englishmajorana

Sunday, September 28, 2025

QUESTIONS

GUESS WHO?

After having answered some questions about themselves, students, working in small groups, try to guess who.....?

1. Who are the students that don’t have any siblings?

2. Who’s got two sisters?

3. Who likes the TV series “The summer I turned pretty”

4. Who likes dodgeball?

5. Who likes the TV show The vampire diaries?

6. Who’s got one brother?

7. Who’s got three brothers?

8. Who likes the character Tony Stark?

9. Who likes the movie Interstellar?

10. Who likes the videogame Assassin’s Creed Unity?

11. Who likes the TV show The Rookie?

12. Who likes make-up videos?

13. Who goes to school by bus?

14. Who’s got a brother being 28?

15. Who likes drawing?

THE CITY OF LONDON

https://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/study-break/video-series/word-street/city-london

What makes you happy

https://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/study-break/reading-zone/a2-graded-reading/happiness-a2

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/real-easy-english/250912

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

THE RAINBOW-activity

My heart leaps up when I behold A rainbow in the sky: So was it when my life began; So is it now I am a man;

So be it when I shall grow old, Or let me die! The Child is the father of the Man; And I could wish my days to be

Bound each to each by natural piety.

Step

1: Guided Reading and Interpretation (15 minutes)

Read and Highlight: Have students read the poem silently and then aloud. Ask them to highlight or underline the words and phrases that express the speaker's joy and connection to nature (e.g., "My heart leaps up," "so was it when my life began," "natural piety").
Focus the Goal: Direct attention to the line: "The Child is the Father of the Man." Explain that Wordsworth means the essential self established in childhood is the foundation for the adult.
Define "Natural Piety": Discuss the final line: "And I could wish my days to be / Bound each to each by natural piety." Clarify that "natural piety" means a deep, respectful, almost spiritual love for nature, the kind often felt intensely and instinctively by a child.

Step 2: The "Child/Man" Organizer (20 minutes)

Students complete a simple graphic organizer (or T-Chart) that compares their childhood selves to their current selves, seeking evidence for Wordsworth's claim.

Child (Past Self) 👶	Man/Woman (Current Self) 🧑‍🎓	Connection/Continuity 🤔
Example Trait: Intense love for drawing.	Current Trait: Studying graphic design or always doodling.	Wordsworth's Line True? Yes. Childhood passion became an adult pursuit.
A Core Interest/Hobby:	How it shows up now:	Wordsworth's Line True? (Yes/No)
A Deep Belief/Value:	How it shows up now:	Wordsworth's Line True? (Yes/No)
A Strong Emotion/Response: (e.g., how you reacted to injustice or wonder)	How it shows up now:	Wordsworth's Line True? (Yes/No)

Goal: Students use this structured reflection to decide if the "child" they were truly set the trajectory for the "person" they are now.

Step 3: Reflection Essay (40-50 minutes)

Using their completed graphic organizer, students write a short, focused essay (250-350 words) that directly addresses the prompt:

Prompt: Does the "Child" act as the "Father" in your life?

In your essay:

Introduce the poem and quote, briefly explaining what Wordsworth means by "The Child is the Father of the Man" (i.e., that the essential self remains).
Present Evidence: Use one specific example from your graphic organizer to support or challenge the quote. Describe the childhood trait/interest and how it has continued or evolved into your current self.
Conclude: Make a final statement about the power of early experiences. Is the most important part of you something you grew into as an adult, or something you've simply carried with you since childhood?

Step 3: Philosophical Reflection and Debate (30-40 minutes)

Personal Connection: Ask students to reflect individually on the quote. Is it true in their experience?

Prompt: "Think of a core interest, value, or emotional response you have now. Can you trace its origin back to a distinct memory, feeling, or trait from your childhood?"
Have them write down one concrete example that either supports or challenges the quote.

Structured Debate/Socratic Seminar: Divide the class into two groups:

Team Pro-Wordsworth: Argues that the essential truth of a person is established in childhood (the "Father"), and adult life is either a successful continuation or a tragic departure from that truth.
Team Anti-Wordsworth: Argues that the Man is the Father of the Man. They believe that true character is shaped by adult choices, experience, education, and the active overcoming of childhood limitations or innocence, not just a passive inheritance.

Execution: Allow each team to present their strongest argument, followed by a moderated cross-examination and rebuttal. Encourage students to use evidence from the poem itself (like the joy of the rainbow and the desire for "natural piety") to support their claims.

Sunday, September 14, 2025

Comparatives

Comparative Debates

Encourage critical thinking and speaking skills by having students debate which of two things is "better" using comparatives.

Process: Give each pair of students two similar items or ideas, such as "city life vs. country life," "dogs vs. cats," or "pizza vs. hamburgers." Each student must argue that their chosen item is superior, using comparative sentences.
Example: "City life is more exciting than country life, but country life is healthier."

Here are more ideas for comparative debates to help students practice using comparative adjectives and foster critical thinking.

People, Places, & Things

Summer vs. Winter: Which season is better and why? Students can argue about which season is more fun, more beautiful, or more comfortable.
Dogs vs. Cats: Which animal makes a better pet? Students can compare their loyalty, independence, and intelligence.
Books vs. Movies: Which medium is more enjoyable or powerful for storytelling? They can debate which is more imaginative, more detailed, or more exciting.
City Life vs. Country Life: Which is a better way to live? Students can compare the opportunities, stress levels, and cost of living.
Smartphones vs. Laptops: Which device is more essential for school? They can debate which is more portable, more powerful, or more versatile.

Food & Hobbies

Pizza vs. Hamburgers: Which is the better food? Students can argue about taste, variety, and health.
Swimming vs. Running: Which is a better form of exercise? They can compare the physical benefits and fun.
Video Games vs. Board Games: Which is a more engaging hobby? They can argue about strategy, social interaction, and creativity.
Sweet Foods vs. Salty Foods: Which taste is more satisfying?

Abstract Concepts

Learning from Mistakes vs. Learning from Success: Which provides a more valuable lesson?
Being a Leader vs. Being a Follower: Which role is more important or challenging?
Saving Money vs. Spending Money: Which is wiser?
Team Sports vs. Individual Sports: Which type of sport is more beneficial?

Thursday, September 11, 2025

EDUCATION-topic for conversation

EDUCATION 1. How old were you when you started school? What kind of school did you attend?Do you have any memories of that time?

2. What kind of changes would you make to your country education system?

3. Do you think studying a second language should be compulsory or optional in schools?

4. Are you for or against wearing a uniform at school? What are the advantages and disadvantages of wearing one?

5. Have you ever needed a tutor to help you keep up with your studies?

6. Are your teachers committed to integrating technology in their lessons?

7. What are some of the most common problems in schools? Please, rate them - absenteeism - lack of parent involvement - alcohol/drug abuse - physical conflicts - student apathy - disrespect for teachers - bullying Can you add any others?

8.Say whether you agree or disagree with the following, giving reasons - The best teachers should be sent to the worst schools - Teachers should also be evaluated every 10 years - Exams are a waste of time and should be abolished

B1/B2 Vocabulary for Talking About Education Issues

1. Types of Education

Primary school / Secondary school
Higher education (e.g., university, college)
Compulsory education
Vocational training
Distance learning / Online learning
Home-schooling
Lifelong learning

Example:
"Distance learning has become more common since the pandemic."

2. Subjects & Curriculum

Core subjects (e.g., Maths, Science, English)
Optional / Elective subjects
Curriculum
Syllabus
Academic performance
Assessment / Evaluation
Grades / Marks

Example:
"The national curriculum needs to include more life skills."

3. Exams and Testing

Standardised testing
Entrance exams
Pass / fail / retake
Cheating / plagiarism
Exam stress / pressure
Results / scores / ranking

Example:
"Many students suffer from exam stress due to pressure to succeed."

4. People in Education

Teacher / Educator / Lecturer / Tutor
Student / Pupil / Classmate / Peer
Head teacher / Principal
Teaching assistant
School counsellor
Mentor / Coach

Example:
"A good mentor can have a big impact on a student’s motivation."

5. School Issues

Bullying
Lack of funding
Overcrowded classrooms
Inequality in education
School dropout / dropout rate
Discipline problems
Access to education

Example:
"In many countries, rural students still struggle with access to education."

6. Educational Policy & Reform

Education system
Public vs private education
Education reform
Free education
Tuition fees / Student loans
Inclusive education
Equal opportunities

Example:
"Many people believe that education should be free for everyone."

7. Modern Challenges

Digital divide
Technology in the classroom
Lack of motivation
Mental health
Screen time
Attention span

Example:
"Too much screen time can affect students’ attention span."

Useful Phrases to Express Opinions on Education Issues

"In my opinion, the education system needs..."
"One major issue is..."
"A possible solution could be..."
"It is unfair that some students have access to better resources."
"Many students drop out due to financial problems."
"There should be more focus on practical skills."

social identity

https://www.cristinacabal.com/

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Find out the story of your name

Prompt: "Your mission is to find out the story of your name."

Give students these questions to answer:
What is the origin of your name? (For example, is it Latin, Greek, etc.?)
What is the meaning of your name?
Is there a story behind why your parents or guardians chose it for you? How you got your name?
Find a famous person or fictional character who has the same name as you.
If you could change your name, what name would you choose and why?

Blobs and lines

. Blobs and lines

This activity is easy, quick, keeps students moving and talking, plus helps them discover what they have in common. The idea is for students to listen to their teacher’s prompts and organize themselves in a line (for example, in alphabetical order of last name) or in blobs according to something they have in common (birth month).

Try these prompts:

Line up in chronological order of your birthdays
Line up in order of how many siblings you have
Find those who are allergic to the same things as you
Gather with those who have the same colored clothing as you
Line up in alphabetical order of your fathers’ names
Gather in four blobs: those who traveled by car to class, those who traveled by bus, and those who traveled another way
Line up in alphabetical order of your first names.
Line up in order from the person with the most siblings to the person with the fewest.
Line up in order of the number of letters in your first name, from least to greatest.
Line up from shortest to tallest.
Line up in order of the current month you were born in.
Line up in order of the number of pets you have, from most to fewest.
Line up in order of your favorite number, from least to greatest.
Line up in order of the first letter of your last name.
Line up in reverse chronological order of your birthdays.
Line up in order of the number of buttons on the clothes you are wearing right now, from most to fewest.

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

role-plays

At the Travel Agency

Student A: You are a customer planning a holiday. You want a relaxing beach vacation, but you're on a budget. Ask about options, prices, and activities.
Student B: You are the travel agent. Offer destinations, explain packages, and try to meet the customer’s needs.

Functions practiced: asking for information, making suggestions, expressing preferences, polite conversation.

Returning a Product

Student A: You bought a pair of headphones last week, but they stopped working. Go to the shop and ask for a refund or exchange.
Student B: You are the shop assistant. Ask for the receipt, check the condition of the product, and explain the return policy.

Functions practiced: complaining politely, requesting, explaining problems, giving reasons.

Choosing a Restaurant

Student A: You and your friend want to go out for dinner, but you have different tastes. You prefer Italian food.
Student B: You prefer something spicy, like Indian or Thai. Try to agree on a restaurant.

Functions practiced: giving opinions, agreeing/disagreeing, making compromises, persuading.

Making Plans for the Weekend

Student A: You want to go to the cinema and then get dinner.
Student B: You’re free, but you’d rather do something outdoors, like go for a walk or have a picnic. Discuss and make a plan you both like.

Functions practiced: making suggestions, expressing preferences, reaching agreement.

Booking a Hotel Room

Student A: You are calling a hotel to book a room for 3 nights. Ask about prices, breakfast, Wi-Fi, and check-in times.
Student B: You are the hotel receptionist. Answer questions and help make the booking.

Functions practiced: asking for information, making a reservation, polite formal English.

1. At the Travel Agency

Travel Agent (B): Good morning! How can I help you today?
Customer (A): Hi! I’m looking for a relaxing beach holiday, but I’m on a tight budget.
B: Sure! How about a week in Greece? We have a special offer for €500, including the flight and hotel.
A: That sounds good. Is breakfast included?
B: Yes, breakfast is included. And the hotel is just 5 minutes from the beach.
A: Great! Are there any activities nearby?
B: Yes, you can try snorkeling, boat trips, or just relax.
A: Perfect. Can I book it now?

2. Returning a Product

Customer (A): Hello, I bought these headphones last week, but they’ve stopped working.
Shop Assistant (B): I’m sorry to hear that. Do you have the receipt?
A: Yes, here it is.
B: Thank you. Let me check... Yes, it’s still under warranty. Would you like a refund or an exchange?
A: I’d prefer an exchange if possible.
B: No problem. Let me get a new pair for you.
A: Thank you very much!

3. Choosing a Restaurant

A: I’m starving! Let’s get dinner. I feel like Italian food tonight.
B: Hmm, I had pasta yesterday. I’d prefer something spicy—maybe Indian or Thai?
A: Thai sounds good too. There’s that Thai place near the station.
B: Yes! They have great curry. Let’s go there.
A: Perfect. Let’s leave in 10 minutes.

4. Making Weekend Plans

A: What are you doing this weekend? Want to go to the cinema?
B: I’d love to, but the weather’s supposed to be nice. Maybe we could go for a walk instead?
A: Hmm... how about we go for a walk in the afternoon, and then the cinema in the evening?
B: That sounds perfect! What movie do you want to see?
A: The new action film. It starts at 6.
B: Great! Let’s meet at 2 for the walk.
A: Deal!

5. Booking a Hotel Room

Guest (A): Hello, I’d like to book a room for 3 nights, please.
Receptionist (B): Certainly. What dates would you like?
A: From the 10th to the 13th of October.
B: We have a double room for €80 per night, including breakfast and free Wi-Fi.
A: That sounds good. What time is check-in?
B: Check-in is from 2 p.m., and check-out is by 11 a.m.
A: Okay, I’d like to book it.
B: Can I have your name and phone number, please?

Hello! My name's Liliana. I'm a teacher of English (Language and Literature) to Italian teenage stu