Talking Point Lesson Plans Archive
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The main aim of these Talking Point lesson plans is to promote fluency by presenting students with stimulating discussion questions. All Talking Points are designed for use with students who have reached Pre-Intermediate level, though they are also very successful with Intermediate and more advanced students. Each Talking Point is accompanied by teacher's notes (TS) with answers.
You can associate these Talking Points with the EnglishClub Talking Point Discussion and Talking Point Homework forums, which your students can find easily from the TALKING POINT links on the EnglishClub.com homepage.
| Talking Point Lesson Plan and Teacher's Notes (TS) - PDF download | description | |
|---|---|---|
| Pirates | (TS) | A topical lesson which deals with piracy from all angles, both in history and today. Topic-related vocabulary is introduced in a gap-fill exercise and practised in conversation. A fun True/False quiz explores the students' knowledge of piracy in general. Discussion questions include: "Do you think software piracy is really a crime? Have you ever copied any computer programmes?" |
| On the Throne | (TS) | A lesson based on the topic of toilets! Bathroom vocabulary and common euphemisms are explored. A True/False quiz raises awareness of the global aspect of sanitation problems and fluency is encouraged through questions such as: "How do you think public conveniences could be improved?" and "Have you ever dropped anything you value down the toilet?" |
| Know your Unions! | (TS) | In this lesson students can learn how to pronounce words beginning with the letter "u" (as in "untidy" or as in "union") and which indefinite article ("a" or "an") to use in front of them. Opportunities for practice are provided through a gap-fill exercise and a speaking task. Fluency is promoted through discussion questions that relate to trade unions. For example: "How powerful are the unions in your country?" or "How often do unions go on strike in your country?" |
| Safety In Numbers | (TS) | Although students may learn how to say large numbers, dates and phone numbers in class, they don't often get the chance to learn some simple idioms and expressions about numbers. With this lesson students can learn what "elevenses" are and whether English will ever become "second nature" to them! Vocabulary and Conversation are practised through gap-fill exercises and discussion questions, such as: "Do you ever have forty winks after lunch?" and "What is your lucky number and how do you know it is lucky for you?" |
| Insurance | (TS) | (NB: this is not a "Business English" lesson though it can be easily integrated into one.) An unusual topic for a general English lesson, you might think, but surprisingly stimulating nevertheless – try it! Vocabulary is explored and practised through a gap-fill exercise based around topic-based words and phrases. Conversation practice is provided through a series of discussion questions designed for the layman and based around the topic. For example: "How many insurance policies do you and your family have? What have you insured?" |
| On Top of the World | (TS) | A worksheet that focuses on the consequences of global warming on the North Pole. Vocabulary is explored and practised through a gap-fill exercise based around words and phrases built from "pole". Conversation practice is provided through a series of discussion questions based around the topic. For example: "In your opinion, who should the gas and oil under the North Pole belong to?" |
| Charity | (TS) | A very topical subject for your students to tackle. Relevant vocabulary is explored and practised through a gap-fill exercise which draws attention to topic-related words with similar meanings. Conversation practice is provided through a series of discussion questions based around the topic. For example: "If you were in charge of international aid operations what type of aid would you send to a disaster zone first of all – food and water, medicine and doctors, blankets and shelters or rescue experts and equipment?" |
| Biofuels | (TS) | A very topical subject for your students to get their teeth into. Relevant vocabulary is introduced, explained and practised through carefully tailored exercises, enabling students to consolidate their understanding of words associated with the topic. A gap-fill activity provides the opportunity for students to practise forming questions with the new vocabulary and to start a topic-related conversation. |
| Adventure | (TS) | An unusual and stimulating topic for discussion which could bring out the spirit of adventure in your students! Two vocabulary exercises encourage students to deepen their understanding of words associated with the topic. Challenging discussion questions such as: "What can we learn about ourselves when we take risks in life?" encourage students to practise their fluency. |
| Crime | (TS) | A globally relevant topic for discussion – everybody will have something to say about this! Vocabulary is practised with a sequencing exercise which introduces the students to some useful topic-based words and phrases. Pronunciation is practiced through a "stress placement" exercise. Students are given the chance to practise their fluency through thought-provoking discussion questions such as: "If you found out that a member of your family had committed a crime, what would you do?" |
| Rebellion! | (TS) | A lesson that will generate a lively discussion among students. Vocabulary is practised with a gap-fill "definintions" exercise that introduces the students to some useful lexis related to the topic. Students are given the chance to practise their fluency through stimulating conversation questions such as: "If you were sent back in time to assassinate somebody, who would it be?" |
| All Change! | (TS) | A stimulating lesson which coincides with the start of the new year. Vocabulary is practised with a gap-fill exercise which introduces the students to some idiomatic phrases containing the word "change". Students are given the chance to practise their fluency through personalized conversation questions such as: "Do you like change or do you prefer things to stay the same?" and "Have you ever been short-changed?" |
| Party Time! | (TS) | A fun lesson which ties in neatly with the festive season, though it can be used at any time of the year: Party Time! Vocabulary is practised in a gap-fill exercise based on the different meanings of phrases containing the word "party". Students are given the chance to practise their fluency through personalized conversation questions such as: "Do you enjoy going to parties? Are you a party animal or a party pooper?" |
| Missing | (TS) | A very topical lesson on a globally valuable subject: Missing children. Vocabulary is practised in a gap-fill exercise based on the different meanings of the word "miss". Students have plenty of opportunity to practise their fluency through stimulating conversation questions such as: "If a child is not found quickly, how long should the authorities continue to look for him/her?" |
| Healthcare | (TS) | A lesson on a universally relevant topic which will really generate discussion! Vocabulary in the form of phrasal verbs and expressions is practised in a gap-fill exercise. The pace of the lesson is changed with some classic "Doctor, Doctor" puns, and students are encouraged to practise their fluency through relevant conversation questions such as: "Does the healthcare system in your country focus more on prevention or cure of illnesses?" |
| Stress | (TS) | A worksheet designed to get students talking – everyone will have something to say about this topic! The students’ vocabulary range is extended by focusing on the various meanings and uses of the word "stress" in a variety of contexts. Learners are also encouraged to exercise their fluency through stimulating discussion questions such as: "Do you think life is more stressful now than in the past?" |
| Magic | (TS) | A light-hearted lesson on a perennially popular topic. Activities include lots of useful themed vocabulary as well as common topic-related idioms. Students are encouraged to exercise their fluency through both general and personalised conversation questions such as: "Why are magic stories so popular with children?" And, "What was your favourite magic story as a child, and why?" |
| Reading in English is a Waste of Time! | (TS) | A worksheet designed to motivate students to maintain their level of English by reading in English. Ranging from topic-related vocabulary to popular "book" idioms and phrases, this worksheet can spark your students' interest. Fluency is practised through discussion questions which are both topic-related and personalised, such as: "Which books have had the biggest impact on you?" |
| What's in the Wind? | (TS) | With hurricane predictions at an all-time high this year the theme of this worksheet couldn’t be more relevant. Moving from topic-related vocabulary to popular "wind" idioms and phrases, this worksheet will catch your students' attention. Fluency is practised through discussion questions which are both topic-related and personalised, such as: "Do you know anyone who is a windbag?" |
| Going Great Guns | (TS) | A topical worksheet on a stimulating theme: our attitude to guns. This lesson includes vocabulary in the form of common idioms and phrases with the word "gun". Fluency is practised through thought-provoking discussion questions such as. "To what extent do you think the film and music industries glorify guns?" |
| What's in a Name? | (TS) | A fun worksheet on a universal theme - your name. This lesson includes vocabulary built from the base-word "name" as well as some common phrases and idioms connected with the topic. Fluency is practised through stimulating and personalised discussion questions such as: "What names did/will you choose for your children? Why do you like those names?" |
| Robin Hood | (TS) | An interesting worksheet on a popular legendary figure. This lesson helps students explore new vocabulary through the various meanings of "hood" in modern English and provides excellent opportunities for discussion and fluency practice through questions such as: "Robin Hood’s intentions were good. To what extent does this justify his actions? Does the end ever justify the means?" |
| Globalisation | (TS) | This worksheet is designed to generate discussion around one of today's hottest topics whilst also giving students the opportunity to practice topic-related "world" vocabulary and idioms (such as "to be in a world of one’s own"). Fluency is promoted through controversial discussion questions such as "Who do you think benefits most from globalisation?" |
| Shopping | (TS) | A topic that is not only popular but relevant and useful too. This worksheet is designed to provide practice of topic-related vocabulary and introduce some common idiomatic phrases (such as "to talk shop"). Fluency is encouraged through thought-provoking discussion questions such as "How has the way we shop changed over the last 50 years?" |
| Family Matters | (TS) | An interesting worksheet on a popular theme designed to recycle familiar vocabulary whilst exposing students to some less familiar lexis (such as step-father, half-brother, sibling, single parent, etc.). Fluency is developed through stimulating discussion questions such as "What are the worst mistakes a parent can make?" |
| Energy: Nuclear Power | (TS) | An informative and thought-provoking worksheet about all things nuclear – from nuclear power to nuclear weapons. Vocabulary is practised through a brainstorming activity followed by a mix-and-match exercise. Fluency is developed through lively discussion questions such as "Is it fair that some countries have nuclear weapons and some countries are not permitted to?" |
| Bribery and Corruption | (TS) | A stimulating worksheet that encourages students to explore the grey areas between bribery, hospitality and perks. Vocabulary is practised through a mix-and-match exercise. Fluency is developed through lively discussion questions such as "Who is more to blame, the person who offers a bribe or the person who accepts it?" |
| Up in the Air | (TS) | A topical lesson about flying and the security risks it poses these days. Vocabulary is practised through a sequencing exercise. Students can also develop their fluency through discussion questions such as "What changes do you think need to be made to air travel security measures in order to reduce the terrorist threat?" |
| The Naked Truth | (TS) | A fun lesson which works as an antidote to lessons on clothes! This lesson is all about nudity! Associated vocabulary is practised in a gap-fill, jokes are matched with their punchlines and fluency is encouraged with thought-provoking discussion questions. E.g. "Why is nudity often considered shocking?" |
| A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing | (TS) | A very useful worksheet on a popular topic which ties in with many mainstream course books. The lesson practises vocabulary through a gap-fill exercise and develops fluency with discussion questions such as "If you could design a new uniform for the police, army, schoolchildren (etc) what changes would you make?" |
| Taboo or Not Taboo? (That is the f**king question!) | (TS) | A fun worksheet which takes a look at common swear words in the English language. A vocabulary mix-and-match exercise is followed by stimulating conversation questions to develop fluency. E.g. "Why do students often find it easy to remember taboo words in English?" |
| It's on the Cards | (TS) | A lesson about identity cards. Associated vocabulary is practised in a gap-fill exercise. Stimulating discussion questions develop fluency (e.g. "In what ways are identity cards a good idea?"). |
| Learner Motivation | (TS) | Plenty of activities to help students examine their own sources of motivation coupled with thought-provoking questions to encourage fluency, (e.g. "How do you motivate people to do things for you?") |
| Modern Love | (TS) | A worksheet which takes a look at same-sex marriage and traditional marriage in the 21st century. Topic-related vocabulary is practised in a gap-fill exercise. Fluency is encouraged through discussion questions such as "Should people of the same-sex be permitted to get married? Why/not?" |
| Let it Snow! | (TS) | Conversation questions (e.g. "Why do you think so many people, especially children, enjoy the snow?") encourage students to express their opinions and thereby promote fluency. Vocabulary is practised in the form of a gap-fill for words built from the base word "snow". |
| Colour | (TS) | Always a popular topic for discussion amongst students. This worksheet opens with a discussion about topic-related vocabulary before moving on to making common collocations and completing a gap-fill exercise. Personalised conversation questions (e.g. "What colours suit you?") will encourage fluency and lead to lively discussion. |
| On the Other Hand | (TS) | A worksheet about left-handedness. This lesson raises awareness about people who are left-handed and develops fluency with discussion questions such as "To what extent are left-handed people placed at a disadvantage in today's world?" The word "left" is then practised in its various meanings in a vocabulary/discussion exercise before the students do a fun true-or-false quiz to finish off. |
| Watch this Space! | (TS) | A worksheet about Space which kicks off with a fun quiz and stimulates conversation and fluency practice with a range of discussion questions (e.g. "What do you think we can learn from space exploration?") |
| Do you have a GSOH? | (TS) | A lesson about humour. ("GSOH" means "Good Sense Of Humour", in case you were wondering!) Questions such as "How would you define humour?" provide opportunities for fluency development. |
| Terrorism | (TS) | A stimulating worksheet on a very topical subject. Searching questions such as "What causes terrorism?" will give your students a free rein to practise their fluency. |
| Secrets of Success | (TS) | A fluency-based lesson which starts off with a discussion of various topic-related quotations before moving on to the conversation questions. E.g. "Which is more important to you - success or happiness?" |
| Forget It! | (TS) | A great worksheet for those students who are fed up with endless course-book based lessons about the memory and techniques to improve it: this worksheet is all about forgetting! Refreshingly different discussion questions such as "Can memory loss ever be a good thing?" give students ample opportunity to develop their fluency. |
| Transports of Delight? | (TS) | A worksheet about different forms of transportation. Topic-related vocabulary is brainstormed and associated phrases are practised in a gap-fill exercise. Students practise their fluency with interesting discussion questions (e.g. "At what age should people stop driving for good?") |
| Live and Let Die | (TS) | This lesson deals with the gritty topic of euthanasia, so not a worksheet to use with a new group or students you don't know very well. Words deriving from the root word "die" are practised in a vocabulary exercise. A gap-fill exercise for associated phrases will get students thinking and the discussion questions will encourage fluency. E.g. "Do you believe in euthanasia?" |
| A Bride Too Far? Charles & Camilla | (TS) | A thought-provoking worksheet combining two topics of general interest to students - marriage and royalty, covering Prince Charles' second marriage. A good way to revise wedding vocabulary from a fresh angle! Topic-related lexis is practised in a vocabulary exercise. Fluency is encouraged through stimulating discussion questions such as "In your country is marriage a civil or a religious arrangement? Can married couples get divorced?" |
| No Smoke without Fire | (TS) | Dealing with the topic of smoking, this worksheet will interest both students who smoke and those who don't. Conversation questions such as "Whether you smoke or not, why do you think people take up smoking?" will generate lively discussion and encourage fluency. |
| Natural Disasters: Earthquakes & Tsunamis | (TS) | An informative and interesting lesson which takes a look at topic-related vocabulary and encourages students to discuss definitions together before moving on to associated collocations which are practised through a gap-fill exercise. |
| Presents | (TS) | A great lesson to use around Christmas time. Conversation questions designed to get your students talking will generate lively seasonal discussion and encourage fluency. E.g. "What is the silliest present you have ever received or been given?" |
| Hostages | (TS) | A fluency-centred lesson based around stimulating discussion questions (e.g. "What difficulties do you think people held captive might face when they are released?") |
| Is Halloween harmful? | (TS) | A fun lesson which encourages students to improve their fluency. This lesson centres around discussion questions such as "Do you believe in ghosts and witches? Why/not?", before leading on to a vocabulary mix-and-match exercise on topic-related lexis. |
| To Work or Not to Work? | (TS) | Another great lesson for encouraging fluency. Conversation questions like "Who should be responsible for finding new jobs for the unemployed - the government or the individual?" are bound to get your students talking! |
| Tourism & Holidays | (TS) | An ever-popular topic among students of all levels. This lesson focuses on developing fluency through a range of discussion questions, such as "How important is it for young people to visit other countries?" |
| Is Football a Waste of Time? | (TS) | A great worksheet which will get your students talking, whatever they feel about football (soccer)! The discussion questions are designed to develop fluency (e.g. "Why does football have hooligans when other sports such as cricket, rugby and American football don't?") |
| The Olympic Games | (TS) | A must for all sports fans! This worksheet promotes fluency through a set of thought-provoking discussion questions (e.g. "Do you think it can ever be acceptable to take drugs or medicines during a sports competition such as the Olympics?") |
| How do you Learn Best? | (TS) | An absorbing worksheet about Multiple Intelligences and learning styles. A true-or-false questionnaire leads into a fluency activity in the form of questions for discussion. This one is bound to get your students talking! |
| Studying Punctuation is a Waste of Time | (TS) | Conversation questions (e.g. "What difficulties might people have if punctuation were abolished?") develop fluency. Then there is a challenging error-correction exercise where students work to correct the punctuation mistakes in the sentences. |
| Art | (TS) | You don't need to know anything about art, or even to like it, in order to do this lesson. Everyone has an opinion about art whatever their feelings on the subject! In this lesson there is a fun topic-based quiz followed by a fluency-generating discussion activity involving personalised questions such as "Have you got any pictures on your walls at home? If so, did you choose them? Why/not?" |
| Dreams | (TS) | A very popular topic with students of all ages. This lesson begins with a fun general knowledge true-or-false quiz then encourages fluency through personalised discussion questions (e.g. "Can you remember your dreams?") |
| Genes and Genius | (TS) | An informative and interesting worksheet about genetics (GM food, genetic engineering, cloning, genetic fingerprinting, etc) which deals with topic-related vocabulary through mix-and-match exercises before moving on to discussion questions (e.g. "Would you want to have your own clone? Why/not?") to promote fluency. |
| Energy: Electricity | (TS) | A fluency-based lesson which centres around stimulating discussion questions such as "Do you think we should build more nuclear power stations to generate more electricity? Why/not?" |
| Bomb Attacks: What do they achieve? | (TS) | A topical worksheet of truly global interest. Associated vocabulary is practised through a mix-and-match exercise which leads to a gap-fill. Discussion questions such as "What can be done to protect non-military targets from violent attacks?" develop fluency. |
| Animals & Animosity | (TS) | A fun worksheet based around a gap-fill exercise for topic-related vocabulary followed by interesting discussion questions designed to promote fluency (e.g. "What should be done in cases where a pet attacks someone?"). |
| Holidays Are a Waste of Time! | (TS) | A fun worksheet which includes matching topic-related jokes to their punchlines and personalised questions to encourage fluency (e.g. "How restful are your holidays?"). |
| Are Exams a Waste of Time? | (TS) | A great worksheet to use around exam time! It practises vocabulary with a gap-fill for topic-related words and phrases, and promotes fluency with discussion questions such as "Do you think exams which are taken in one country should be valid all over the world (e.g. English exams, driving tests, etc?)". |
| No sex please, we're British! | (TS) | A fun worksheet taking a look at national stereotypes with a true-or-false quiz, vocabulary in the form of adjectives to describe national characteristics and discussion questions to promote fluency (e.g. "When does a cultural characteristic become a national stereotype?"). |
| Studying Pronunciation is a Waste of Time | (TS) | Pronunciation is rarely a student's favourite part of learning English but luckily this worksheet can help them to understand its importance. The lesson is designed to encourage fluency and is based around a personalised true-or-false questionnaire which students use to generate conversation with their partner. |
| Make War not Love? | (TS) | This engaging worksheet contains a mix-and-match vocabulary exercise of topic-related words which students can then practise as they practise their fluency by answering the stimulating discussion questions (e.g. "Can you think of anything you would be prepared to kill or die for?"). |
| Fame | (TS) | A handy worksheet on a subject close to many people's hearts. Conversation questions such as "Would you like to be the child/brother/sister/parent or someone very famous?" quickly generate animated discussion, thus developing fluency. There is also a gap-fill with associated vocabulary (e.g. infamous). |
| Childhood | (TS) | An ever-popular worksheet for generating conversation and promoting fluency through personalised questions and prompts (e.g. "Describe your happiest memories of childhood"). Includes presentation and practice of common childhood-related vocabulary in the form of proverbs (e.g. "Children should be seen and not heard"). |
| International Communication | (TS) | An interesting and informative worksheet about English, Esperanto, etc. Contains stimulating conversation questions to promote fluency (e.g. "How different would life be if we all spoke the same language?") |
| Friendship | (TS) | A very useful worksheet on a popular topic which ties in with many mainstream course books. The lesson is based around discussion questions to encourage fluency (e.g "How difficult is it to maintain a friendship? Can a friendship last a lifetime?") and a gap-fill exercise using associated vocabulary (e.g. user-friendly, friendly fire, etc). |
| Christmas - a global phenomenon? | (TS) | A thought-provoking set of discussion questions about major religious festivals in the world in general and Christmas in particular. Designed to develop fluency (e.g. "When you think of Christmas, who do you think of first - Father Christmas or Jesus Christ? Why?"). |