Idioms: critical thinking and analysing

This worksheet is dedicated to 12 idioms used to talk about critical thinking, analysing and evaluating options.

First, students read a short text about fake news, which introduces the first 7 idioms (e.g. take at face value, dig deeper, scratch beneath the surface). After reading the text, they match the idioms to their definition and discuss the tips given in the text. To practise the idioms, students discuss 3 statements and share their experiences.
Next, students are given 5 sentences.They need to replace part of the sentence with an idiom (acid test, take someone’s word for it, put under the microscope) but maintain the meaning of the sentence. After that they complete a few sentences with their own opinions.
For further practice, students complete a few multiple-choice sentences.
The last activity is a speaking activity: students are given 3 role-play scenarios.

There is a separate PDF with printable conversation questions for additional speaking practice.

This lesson will work well in combination with lesson about news, the media, thinking, evaluating options, scams and fraud.