Hey there, fellow ESL teachers! Are you ready to take your students on an exciting literary journey? Today, we’re diving into the intriguing world of “Great Expectations.” This classic novel by Charles Dickens is a true gem in the world of English literature. Filled with captivating characters, unexpected twists, and powerful themes, it’s no wonder that “Great Expectations” continues to capture the hearts and minds of readers young and old. So, grab your thinking caps and get ready to explore the enchanting tale of Pip’s journey to self-discovery and the pursuit of great aspirations. Let’s delve into the magic of “Great Expectations” and get inspired to ignite the imaginations of your ESL students in the classroom!
ESL Speaking Questions About Great Expectations
Beginner ESL Questions about Great Expectations
- What is the title of the book?
- Who is the author of Great Expectations?
- Is Great Expectations a novel or a movie?
- When was Great Expectations first published?
- Can you describe the main character in Great Expectations?
- Where does the story of Great Expectations take place?
- What is the genre of Great Expectations?
- What is the plot of Great Expectations?
- Is the story set in the past, present, or future?
- What are some major themes in Great Expectations?
- Can you name any other books written by Charles Dickens?
- How many main characters are there in Great Expectations?
- Who is Pip’s benefactor?
- What is Estella’s relationship to Miss Havisham?
- Does Pip’s social status change throughout the story?
- What does the phrase “great expectations” mean in the context of the story?
- What are some challenges faced by the characters in Great Expectations?
- What lesson do you think the author intends for the readers to learn from this book?
- Have you ever read Great Expectations? If yes, did you enjoy it? If not, would you like to read it?
- Why do you think Great Expectations is considered a classic novel?
- What is the main theme of Great Expectations?
- Who is the protagonist in Great Expectations?
- What are Pip’s great expectations?
- What is the role of Miss Havisham in the story?
- Why does Estella break Pip’s heart multiple times?
- How does Pip’s view of wealth and social class change throughout the novel?
- What is the significance of the name “Magwitch” in the book?
- Discuss the importance of the marshes in the story.
- What role does Joe Gargery play in Pip’s life?
- How does the city of London influence Pip’s character development?
- How does Estella’s upbringing by Miss Havisham impact her personality?
- What lesson does Pip learn from his relationship with Estella?
- Discuss the symbolism of the wedding cake in the novel.
- How does Pip’s perception of his family and upbringing change over time?
- What role does Herbert Pocket play in Pip’s life?
- Why does Pip feel guilty about his treatment of Joe?
- Explain the significance of the character Abel Magwitch.
- How does Pip finally come to understand the true nature of his “great expectations”?
- Discuss the role of fate and destiny in shaping the lives of the characters in the novel.
- How does Charles Dickens use symbolism to enhance the themes in Great Expectations?
- What are some of the major themes explored in Great Expectations?
- How does the character of Pip evolve throughout the novel?
- Discuss the role of Miss Havisham in influencing Pip’s life.
- What impact does Estella have on Pip’s expectations and motivations?
- Explain the significance of the “Great Expectations” that Pip receives.
- What is the social commentary present in Great Expectations?
- Discuss the portrayal of poverty and wealth in the novel.
- What role does justice play in the story?
- Explain the influence of class and social status on the characters.
- Discuss the relationship between Pip and Joe and how it changes over time.
- What role does the city of London play in the novel?
- How does Charles Dickens use symbolism in Great Expectations?
- Discuss the significance of the novel’s title.
- What is the importance of the character Abel Magwitch?
- Explain the influence of the past on the characters’ lives.
- Discuss the role of guilt and redemption in Great Expectations.
- How does Charles Dickens create suspense in the novel?
- What literary techniques does Dickens employ in Great Expectations?
- Discuss the portrayal of women in the novel.
- Explain the relevance of the ending in Great Expectations.
Intermediate ESL Questions about Great Expectations
Advanced ESL Questions about Great Expectations
ESL Reading Activities About Great Expectations
Beginner ESL Activities About Great Expectations
Great Expectations is a famous novel written by Charles Dickens, a well-known English author. The story is set in 19th century England and follows the life of a young orphan named Pip. The book is filled with interesting characters and thrilling events.
Pip lives with his older sister and her husband, who is a blacksmith. One day, a mysterious benefactor provides Pip with a large sum of money, which changes his life completely. He moves to London and becomes a gentleman, but he finds out that wealth and status don’t always bring happiness.
Throughout the story, Pip encounters various challenges and meets unforgettable characters, such as Miss Havisham, a rich and eccentric woman who wears a wedding dress all the time, and Estella, a beautiful but cold-hearted young lady. Pip falls in love with Estella, but she constantly rejects him.
The novel explores important themes like social class, love, and redemption. It teaches us that true happiness comes from within, not from material possessions. Great Expectations is a classic book that has captured the hearts of millions of readers around the world.
Vocabulary Word |
Definition |
|---|---|
novel |
a long fictional story |
author |
the person who writes a book |
orphan |
a child without parents |
benefactor |
someone who provides help or support |
gentleman |
a man who is polite and well-mannered |
wealth |
a large amount of money or possessions |
status |
a person’s social or professional position |
eccentric |
unusual or unconventional |
hearted |
kind or compassionate |
redemption |
the act of being saved or forgiven |
Intermediate ESL Activities About Great Expectations
Great Expectations is a famous novel written by Charles Dickens. It tells the captivating story of a young orphan named Pip. The story takes place in England during the 19th century. Pip lives with his sister, Mrs. Joe Gargery, and her husband, Joe. Pip leads a simple life until the day he encounters an escaped convict in a graveyard. This encounter sets off a chain of events that will change Pip’s life forever.
As the story progresses, Pip grows older and his life takes unexpected turns. He becomes friends with Estella, a beautiful but cold-hearted girl who is being raised by Miss Havisham. Miss Havisham, dressed in her decaying wedding gown, lives in a dilapidated mansion and has stopped all the clocks. Estella is being groomed to break men’s hearts as an act of revenge. Through their interactions, Pip develops strong feelings for Estella, although she consistently treats him with disdain.
Pip’s life takes an exciting twist when he receives news from a mysterious benefactor that he has “great expectations.” This means that he is to become a gentleman and receive a fortune. Pip is excited at the thought of becoming a wealthy man and leaves his simple life behind to pursue his new lifestyle in London. However, he soon realizes that his newfound wealth comes with numerous challenges and pressures.
Pip encounters several memorable characters along his journey, including the eccentric Wemmick, Mr. Jaggers, a powerful lawyer, and Herbert Pocket, Pip’s loyal friend. These characters greatly influence Pip’s decisions and actions throughout the novel.
As Pip comes to terms with his great expectations, he learns valuable lessons about love, loyalty, and the true meaning of happiness. Will Pip’s great expectations bring him the fulfillment he desires, or will he discover that there are more important things in life than wealth and status?
Vocabulary Word |
Definition |
|---|---|
captivating |
describes something that holds your attention and makes you want to keep reading or watching |
orphan |
a child whose parents have died |
encounter |
meet or come across someone or something unexpectedly |
dilapidated |
in a state of disrepair or ruin, often due to age and neglect |
disdain |
a feeling of contempt or strong dislike for someone or something regarded as unworthy or inferior |
benefactor |
someone who gives money or other help to a person or cause |
gentleman |
a courteous, kind, and honorable man |
eccentric |
unconventional or strange in behavior or appearance |
loyal |
adjective describing someone who remains faithful and steadfast in their support or allegiance |
fulfillment |
the achievement of something desired, promised, or predicted |
Advanced ESL Activities About Great Expectations
Great Expectations is a famous novel written by Charles Dickens. It tells the story of a young boy named Pip and his journey to become a gentleman. The story is set in 19th century England and explores themes of social class, ambition, and identity. Throughout the novel, Pip encounters various characters who shape his life and influence his expectations for the future.
One of the key themes in Great Expectations is the idea of class mobility. Pip starts off as a poor orphan, but when he receives a large sum of money from an anonymous benefactor, his life takes a dramatic turn. He moves to London, starts receiving an education, and gains access to high society. However, as Pip tries to fit in with the upper class, he grapples with feelings of guilt and shame for abandoning his humble origins.
Another important character in the novel is Miss Havisham, an eccentric old woman who lives in a decaying mansion. Miss Havisham was jilted on her wedding day and has since lived in isolation, wearing her bridal gown and keeping all the clocks in her house stopped at the exact time of her heartbreak. She raises a young girl named Estella to be cold and unfeeling, using her to seek revenge on all men. Pip becomes infatuated with Estella, but their relationship is complicated by Miss Havisham’s manipulations.
The narrative structure of Great Expectations is also worth noting. The story is told from Pip’s perspective as an older man looking back on his life. This allows the reader to see how his expectations and perceptions change over time. Pip’s narration also adds a layer of complexity to the story, as he admits to not always being a reliable narrator.
Overall, Great Expectations is a thought-provoking novel that explores themes of ambition, identity, and social class. It challenges the reader to question the nature of expectations and how they shape our lives. By highlighting the experiences of a young boy navigating a complex world, the novel offers valuable insights into human nature and the power of one’s own aspirations.
Vocabulary Word |
Definition |
|---|---|
novel |
a long fictional narrative |
ambition |
a strong desire to achieve something |
identity |
the characteristics or qualities that distinguish a person |
social class |
a division of a society based on economic and social status |
grapple |
to struggle or wrestle with something |
guilt |
feelings of remorse or responsibility for wrongdoing |
eccentric |
unconventional or strange in behavior |
manipulations |
actions meant to control or influence others |
narration |
the act of telling a story or recounting events |
aspirations |
strong desires or ambitions |
ESL Writing Activities About Great Expectations
Beginner ESL Writing Questions about Great Expectations
1. Describe a character from “Great Expectations” and explain why you like them.
2. Write about a memorable scene from “Great Expectations” and explain why it stands out to you.
3. Imagine you are a character from “Great Expectations.” Write a diary entry about a significant event that happened to you.
4. If you could change the ending of “Great Expectations,” what would you change and why?
5. Write a short summary of the main plot of “Great Expectations” in your own words.
Intermediate ESL Writing Questions about Great Expectations
1. Analyze the theme of social class in “Great Expectations.” How is it depicted and what can we learn from it?
2. Compare and contrast the two female characters, Estella and Miss Havisham, in “Great Expectations.” How are they similar or different?
3. Write a character analysis of Pip, the protagonist in “Great Expectations.” How does he change throughout the story?
4. Discuss the significance of the title “Great Expectations.” What do you think it means and how does it relate to the story?
5. Imagine you are Pip and you have just received your “great expectations.” Write a letter to a friend describing your thoughts and feelings about this unexpected fortune.
Advanced ESL Writing Questions about Great Expectations
1. Explore the role of guilt and remorse in “Great Expectations.” How do these emotions shape the actions and development of the characters?
2. Analyze the narrative structure of “Great Expectations.” How does Dickens use different techniques, such as foreshadowing and parallelism, to enhance the story?
3. Discuss the significance of the character Magwitch in “Great Expectations.” How does his relationship with Pip evolve throughout the novel?
4. Examine the portrayal of Victorian society and its values in “Great Expectations.” How does Dickens critique or challenge the norms and expectations of that time period?
5. Write a critical analysis of the ending of “Great Expectations.” Do you think it is satisfying and why? Would you suggest any alternative endings and why?
ESL Roleplay Activities about Great Expectations
1. Meeting the Boss: In this roleplay activity, students can act out a scenario where they are interviewing for a job or having a meeting with their boss. They should demonstrate their great expectations for their role in the company, discussing their goals and aspirations.
2. Booking a Dream Vacation: Students can pretend to be travel agents and customers in this roleplay. The customers will express their great expectations for their dream vacation, while the travel agents provide recommendations, make bookings, and ensure all expectations are met.
3. Parent-Teacher Conference: Students can play the roles of parents, teachers, and students in a roleplay scenario that takes place during a parent-teacher conference. The parents will express their great expectations for their child’s academic progress, while the teachers provide feedback and discuss strategies to meet those expectations.
4. Starting a New Business: In this roleplay activity, students can act as entrepreneurs starting their own business. They will discuss their great expectations for the success of their venture, negotiate with potential clients or investors, and showcase their business ideas.
5. House Hunting: Students can portray real estate agents and potential homebuyers in a roleplay activity focused on finding the perfect house. The homebuyers will express their great expectations for their dream home, while the real estate agents provide options, give tours, and ensure the properties meet their expectations.
