Summary
This downloadable PDF lesson plan for English teachers explores the function of filler words like "um" and "like". This ESL class material uses a video and practical exercises to help students improve their conversational fluency and sound more natural. This complete ESL lesson helps students re-evaluate their perception of filler words. Based on a fascinating video, the class material includes a vocabulary matching exercise, video comprehension questions, and a grammar focus on discourse markers. Students will practice using phrases for buying time and softening disagreements, culminating in a role-play where they debate different presentation styles. It’s a great way to boost speaking confidence and natural fluency.
Activities
- Students begin with a discussion, sharing their initial impressions of filler words like "um" and "like" and considering in which social situations they are more or less acceptable.
- Learners watch a short video to discover the real function of "ums" and "likes" in conversation, answering true/false questions and matching discourse markers to their specific roles.
- The lesson provides a clear explanation of discourse markers, followed by a gap-fill exercise and a list of useful phrases for managing conversations, like buying time or softening a disagreement.
- In a final speaking task, students role-play as colleagues with opposing views on using filler words in a presentation, using the lesson's language to argue their points and reach a compromise.
Vocabulary focus
This lesson focuses on vocabulary related to speech and communication. Key terms include: to pepper (a conversation), disfluencies, hesitation, to imbue, conscientious, and to gauge. The core focus is on understanding and using common filler words and discourse markers like 'um,' 'like,' 'you know,' and 'I mean.'
Grammar focus
The main grammar point is the effective use of discourse markers (e.g., well, I mean, you know, like). The lesson explains how these words and phrases are not mistakes but essential tools for managing conversations, organizing thoughts, and making spoken English sound more natural and fluent.
