Introducing a topic in the classroom can be one of the trickiest tasks for a teacher. Sometimes, it can take a a lot of experience and a lot of practice to get the icebreaker, or warm-up, or introduction to a topic just right. However, when you do get it right, you usually know that you have got it right forever and you can slide right into that topic effortlessly. The right set of vocabulary, the right listening activity, the right set of images, and/or the right brainstorming format can help get debate and discussion topics moving and flowing smoothly.
This is a brainstorming/ listening/ critical thinking discussion worksheet for talking about controversial topics. Students need to decide whether they are pro or con each issue and support their position with three reasons. Then they can listen to the audio and compare answers
(see the video version on YouTube)
Subscribe to get full access to the latest and best resources from eslflow.com. There are no ads in the newsletter and you will receive entertaining, high quality, and up-to-date teaching resources regularly. And, if you subscribe, you will be supporting the eslflow website.
Students look at the pictures or use their own ideas to list the advantages and disadvantages of watching TV. Then they can listen to the audio and add to their answers
Advantages/disadvantages of watching TV (PDF)
I have noticed over the years that students struggle with the words “success” and “failure” and their various forms. They struggle with the pronunciation (hmmm.. “success” vs “succeed” ,“fail” not “fell”! – and “failure” pronounced as “failyer”) and the grammar. But success and failure is a fantastic stand-alone topic for a class. It’s great for brainstorming, discussions and much more.
Icebreaker activities for “Success and failure” and “Taking risks”
Topical reading comprehension exercises
Coronavirus language exercises
The pronunciation of the word “risk” is another word that many English as a Second Language students find difficult to pronounce. They have trouble with the ending sounds and also the past tense form (“risked” pronounced as “riskt”). But like success and failure it’s a fantastic stand-alone classroom discussion topic. In fact, these two topics are really quite complementary. They are ways we talk about work and living.
“Working from home” is a great topic for English language classes. In the current circumstances nearly everyone has some experience of working from home. So it’s a great discussion topic, and it could also used for classes involving giving opinions, making comparisons (home vs office), teaching argumentative writing or discussing technological change. It also has its own fairly specific set of vocabulary.
This is an English language exercise introducing and exploring the language and vocabulary of global issues. Students try to match the vocabulary with the appropriate pictures. They then rank the issues1-10 in order of importance. Click on the image below or the link to download the printable PDF file.
Students look at the pictures or use their own ideas to list the advantages and disadvantages of living in the city.
Students look at the pictures or use their own ideas to list the advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad.
Globalization is a topic for a more worldly class capable of talking about some complex issues. This probably won’t suit everyone but for the right class it might be a good icebreaker and intro into a really interesting topic.
An English language speaking worksheet for generating discussion about the internet and social trends. Students write the benefits/disadvantages of each issue on the worksheet.
Personal opinions about the internet and social trends (PDF)
This is an exercise to explore the vocabulary and language used to talk about new technology and encourage discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of robots and automation.
Advantages and disadvantages of working for a big company (PDF)
This is a business English ESL exercise to help students discuss the advantages and disadvantages of starting a small business.
Advantages and disadvantages of starting a small business (PDF)
Great materials! Thank you so much! I’ve just accepted an ESL position mid-semester. Yikes! No plan going forward. This helps tremendously with my need to teach essay writing.
No problem. Yes. I find worksheets with pictures are great icebreakers and a great way to start a class.
Regards, Peter
Outstanding activities! I will use these at the high school level!
It great
Thanks. I appreciate the feedback.
Thanks. Very useful and interesting activities!
Thanks so much,
These are great for my Year 8 EAL class 🙂
Really glad to hear that.
THANKS A LOT! VERY CREATIVE ACTIVITIES!
Thank you! Really Nice!
Thankyou so much
Great!Thanks a lot!
Olga
Thanks so much for the comments. Just in the process of adding audio to most exercises. Hope it’s useful!
Thank you! Really Nice!