions about the impact and dynamics of fandom. Then, students look at the term ‘parasocial relationship’ and explain what it means. Next, they explore some vocabulary and find phrases (e.g. turn sinister, illusion of closeness, blur the lines, etc.) in statements about parasocial relationships that match the meanings that are provided. Following that, students discuss to what extent they agree or disagree with the statements. Afterwards, they talk about parasocial relationships across various contexts and platforms. Finally, students read about fans and say what they know about their chosen fandom (e.g. Game of Thrones, Taylor Swift, Princess Diana, etc.). They also discuss if they know any fandom members and if they know of similar cases, character obsessions or celebrity admiration.

ARTICLE

https://eslbrains.com/crc070

WORKSHEETS

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