Summary
This practical lesson guides B1 students through the real-world dilemma of buying a car. Based on a short explanatory video, students learn key financial vocabulary, practice phrases for comparing options, and master the first conditional to give advice. The class culminates in a role-play, allowing students to apply their new language skills to a realistic scenario, making it a great resource for teaching practical English for everyday life.
Activities
Students begin by discussing their own plans for making a large purchase, activating their existing knowledge and vocabulary on the topic of personal finance.
Learners match essential financial vocabulary, such as interest and monthly payment, to their definitions to prepare for the video content and subsequent discussions.
Students watch a short video explaining the differences between paying with cash and financing a car, then complete a comprehension task to check their understanding.
Learners focus on using the first conditional to talk about the possible future consequences of financial decisions, completing a grammar-focused gap-fill exercise.
In a final role-play, students work in pairs to give and receive advice about buying a car, using the vocabulary, phrases, and grammar learned throughout the lesson.
Vocabulary focus
This lesson focuses on essential financial terminology needed to discuss large purchases. Key terms include finance, interest, budget, rebate, upfront cash, monthly payment, rate of return, and liability insurance.
Grammar focus
The main grammar point is the first conditional. Students will learn and practice its structure (If + Present Simple, ... will/may/might + verb) to talk about the real and likely results of financial choices, such as "If you pay with cash, you won't have any debt."
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