Summary
This B1 level ESL lesson plan uses Beyoncé's "If I Were a Boy" to explore the second conditional. Students will analyze lyrics, discuss hypothetical scenarios related to gender roles and empathy, and practice forming second conditional sentences. The lesson integrates listening, speaking, reading, and writing activities, making grammar learning engaging and contextual. It encourages students to reflect on different perspectives and express their own ideas creatively using the target grammar structure.
Activities
Warm-up discussion: Students start by exploring hypothetical scenarios, such as being someone else or the opposite gender for a day. This engaging activity introduces the lesson's theme of imagining different realities and perspectives.
Vocabulary matching: Before listening, learners encounter key phrasal verbs and expressions from the song, like "roll outta bed" and "take for granted." They match these terms to their definitions to aid comprehension.
Song comprehension: Students listen to Beyoncé's "If I Were a Boy" to grasp the main message. They answer questions about Beyoncé's imagined actions as a boy and her commentary on relationship dynamics and gender expectations.
Grammar introduction: The second conditional (If + past simple, would + base verb) is formally introduced. Clear examples from the song lyrics illustrate its structure and use for talking about hypothetical situations.
Lyric gap-fill and analysis: During a second listening, students focus on specific song verses. They complete missing words in the lyrics and then identify all instances of the second conditional structure.
Targeted grammar practice: Learners solidify their understanding by completing sentences using the second conditional. This includes practice with modal verb variations like could and might, plus question and negative forms.
Chorus analysis and discussion: Students analyze the song's chorus to delve into deeper meanings. They discuss themes of empathy, understanding different perspectives, and the concept of being a "better man" in relationships.
Creative writing: Learners creatively apply the second conditional by writing their own "If I were..." paragraphs. They choose from prompts like "If I were a teacher" or "If I were famous" to express hypothetical ideas.
Real-world problem solving: Students practice giving advice for common problems using phrases like "If I were you..." or "If I were in your situation...". This activity focuses on the practical application of the second conditional.
Error correction and transformation: The lesson wraps up with grammar consolidation. Students correct common errors in second conditional sentences and transform statements about present reality into hypothetical ones.
Vocabulary focus
The lesson introduces essential phrasal verbs and expressions from the song lyrics, such as "roll outta bed" (get out of bed casually), "throw on" (put on clothes quickly), "kick it with" (spend time with friends), "get confronted" (be challenged), "stick up for" (defend), and "take someone for granted" (not appreciate someone). Understanding these helps grasp the song's narrative and everyday English. Other terms include "faithful" and "make the rules."
Grammar focus
This lesson centers on the second conditional, used for discussing hypothetical, imaginary, or unlikely situations in the present or future. The core structure is If + past simple, ... would + base verb (e.g., "If I were a boy, I would understand"). Students will learn to use "were" for all subjects in the if-clause (e.g., "If he were...") and practice variations with modals like could and might. Question forms ("What would you do if you were...?") and negative forms are also covered.
📄 PDF downloads
Please note that access to Premium lesson plan PDF files is available exclusively to Lessonpills paying subscribers. Not a subscriber yet? Unlock full access and support our work!