The return of physical media

Megan | Feb 28, 2025Mar 04, 2025

LESSON OVERVIEW

The main objectives of this ESL lesson on physical media are to:

• discuss the pros, cons, and experiences of using physical media; 
• learn and practise vocabulary for discussing physical media;
• watch a video on the comeback of physical media.

Students talk about physical media with this lesson. They discuss the advantages and disadvantages of tangible media, work with vocabulary for discussing the topic (e.g. play instantly, browse through, switch back) and share their experiences and opinions. Students also watch a video about physical media. 

VOCABULARY AND VIDEO

This ESL lesson on physical media begins with a warm-up. Students look at the definition of physical media and brainstorm examples (e.g. DVDs, VHS tapes, cassettes). After that, they read statements and identify whether each one highlights an advantage or disadvantage of physical media. Next, students match phrases in the statements (e.g. wear out, switch back, play instantly) with their meaning. Afterwards, they unscramble words in the statements about physical media. Then, students read the opinions again and say whether they are true for them. Following that, they guess answers by choosing one option in statements about a video on physical media. Students then watch it and check their answers. 

MORE DISCUSSION

At this point in this ESL lesson on physical media, students discuss questions about the future of physical media. Following that, they look at options and say which one they would prefer and why (e.g. storing photographs in folders on your phone or laptop OR keeping photographs in frames or physical photo albums). Next, students think about an item that they used to own from a list (e.g. a vintage game console, a film camera, an MP3 player) and talk about it using phrases for discussing physical media (e.g. play instantly, put on display, switch back).

HOMEWORK/REVISION

This lesson plan also includes an additional task that you can use as homework or revision. In the task, students complete gaps in answers with the target vocabulary from the lesson. Then, they match questions with their answers. 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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