Summary
Uncover the hidden stories behind words you use every day in this engaging B2-level lesson. Students will explore the concept of etymology, watch a YouTube video about the surprising history of "OK," and learn about the origins of other common words. Activities include vocabulary building, matching exercises, and grammar practice focusing on the passive voice, enabling students to discuss how language evolves.
Activities
Students reflect on word origins, watch a video about "OK," and discuss its journey into mainstream use, enhancing listening and critical thinking skills.
Vocabulary is built through context guessing, matching exercises (e.g., fad, vernacular), and a gap-fill, focusing on words related to language history and change.
Learners explore the intriguing origins of words like "avocado" and "deadline," while also practicing the transformation of sentences into the passive voice.
The lesson culminates in a reflection on contemporary language evolution, encouraging students to identify and discuss new words and abbreviations.
Vocabulary focus
This lesson introduces and reinforces vocabulary essential for discussing word origins and language change. Key terms include etymology, vernacular, fad, abbreviation, mainstream, spurred, butchered, perpetuating, embedded, and obscure. Students will practice these words through various exercises, improving their ability to understand and articulate concepts related to linguistic history.
Grammar focus
The primary grammar focus is the passive voice. Students will learn why the passive voice is frequently used when recounting historical events and will practice converting active sentences to passive constructions. This will help them describe historical developments and origins of words more effectively and accurately, focusing on the event rather than the agent.
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