B2

Ancient Rome: debunking historical myths

Ancient Rome — a B2 English lesson. Practise using past modals for speculation and expand vocabulary around history and culture.

LessonpillsLessonpills 1 min read
Contents

Summary

This 60-minute ESL lesson for B2 learners explores Ancient Rome: debunking historical myths through a real video. Across 6 interactive exercises, you'll develop listening comprehension, vocabulary, speaking skills — all built around authentic English content.

What you'll practise:

  • 5 key vocabulary items with definitions and usage notes

Lesson activities (6 exercises)

Each exercise builds on the previous one. Work through them in order for the best learning experience.

  1. Warm-up — Discussion questions to activate what you already know about the topic.
  2. Watch — Watch the video and note the main arguments and examples.
  3. Comprehension — Answer questions to check your understanding of the main ideas and supporting details.
  4. Vocabulary — Learn key words and expressions from the video, with definitions and usage notes.
  5. True / False — Test your detailed understanding — decide if each statement matches the source.
  6. Discussion — Reflect on the topic and share your opinions using the language you've learned.

Vocabulary

This lesson introduces 5 key terms drawn directly from the video:

  • Contrary to popular belief — used to introduce a statement that corrects a widespread but untrue idea.
  • Shed light on — to reveal new information about something, making it easier to understand.
  • Take something with a grain of salt — to understand that something might not be completely true or accurate.
  • A bygone era — a period of time in the distant past.
  • Trace something back to — to find the origin of something by following its history.

Grammar

This lesson includes a grammar focus with clear explanations and practice exercises.