Changing populations

Kinga | Aug 17, 2026Aug 14, 2026

LESSON OVERVIEW

The main objectives of this lesson are to:

• discuss population trends around the world;
• watch a video about population decline;
• review vocabulary related to demographics.

In this lesson, students estimate the populations of different places and discuss population trends using real statistics and data. They watch parts of a video about why concerns over overpopulation have shifted to concerns about population decline, and discuss its causes, consequences and possible solutions. Students also give their opinions on demographic statements and imaginary headlines related to population change.

WARM-UP AND VOCABULARY

This lesson starts with a warm-up on population trends. Students look at several places and estimate their current population. Then, they check online to see who guessed closest. Afterwards, they complete sentences with the correct form of key words (e.g. labour shortage, life expectancy, shrinking population). Students then match these collocations with their definitions and discuss whether the situations described are similar or different in their own country.

VIDEO AND DISCUSSION

In this part of the lesson, students predict what demographic change a video might discuss. They then watch the first part of the video to check their answer. Students discuss a set of questions before watching the second part of the video to check whether the same points are mentioned, covering topics such as the retirement age, social care and lifelong learning. Students go on to discuss broader questions about declining populations, possible government solutions and how these issues might affect their own country. Moving on, they choose the correct option in statements about population trends and say which ones they agree or disagree with. Following that, students identify scenarios that could contribute to population decline and discuss imaginary headlines related to demographic change, considering their causes, consequences and likely government responses.

HOMEWORK/REVISION

This lesson also includes an additional task that you can use as homework or revision. In the task, students complete sentences about population trends using vocabulary from the lesson. 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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