The bittersweet taste of revenge

This B2–C1 ESL lesson explores the psychology of revenge, why people seek retaliation, and whether getting even actually helps us move on. Students investigate the difference between revenge and justice, examine famous examples of revenge involving public figures, and consider the psychological reasons revenge can feel satisfying while ultimately making things worse. The lesson develops advanced vocabulary for discussing conflict, grudges, retaliation, and emotional responses while encouraging critical thinking and personal reflection. : “Phrasal verbs: relationships and dating”, “Phrasal verbs: emotions”, “Idioms: love”, and the video -based lessons “How to spot a liar”, and “Modern dating“.

The lesson begins with a speaking activity in which students discuss why people seek revenge, whether revenge can help people move on, and the difference between getting revenge and seeking justice. They then learn essential revenge vocabulary, including get revenge on someone, be wronged, get even, get back at someone, give someone a taste of their own medicine, take the high road, be the bigger person, and move on, which they practice through matching and sentence-completion activities.

Learners revisit the target language in a series of speaking tasks based on different situations involving humiliation, financial disputes, social exclusion, professional conflicts, and emotional retaliation. They decide whether they would get even, take the high road, or seek justice, and discuss real-life experiences and different types of revenge.

The worksheet then moves into a reading activity featuring three stories of revenge involving Warren Buffett, 50 Cent and Ja Rule, and Shakira. Students explore vocabulary such as out of spite, backfire, the joke was on someone, feud, diss track, troll, get under someone’s skin, hold a grudge, subtle digs, and petty revenge. They consolidate this language through comprehension questions and a vocabulary practice exercise.

Next, students complete a listening lesson based on the video The Psychology of Revenge. They answer comprehension questions about the brain’s response to revenge, the role of the caudate nucleus, why revenge can feel rewarding, and how retaliation can prolong negative emotions. The activity also introduces the idea that redirecting energy toward personal goals may be a healthier alternative to revenge.

The lesson concludes with post-listening speaking activity, encouraging students to discuss whether revenge is an instinct, whether forgiveness is always appropriate, and whether “massive success” really is the best revenge.

For more speaking practice, you can ues the printable conversaiton cards.