1,204,986 Votes Decided: What Is The Best Thing? – Tom Scott

Featured by Stephen Case, posted in Uncategorized

1,204,986 Votes Decided: What Is The Best Thing? – Tom Scott

In this video from Tom Scott, he surveyed over 1.2 million people to find out what was the best thing! After making a long list of things to rank (7,188) he got people on the internet to vote for items in head-to-head battles. Things that were voted for many times moved to the top of the list. Things that didn’t get voted for got moved to the bottom. Simple! 

The speaking is very fast in this but the questions and transcript are fairly simple. Students will have a good opportunity to talk about their favourite things.

This lesson uses the third part of the video from 5:45

Note : If using this in class please note there is a brief mention of sex and orgasms around the 8:30 mark. Easily skippable. Use this skip to pause and ask the students what they think the number one thing is. This part of the video is missing from the transcript.

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The Best Thing? – PDFDownload
The Best Thing? – WordDownload

Did People Used To Look Older? – Vsause

Featured by Stephen Case, posted in Health, Human Interest, Nature

This video from Vsause tries to answer the question of why, in photos from the past, people seem to look older for their age. What are the reasons for this? Great lesson for talking about generational differences.

This lessons content is upper-intermediate but the questions and tasks could be done by an intermediate student. There are warm-up, listening and followup discussion questions. Download the PDF or Word file below.

Thanks everyone!

Did-people-in-the-past-look-older-PDFDownload
Did-people-in-the-past-look-older-WORDDownload

Eating Dandelions from NPR

Featured by Stephen Case, posted in Food, Human Interest

 In this short documentary for NPR Debbie Naha talks about, collects and cooks dandelions. A “weed” she considers delicious and nutritious. What do you think? This is an upper beginner level lesson. The video will help students find the answers with its fun visuals and text. The narrator has a clear and slow way of talking that will also be easy to understand. There are warm-up questions, listening questions, a transcript and answers. Enjoy!

By the way, I have been getting good feedback on my lessons recently. If you have anything to say please leave a message or send me an email!

Eating Dandelion – NPR (PDF)Download
Eating Dandelions – NPR (Word)Download

The Lonely Goalkeeper by Dress Code Films

Featured by Stephen Case, posted in Uncategorized

This animated short documentary is about how it feels to be a professional football (soccer) goal keeper. It is narrated by Bob Wilson who was a very successful goal keeper. 

This lesson has a short introduction, listening questions and a transcript. It is a pre-intermediate and above level but is short so can be watched many times in one class. There are no subtitles with this one but the transcript I have made is accurate (about 90% I hope!). The answers to the questions are on the last page. I suggest this worksheet can be a good supplement to any lesson about sports or about being nervous. Enjoy!

The Lonely Goal Keeper (PDF)Download
The Lonely Goal Keeper (Word)Download

Most romantic spots in Paris 

Featured by Stephen Case, posted in Beginner, Travel

from Lonely Planet

 

In this video from Lonely Planet the narrator introduces three of Paris’s most romantic places. Students will listen and watch the video to choose the correct details for each of the locations. There is also a discussion about cities and people’s favourite places in them. This is an easier lesson suitable for beginners.

Romantic Paris from Lonely Planet (PDF)Download
Romantic Spots Paris from Lonely Planet (Word) Download

Can I Trust my weather APP – BBC

Featured by Stephen Case, posted in Human Interest, Nature, News, Tech

This video from the BBC talks about where weather apps get their information and how it is presented to people. The video also talks about why weather apps can be wrong sometimes. 

In the lesson students will talk about using apps, percentage and odds and, of course, bad weather! The listening questions are true and false and the speaking is very clear, so pre-intermediate level students should be able to handle the material. If you are studying alone the answers are at the bottom of the third page.

Can I Trust My Weather App – BBC (PDF)Download
Can I Trust My Weather App – BBC (Word) Download

The world’s Most expensive thing (By weight) – Tom Scott

Featured by Stephen Case, posted in Human Interest, Money

 This video, from Tom Scott, talks about the history of what is the most expensive object in the world by weight. It is very small and very expensive.

More importantly it is ‘non-fungible’ – things means it cannot be split up into smaller parts and keep the same value. 

In this lesson students discuss the things they own. How the history of an object is important and if they collect anything. The PDF has comprehension and discussion questions and transcript of the video with answers highlighted. This video is definitely intermediate level English and above.

Most Expensive Thing (PDF)Download
Most Expensive Thing (Editable)Download

2021 Review of the Year from Vox

Featured by Stephen Case, posted in Earth, News, Tech

In this video from Vox the news 2021 is reviewed from an American perspective on the world. Students are asked to discuss the year they have has, talk about how they themselves have changed and answer simple comprehension questions on the video. The vocabulary is relatively simple as are the questions and most pre-intermediate classes and up should be able to comprehend and discuss the ideas in the video.



Happy New Year everyone!

Year in Review Lesson PDFDownload
Year in Review Lesson Word File (Editable)Download

Taskmaster – Find the Aubergines

Featured by Stephen Case, posted in Comedy, Human Interest

Advice to Teachers – Please watch this video fully to decide if it is suitable for your classroom. It contains a couple of examples of colourful language and some slight innuendo.

Taskmaster is comedy show in which celebrities and comedian compete to perform crazy tasks set by the task master. In this challenge the five contestants have to hind three aubergines in a room. The longest time to find all three is the winner!

Taskmaster Lesson – PDFDownload
Taskmaster Lesson – Word FileDownload
Taskmaster Transcript – PDFDownload
Taskmaster Transcript – Word FileDownload

Latte Art – 60 Second Docs

Featured by Stephen Case, posted in Food, Human Interest, Uncategorized

This is a nice simple video that would be a great supplement to any beginner level class on coffee shops or ordering in a cafe. The video has hardcoded subtitles and is only 60 seconds long but has an interesting story and a compelling images. As a follow up activity I had my students leave comments (if they liked) on the artists Instagram. They really enjoyed that.

  1. Play the video
  2. Read the questions – Try to answer from memory
  3. Watch again – check Answers
  4. Discussion questions

Comprehension Questions

Where is he originally from?

What did he do before he became a barista?

How do you become a good latte artist?

How much fat should the milk have?

Discussion Questions

Do you like coffee? How do you take your coffee?

Where do you go if you want to relax and talk with friends?

Which of his pieces of latte art did you like the most?

Latte Art - ESLTube
PDF Worksheet

Latte Art – ESLTube – Word

Latte Art – ESLTube – PDF

 

I absolutely recommend checking out all of 60 Second Docs other videos. They are perfect for quick, natural listening practice.

Enjoy!

How to Live to 100!

Featured by Stephen Case, posted in Health, Human Interest, Uncategorized

Want to know how to live to 100? Watch this video from The Infographics Show to hear a summary of research on the subject of living to a ripe a old age.

In this simple lesson plan students will watch the video and read its transcript to answer questions on health and old age. This is followed by a series of discussion questions brought up by the video.  The video has embedded subtitles that students can read along with.

Please like and subscribe to The Infographics Show. They have a lot of great content that can be used in classrooms.

how to live to 100 worksheet100 transcript

How to live to 100 – Transcript – PDF*

How to live to 100 – Lesson – Word

How to live to 100 – Lesson – PDF

Health and Old Age Questions:

What exercises should you do?

How can you fight stress?

Why is loneliness bad for you?

In Sweden, what do they think are the secrets to a long life?

How much sleep is too much?

How much alcohol, should you drink alcohol if you want to live a long life?

 

 

*Taken from the Transcript available on the video.

 

 

Tell My Story, Blind Date – SoulPancake

Featured by Stephen Case, posted in Human Interest, Love, Uncategorized

Can you guess the age, likes and their past just by looking at them? The simple answer is no.

This video from Soul Pancake shows how wrong first impressions can be. Two people who have never met each other try to guess things about each other. They then find out how wrong they are. However, by the end of the video they have formed a very personal connection with each other. 

Students will discuss first impressions. Then they will watch and answer questions on the video. Reading the transcript after will help with comprehension and the video also has subtitles. After the students will discuss some of the question raised in the video.

First Impressions - JPGAre You Judging a Book Transcript - JPG

Are You Judging a Book Transcript – PDF

Are You Judging a Book Transcript – Word

Are You Judging a Book Worksheet – PDF

Are You Judging a Book Worksheet – Word

 

CLAW MACHINES ARE RIGGED – VOX

Featured by Stephen Case, posted in Uncategorized

This video from Vox by Phil Edwards  explains the history of ‘Claw’ or ‘Crane’ games and why they are made so that you will probably never win.

Students will talk about gaming and gambling and try to summarise the history of claw machines in America by watching the video.

Questions

Have you ever won anything? What did you win and how did you win it?

Do you like to play games? What games are you good at?

Do you have good hand, eye co-ordination?

What stuffed animals and toys do you, did you, have?

Crane Machines Crane Machines Transcript

Crane Machines Transcript – PDF

Crane Machines Worksheet – PDF

Crane Machines Worksheet – Word 

Crane Machines Transcript – Word

 

 

 

 

GUDETAMA

Featured by Stephen Case, posted in Human Interest, Strange, Uncategorized

In this video from Vox they discuss what has made the Japanese Sanrio character Gudetama so popular, They talk about how and why Japanese Kawaii culture developed and how the Japanese notion of cuteness isn’t as simple as the ideas of good and evil in American culture.

Students will discuss characters, cuteness and the stress of modern life.

Gudetama -PDF

Gudetama-Word

Gudetama Transcript – PDF

Gudetama Transcript – Word

Gudetama

Continue reading “GUDETAMA” →

Goosebumps – NPR

Featured by Stephen Case, posted in Health, Human Interest, Strange, Uncategorized

In this lesson based on a video from NPR Skunkbear they talk about why we still get goosebumps although they have no purpose. Students will talk about fears and react to quotes from famous people on the subject of fear.

Why Do We Get Goosebumps PDF

Why Do We Get Goosebumps WORD

Why Do We Get Goosebumps – Transcript WORD

Continue reading “Goosebumps – NPR” →

For Kids, How Much Screen Time is Too Much?

Featured by Stephen Case, posted in Health, Tech

In this video, from NPR advice is given on how to best use smart phones with children. However, the advice is good for people of any age. In the lesson plan students will discuss differences in life over the past five years, how they use time and their relationships with screens. Enjoy!

Screen Time Lesson-Word

Screen Time Lesson-PDF

Screen Time Transcript-PDF

 

 

 

 

Strawberries Will Save The World

Featured by Stephen Case, posted in Food, Human Interest

This is documentary by Yoko Okumura about her mother, Yuko. Yuko is obsessed by strawberries. she loves them and loving strawberries can save the world. The passion for strawberries is real and you can feel it when Yuko talks about her favorite fruit. Students will of course discuss fruit but also passions and what makes them happy. 

Strawberries Will Save the World – Word File

Strawberries Will Save the World – PDF File

Strawberries Will Save the World – Transcript – Word File

Strawberries Will Save the World – Transcript – PDF File

 

The Dogist

Featured by Stephen Case, posted in Animals, Human Interest

This video by E.J. McLeavey-Fisher is about an Instagramer who takes pictures of dogs in New York. In the film the Instagramer explains how he gets nice pictures of dogs and why he enjoys doing it. Students will discuss pets, Instagram and what they would do if they suddenly had a lot of free time. 

The Dogist -Lesson PDF

The Dogist -Lesson Word File

The Dogist – Transcript PDF

The Dogist – Transcript Word

 

Dog image by A_Peach on Flickr

 

Lili – An Animation about Childhood

Featured by Stephen Case, posted in Human Interest, Movies, Uncategorized

In this beautiful animated stop motion short by Tom and Hani, a girl is having trouble giving up on childhood. She wants to stay with her toys. Students will discuss the movie, childhood memories, growing up and, with the grammar ‘used to’ tell others about how life and they were different when they were children.

Plan:

  1. Start with the warm up picture worksheet
  2. Introduce the movie with the worksheet and discuss
  3. Watch movie
  4. Follow up with more discussion questions


<p><a href=”https://vimeo.com/242934453″>Lili</a&gt; from <a href=”https://vimeo.com/tomandhani”>TOM &amp; HANI</a> on <a href=”https://vimeo.com”>Vimeo</a&gt;.</p>

Childhood WarmUp Photos – Word

Childhood WarmUp Photos – PDF

Lili Lesson Plan – Word

Lili Lesson Plan – PDF

Enjoy!

Wales – Lonely Planet

Featured by Stephen Case, posted in Earth, Travel, Uncategorized

In this video from Lonely Planet they explore what to do on a trip to Wales. Students will discuss travel and what there is to do in there own countries on holiday. Discussion, vocabulary and listening questions on the worksheets in both Word and PDF. Full transcript of the video.

WalesTranscript PDF

Wales Worksheet PDF

WalesTranscript Word

Wales Worksheet Word

 

DiscussionBanner

What do you think is a very beautiful natural place to go on holiday in your country?

Where do you want to go on holiday next? Why?

What is your dream holiday? What do you want to do?

Do you prefer a relaxing or active vacation? Why?

What area’s or place’s local food and drink do you like?

Which city is your favorite to visit? How come?

Do you prefer to go to hot or cold countries on holiday?

 

Wales

Niger Wrestlers Face Off in Championship Event

Featured by Stephen Case, posted in Festivals, Human Interest, Sport

In this video from Al Jazeera English they show and talk about the national sport of Niger – wrestling. Students will discuss sport, practice and preparation. This is an easy class, suitable for lower level students.

Niger Wrestlers Face Off in Championship Event

 

Photo by Joris-Jan van den Boom on Flickr

Good Girls – Siberia

Featured by Stephen Case, posted in Human Interest, Nature, Uncategorized

In this short film from the BBC a woman living in Siberia discusses why she likes her traditional way of life and what she feels she should do to be a ‘good girl’. This is a one page short lesson that is suitable for lower level students. There is no transcript because subtitles are on the video.

Good Girls : Siberia

 

Picture ‘Reindeer’ from Dab Derrett on Flickr

NPR’s SKUNK BEAR: YOUR BODY’S REAL AGE

Featured by Stephen Case, posted in Health, Uncategorized

NPR’s SKUNK BEAR is a wonderful set of video’s that aim to answer people’s interesting science questions. The videos on youTube are great because they come with subtitles in multiple languages. In this lesson students will talk about aging and learn vocabulary for various parts of the body. Enjoy!

YOUR BODY’S REAL AGE – Worksheet

 

Original ‘happy mannequin’ photo by Devra  https://flic.kr/p/a2Taj2

Flip the Script – Wine, Guns and Hugs

Featured by Stephen Case, posted in Human Interest, Uncategorized

This is a lesson for advanced students on the theme of psychology.

Screen Shot 2016-07-28 at 11.15.48 AM

This is a lesson for advanced students on the theme of psychology. It is both fun and interesting to discuss what you would do and what other people did in a dangerous situation.

ESL Tube Flip the Script Lesson Plan

ESL Tube Flip the Script Worksheets

Continue reading “Flip the Script – Wine, Guns and Hugs” →

New Logo / Page

by Stephen Case, posted in Uncategorized

Hello everyone,

This is a message just to say hi. I started this site eight years ago as a way to keep all my lessons in one place. It got a few visitors now and then but I did not think much about it – I was just happy a few people had found them interesting enough to use. Over the last two years the amount of people using the site has exploded and recently I decided it needed some love, so I had a new logo made and you may have noticed that it actually has a proper domain name now. All the resources will remain totally free and I hope to have a few more lessons up for you to use soon. If you are a regular user of the site then I would love to hear from you in the messages below. I know there are a lot of you and, to be honest, I have no idea how you all found this place.

Hope you are all well,

All the best,

Stephen