Summary
This ESL lesson for C1 English students delves into the remarkable history and business strategies behind Coca-Cola, one of the world's most iconic brands. Students will explore its surprising origins, its cultural impact, and the evolution of its formula.
This advanced English class material helps students analyze the complexities of a global corporation's past, including controversial aspects. Activities include a warm-up discussion on global brands, a listening comprehension task based on a video about Coca-Cola's history, and vocabulary exercises focusing on historical and business terms.
Students will practice the Past Simple Passive to discuss historical events, apply business terminology, and engage in critical speaking practice to analyze the company's legacy, marketing, and global reach.
Activities
- A warm-up discussion where students consider global brands, the importance of a company's origin story, and the ethics of secret product formulas.
- Video comprehension questions based on a video detailing the surprising ingredients and cultural significance behind Coca-Cola's early days.
- A grammar exercise focusing on the Past Simple Passive to accurately describe historical events where the agent of the action is less important or unknown.
- Vocabulary tasks to match key terms from the video (e.g., mitigate, integral, cultural fabric, weaponized) with their definitions.
- Fill-in-the-blank exercises to practice using business terms (e.g., branding, marketing, globalization, monopoly, formula) and advanced vocabulary in context.
- Speaking practice prompts that encourage students to analyze Coca-Cola's complex legacy, its adaptation to changing regulations, and lessons in global business.
