Priceless or overpriced? The value of art

This B2-C1 ESL lesson explores the value and purpose of art, featuring a discussion about the famous “banana taped to a wall” artwork that sold for $6.2 million at auction. Students will analyze and debate the meaning of art, the impact of controversial works, and what makes art valuable. Other lessons you might enjoy are “Are you a collector or a hoarder?”, “Stealth wealth”, “The healing power of art”, and “Idioms: art and creativity”.

Speaking Activity

The lesson begins with thought-provoking conversation questions about art. Students discuss their favorite artists, the purpose of art, and what makes art valuable. This opens the conversation on differing perspectives and how value is perceived in the art world.

Vocabulary Building

Next, students engage in vocabulary practice by reading various opinions on the purpose of art and matching expressions to their definitions (to convey emotions,  in the eye of the beholder, to stir controversy, therapeutic tool, to critique issues, to push boundaries).  After matching these terms to definitions, students discuss these opinions and explore the deeper meanings of art.

Pre-Listening Activity

Students are then introduced to a few expressions that will appear in the video, such as “meme coin,” “cause uproar,” and “go bananas.” This prepares them for the listening task ahead.

Listening Activity

In this part of the lesson, students watch a video titled “Winning bidder pays $6.2 million for duct-taped banana artwork” and complete two comprehension activities. Afterwards, they participate in a post-listening discussion, where they can share their opinions about the artwork and the reactions it generated.

Reading Activity

Next, students read about four controversial artworks:

• Tracey Emin – My Bed
• Damien Hirst – The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living
• Banksy – Love is in the Bin
• Piero Manzoni – Artist’s Shit

Students complete a reading comprehension activity and use adjectives such as provocative, absurd, shocking, thought-provoking, unsettling, and revolting to express their opinions on these and other controversial pieces.

Discussion and Conclusion

Finally, students engage in a discussion, reflecting on what makes art valuable, the line between art and controversy, and whether they think such art should be celebrated or criticized.

For additional speaking practice and to review vocabulary from this lesson, you can use the conversation cards provided.

This lesson is ideal for students interested in art, cultural debate, and the impact of modern art on society.