Use this lesson with older secondary and adult students to discuss the theme of identity. Students will practise speaking and listening, and will use language to express future probability. 

A folded map
Author
Cath McLellan

Introduction

The first part of this lesson encourages students to think about their identity and what defines them. They are also invited to think about how identity and what defines us has changed and will change over time. The second part of the lesson asks students to watch a short video about how people identify themselves. In the third part of the lesson, students focus on language for expressing probability and practise using this to talk about how their identities may change in the future. They end with a discussion about the future and society. 

Important: There are references to sex and sexuality in this lesson. Please check the lesson for appropriacy before using. Suggestions are made to avoid these references. 

A student worksheet is provided for this lesson. However, teachers can use a presentation for a no-printing option. 

Learning outcomes

  • Students express how they identify themselves
  • Watch and understand details of a short video
  • Use different ways of talking about the future and probability
  • Participate in a discussion about the future and society

Age and level

13-17, Adults (B2+)

Time

65-75 minutes

Materials

Materials can be downloaded below. 

  • Lesson plan
  • Presentation
  • Student worksheet

Looking for more content like this?

The lesson plan 'Robot relationships' looks at the themes from this lesson and can be used in a follow-up class to extend discussion around the future and the theme of relationships.

Downloads
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Comments

Submitted by James Styring on Wed, 03/27/2019 - 11:31

Glad I was forewarned about 'religious' and 'self-confident' being opposites. Actually my (ESOL) students kind of got it - perhaps 'free-thinking' or sthg would be more apt? The rest of the material worked rally well, my students enjoyed the video. It's a great topic.

Submitted by willcunliffe on Tue, 01/15/2019 - 22:32

Hi Cath, I am afraid I have to agree with Peter Carlton who posted above. I taught the lesson today and was a bit surprised by 'religious' and 'self-confident being opposites. To think that Wilberforce, Martin Luther King and Mahatma Gandhi were not 'self-confident' is plainly wrong and not open to discussion. Anyway, love the rest of your resources!

Submitted by petercarlton on Wed, 05/10/2017 - 09:48

Are "religious" and "self-confident" really opposites? Hmmm. Otherwise, a fascinating lesson, thank you.

Submitted by Cath McLellan on Thu, 05/11/2017 - 13:30

In reply to by petercarlton

Hi Peter, Glad you like the lesson and thanks for your comment. I agree that it is an interesting comparison - I suppose some people see these two as opposites - it could be an interesting talking point for your students as to why people might think this! Best wishes, Cath TE Team

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