Introduction
The Brexit ESL Lesson Plan is designed to provide students with the language skills necessary to discuss and understand the complex topic of Brexit. This lesson plan is important as it introduces students to current events, political vocabulary, and critical thinking skills. Brexit has had a significant impact on the global community, making it a relevant and engaging subject for ESL learners. By delving into this topic, students can develop their language abilities while also gaining insight into international affairs and global citizenship.
Vocabulary Building
Vocab |
Definition |
|---|---|
Brexit |
The withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union. |
Referendum |
A general vote by the electorate on a single political question. |
EU (European Union) |
A political and economic union of 27 member states located primarily in Europe. |
Customs Union |
An agreement between two or more countries to remove trade barriers and reduce or eliminate customs duties. |
Single Market |
A system enabling goods, services, people, and capital to move freely throughout the European Union’s member countries. |
ESL Warm-up Activity
To kick off the lesson on Brexit, start with an engaging warm-up activity called “Brexit or Bremain.” Write down a series of statements related to the European Union and its policies. Students must decide whether each statement supports staying in the EU (Bremain) or leaving it (Brexit). This activity not only encourages students to use critical thinking skills but also introduces them to vocabulary and concepts central to the topic. It sets the tone for the lesson by getting students actively involved in discussing and understanding Brexit-related issues.
Main ESL Lesson Activities
Vocabulary Activity: Brexit Timeline
Divide the class into small groups and provide each group with a timeline of significant events leading up to and following the Brexit referendum. Include key dates, such as the referendum date, negotiations with the EU, and important parliamentary votes. Have students match specific vocabulary words to each event on the timeline. Encourage them to discuss each event’s significance, fostering both vocabulary retention and comprehension.
Listening Exercise: Analyzing Speeches
Play recordings of speeches made by prominent figures during the Brexit campaign. After listening, have students discuss in pairs or small groups the language used in these speeches. Encourage them to identify persuasive techniques, emotional appeals, or formal language styles used by speakers. This activity promotes listening skills while also facilitating critical analysis.
Roleplay: Negotiating Trade Deals
Assign students roles representing different countries within the EU and U.K., tasking them with negotiating new trade deals post-Brexit. Provide specific scenarios and objectives for each group to promote active engagement in negotiations. This hands-on exercise encourages participants to employ relevant vocabulary while developing negotiation skills.
Reading and Writing: Opinion Editorials
Ask students to read opinion editorials from various sources expressing differing views on Brexit’s impact. In pairs or small groups, have them summarize their assigned editorial’s main points and share their own opinions on the subject matter through a written response. This activity fosters reading comprehension along with honing critical thinking skills.
ESL Homework Assignment
For homework, students are tasked with researching and compiling a list of at least five Brexit-related terms or expressions commonly used in news articles or political discussions. They should provide definitions for each term and include an example of how it is used in context. Additionally, students will write a short opinion piece expressing their views on the potential impact of Brexit on international relations, using vocabulary and concepts covered in class to support their arguments. This assignment reinforces lesson content while encouraging independent research and critical thinking skills.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Brexit ESL Lesson Plan has provided students with valuable insight into the topic of Brexit, covering key vocabulary, listening skills, critical thinking through roleplay, and reading and writing activities. Reflecting on this lesson, students have gained a deeper understanding of political discourse and international relations. It is essential for students to apply their newly acquired language skills in discussing complex global issues such as Brexit to enhance their overall language development. Through this lesson, they have not only expanded their vocabulary but also honed their ability to express opinions and engage in meaningful discussions using English as a tool for effective communication.
Why this topic is great for ESL learning
Relevance to Current Events
The Brexit ESL Lesson Plan offers a real-world, current topic that engages students and provides them with language skills crucial for understanding global affairs.
Critical Thinking and Communication
By delving into the complexities of Brexit, students develop critical thinking skills and the ability to articulate opinions on political matters, enhancing their overall language proficiency.
Vocabulary Expansion
The lesson introduces a range of political and economic vocabulary essential for discussing international relations, broadening students’ lexical repertoire while encouraging contextual usage.
