Jane Goodall: A Life Dedicated to Animals and the Planet

This lesson is focused on renowned primatologist Jane Goodall’s life and contributions to science. Students will learn key vocabulary related to animal behaviour, animal rights, and conservation, and express opinions about ethical and environmental issues. They will strengthen their listening, speaking, and critical thinking skills while reflecting on personal values and environmental responsibility. This worksheet is ideal for upper-intermediate (B2) English learners, especially those interested in environmental studies, animal welfare, or inspiring real-life figures. Other lessons you might like are “Can poaching ever be stopped?”, and “Innovation inspired by nature”.

Lead-in:
Students are introduced to Jane Goodall, her pioneering work with chimpanzees, and her impact on wildlife conservation. They discuss what they already know about her and share personal experiences related to nature and animals.

Vocabulary Development:
Learners review key terms such as pioneer, groundbreaking, advocate, wildlife conservation, and legacy. They discuss the meaning of the words and complete sentences to reinforce meaning in context.

Listening A – Comprehension Check:
Students watch the video “Remembering Jane Goodall and How She Changed the Way People See Animals” and decide whether several statements are true or false.

Listening B – Understanding and Discussion:
After a second viewing, learners answer comprehension questions in their own words, focusing on Goodall’s discoveries, methods, and influence. They discuss how her ideas challenged scientific norms.

Speaking – Post-Listening Discussion:
Students share personal reactions to the video, discussing what they found most surprising and what qualities they admire in Jane Goodall.

Speaking – Human vs Animal Behaviour:
Through a list of behaviours (e.g., using tools, feeling emotions, mourning the dead), students debate which are unique to humans and which are shared with animals, giving examples and evidence.

Speaking – Conservation Priorities:
Learners rank six environmental actions—from protecting endangered species to reducing plastic pollution—and justify their choices.

Speaking – Animal Rights & Ethical Dilemmas:
Thought-provoking questions guide discussion on issues such as zoos, animal testing, pet ownership, and the relationship between intelligence and moral rights.

Speaking – Reflecting on Impact:
Students read Jane Goodall’s quote about personal responsibility and discuss how individual actions can create positive change. They explore the balance between modern life and environmental ethics.

Action Planning:
Learners design a personal action plan with three practical steps—what to start doing, stop doing, and do more of—to contribute positively to the environment and society.

For more speaking practice, you can use the printable conversation cards.

Image credit: U.S. Mission Uganda, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons