1. ESL Lesson Plans
  2. Advanced

Debate and discussion

Exclusive
Low-resource ESL lesson plan
Advanced+/C1
Low-resource ESL lesson plan
News Media
Low-resource ESL lesson plan
45-60 min
Low-resource ESL lesson plan
Low-Resource
Print pdf version of this low-resource ESL lesson plan
Download lesson plan

Overview

In this third advanced lesson on news media, the focus will shift to an in-depth discussion on the role of news media in society. The session will provide an opportunity for students to articulate their views on the influence and responsibilities of the news media, as well as reflect on how they interact with and are affected by news in their daily lives. 

We suggest starting with a review of the homework task from the previous lesson to get students thinking about the topic. From there, we have included several collaborative speaking activities where students will discuss quotes related to the field of journalism and debate some controversial statements. As always, we end with a game idea to finish the session on a high note.

Lesson Outline
Activities
Low-resource ESL lesson plan
Boardwork
1Can I quote you?
2Fake news
3Class debate
Games
1ESL Pictionary
Print pdf version of this low-resource ESL lesson plan
Download Lesson Plan
Unlock this low-resource ESL lesson plan
Become a Member

Classroom activities

Low-resource ESL lesson plan

Use of the board

Students discuss the homework assignment from the previous lesson.

This activity depends on the students having been assigned the homework task in the previous lesson.

Start by adding the title homework assignment to the top of the board:

"In an era of social media and fake news, does real journalism have a future?"

Next, divide the board into two halves and start to elicit the ideas from the class. Debate each point as a group and document these on the board. Use the sample board to guide you.

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.
Low-resource ESL activity

Can I quote you on that?

The students will work in pairs and discuss quotes related to the field of journalism.

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.
Low-resource ESL activity

Fake news

For this group speaking activity, the students will try to explore their own relationship with the media.

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.
Low-resource ESL activity

Class debate: News and the media

Students debate some controversial statements related to the news industry.

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.

Classroom games

Low-resource ESL activity

ESL Pictionary: News events

Players have to represent well-known news events on the board while their teammates guess what they are.

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.