Wildfires
Lesson plan overview
This updated ESL lesson focuses on wildfires, with a news report about the deadly wildfires currently raging in Spain. It is most suitable for B2-level learners. Students will learn essential vocabulary to discuss wildfires, explore their causes and preventive measures, and analyze their impact through engaging discussions and video-based activities. This timely topic aims to raise awareness and enhance language skills related to environmental issues and disaster management. Other lessons you might find useful are: “Heatwaves”, “Keeping a hot city cool“, “Phrasal verbs: the weather”, and “Phrasal verbs: natural disasters”.
Speaking: The lesson begins with conversation questions about wildfires, encouraging students to share their thoughts and experiences. Students then examine photos depicting various causes of wildfires and classify them as either natural or man-made, fostering critical thinking and contextual understanding.
Vocabulary: In the vocabulary segment, students learn key terms associated with wildfires, such as break out, put out, contain, engulf, deploy, evacuate, issue warnings, fuel, and rage. They match these terms to their definitions, complete a gap-fill activity to reinforce their understanding and participate in a discussion using the target vocabulary.
Listening: The video activity features a news report titled “Spain faces deadly wildfires,” which provides real-world context and insights into the ongoing disaster. Students complete two listening comprehension activities and engage in a post-listening discussion to reflect on the wildfires in Spain. Topics include the response to the crisis, its consequences, and the lessons that can be drawn from the situation.
For more speaking practice, and to review the key vocabulary from this lesson related to wildfires, you can use the printable conversation cards.
This lesson is ideal for students who are interested in environmental issues, current events, or disaster preparedness. It is particularly suitable for learners aiming to expand their vocabulary and improve their ability to discuss global challenges in English.
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Teacher’s lesson plan
Student’s worksheet
Student’s interactive PDF
Conversation cards PDF
Pre-class activities
All video-based ESL lesson plans include online pre-class activities, which are FREE and can be completed without registration. Perfect for teachers who wish to embrace the blended learning approach. By providing students with resources and engagement opportunities before the actual class session, educators can foster active participation, enhance comprehension, and optimise in-class discussions.
The pre-class activities are optional: if you choose not to assign them, or your students don’t complete them, it will not disturb the flow of the class. You can find and review the pre-class activities for this lesson plan here:
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In-class activities
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Additional resources
Each video-based lesson plan includes links to additional resources (videos and articles), which are FREE can be found online (in the pre-class activities page. These links aim to extend the learning experience, enabling students to connect classroom knowledge with real-world applications.
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Teacher’s lesson plan
Student’s worksheet
Student’s interactive PDF
Conversation cards PDF
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