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  2. Upper-Intermediate

Debate and discussion: Disaster response

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Low-resource ESL lesson plan
Intermediate+/B2
Low-resource ESL lesson plan
Society
Low-resource ESL lesson plan
45-60 min
Low-resource ESL lesson plan
Low-Resource
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Overview

In this third upper-intermediate lesson on society, the focus shifts to discussing preventable disasters. The aim is to develop discussion skills as students explore various historical events and consider the factors that might have mitigated these disasters. The session will enhance their ability to analyse complex issues, articulate opinions, and engage in thoughtful debates.

The lesson begins with a review of the previous homework assignment using a structured boardwork approach. Students will then engage in a couple collaborative speaking tasks. These activities are designed to encourage deep discussion and exchange of ideas on the topic. We wrap things up with a fun classroom game, adding an element of enjoyment to the serious subject matter while reinforcing the language and concepts covered in the lesson.

Lesson Outline
Activities
Low-resource ESL lesson plan
Boardwork
1Only an excuse
2Class debate
Games
1Movie pub quiz
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Classroom activities

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Use of the board

Discuss the homework task as a group, adding new concepts and vocabulary to the board.

Elicit ideas that the students took from the text and create a spider diagram on the board. If they haven't done their homework, you could give an overview of each item and try to elicit as much from the sample board as you can.

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Low-resource ESL activity

Only an excuse

A follow-on activity where students debate where the responsibility should have fallen for each of the disasters.

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Low-resource ESL activity

Class debate

A role-play/debate activity where the students play the part of political advisers.

Low-resource ESL lesson plan
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Classroom games

Low-resource ESL activity

Movie pub quiz

Students have to guess the social themes connected to famous movies and attempt to give a synopsis of each one.

Low-resource ESL lesson plan
This lesson plan is exclusive to TEFLHandbook members. Join today and get instant access to our expanding library of teaching resources.