Summary
Discover the science of cuteness in this B2 English lesson. Students will learn about the "baby schema," cute aggression, and domestication, exploring why we find certain features appealing. Through video comprehension, vocabulary exercises, and grammar practice focusing on the passive voice and complex sentences, learners will develop their ability to discuss scientific concepts and understand evolutionary explanations for human behavior.
Activities
Students explore the concept of cuteness through personal reflection, learn key vocabulary related to evolutionary science, and watch a video to understand theories like "cute aggression" and the "baby schema."
Learners apply their understanding by analyzing characters for "baby schema" features, practice forming the passive voice for scientific explanations, and connect ideas using subordinate clauses.
The lesson includes matching causes and effects related to cuteness, using functional language to explain reasons, and a vocabulary task on the theory of human self-domestication.
Vocabulary focus
This lesson highlights scientific vocabulary essential for discussing evolutionary psychology and biology. Key terms include aggression (in the context of "cute aggression"), schema (baby schema), evolution, domesticated, juvenile, traits, and overload. Students practice these words through contextual guessing, application exercises, and fill-in-the-blanks, building their ability to comprehend and discuss scientific topics.
Grammar focus
The primary grammar focus is on using the passive voice (be + past participle), common in scientific explanations to emphasize the process or result. Students also practice forming complex sentences using subordinate clauses with linking words like because, which, while, and that to connect ideas and provide detailed explanations in an academic style.
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