Summary
This downloadable PDF lesson plan for English teachers explores the economic "paradox of value." This C1 ESL class material uses a video to teach advanced vocabulary and grammar for discussions on value, utility, and economics.
This lesson helps C1 students explore the "paradox of value" (why water is cheap and diamonds are expensive). Students start by discussing hypothetical choices, then watch a video to understand key economic concepts like utility and opportunity cost. Activities include vocabulary matching, comprehension questions, and grammar practice with the second conditional. The lesson culminates in a discussion where students apply these economic principles to modern-day items, using newly learned phrases for weighing options.
Activities
- Students begin by discussing two hypothetical scenarios, forcing them to choose between a diamond and water. This warm-up introduces the core theme of situational value and activates critical thinking skills before watching the video.
- After learning key vocabulary, students watch a short video explaining the paradox of value. They answer comprehension questions to grasp concepts like opportunity cost and the law of diminishing marginal utility, solidifying their understanding.
- The lesson includes a grammar focus on the second conditional, essential for discussing hypothetical economic scenarios. A dedicated exercise provides controlled practice to ensure students can use the structure accurately and confidently.
- The lesson concludes with a communicative task where students discuss the "value" of modern concepts like a university degree or free time, applying all the vocabulary, grammar, and functional phrases learned throughout the class.
Vocabulary focus
This lesson introduces advanced vocabulary related to economics and value. Key terms include: paradox, utility, circumstances, opportunity cost, exchange value, use value, and the law of diminishing marginal utility. Students will also learn functional phrases for comparing value and weighing options in discussions.
Grammar focus
The grammar section focuses on the second conditional (If + past simple, ... would + verb). This structure is essential for discussing the hypothetical scenarios presented in the lesson, such as being lost in a desert. Students will practice forming and using this conditional to talk about unreal situations and their consequences.
