| LESSON OVERVIEW
The main objectives of this speaking lesson are to:
- engage in talking about tattoos and their symbolism;
- express personal opinions and preferences;
- watch a video in which an artist shows his tattoos.
In this lesson, students discuss tattoos, their meanings and their cultural impact. They talk about why people get tattoos, watch part of a video (to 03:06) where a singer explains the meaning behind his tattoos and share their reactions and opinions. Students explore different tattoo styles and trends, discuss personal preferences and consider the consequences of getting certain tattoos. They say what they would do in different scenarios involving tattoos. Students can also do an extra vocabulary activity to review phrases for discussing ways people express themselves through appearance (e.g. just for kicks, a tribute to, blend in).
C1 / Advanced45 min
60 minSpeaking ClassUnlimited Plan
This is a Speaking Class worksheet. It includes a variety of tasks that let your students practise their speaking skills. This lesson format does not focus on grammar or vocabulary. Learn more about it here.
WARM-UP AND DISCUSSION
Before the lesson starts, students can do a vocabulary activity to revise useful phrases for talking about tattoos. In the task, they read statements about ways people express themselves through appearance and explain the meaning of the phrases in bold (e.g. make a bold statement, come across as, edgy style) in their own words. Then, students choose two sentences and say if they know anyone who fits the description. After that, the lesson begins with a warm-up. Students look at photos of tattooed people and say why they might have got their tattoos. They brainstorm other reasons why people get tattoos. Moving on, students discuss questions about tattoos and their cultural impact.
VIDEO AND MORE DISCUSSION
In this part of the lesson, students watch a video where a singer talks about his tattoos. First, they look at some of the things he has tattooed and guess their meaning. They then watch part of the video and say if the meanings surprised them. Students also engage in talking about tattoos and give their opinions on them. Afterwards, they comment on various opinions and ideas about tattoos. Next, students use a link to see examples of tattoos for different styles (e.g. minimalist fine line, fine art recreations). Then, they discuss tattoo trends and personal preferences. Following that, students read scenarios involving tattoos and their potential consequences. They say what they would do in each case and discuss follow-up questions.
WORKSHEETS
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It’s like you read my mind! I teach tattoo artists and I can do this with them tonight! Thank you!
That’s awesome! Hope your students enjoy it 🙂
Is there a problem with this e-lesson? I have tried to run it a few times, and it only partially loads (showing the text) but the pictures never appear. Otherwise, great lesson (as always)
Thanks for your comment! Do you mean the photos on slide 7? Everything seems to be working fine on our side. You can email us at [email protected] with screenshots of the issue so we can help you better.