Lesson Overview

In this B1 ESL lesson plan, students explore the topic of the British Royal Family and consider whether the UK still needs a monarchy. They begin by learning fun facts about the Royal Family and discussing what they already know about British royals and the monarchy.

Students then read an article arguing that the UK needs the Royal Family, exploring its role in tourism, charity work, international relations, and British tradition. They practise reading comprehension while developing useful vocabulary connected to monarchy, democracy, privilege, multiculturalism, and republics.

The lesson also includes a listening task presenting arguments against the Royal Family, focusing on its cost, privilege, democracy, and whether the monarchy is outdated. Students practise listening comprehension while comparing the different ideas presented.

Students then explore the contrast between wealth and poverty in the UK through a picture discussion, considering the role of the government and Royal Family in society. The lesson finishes with students using the ideas from the lesson to form and defend their own opinion on the question: Does the UK Need the Royal Family?

1. Warm Up: Name the Royal
2. Fun Facts
3. Key Words
4. Article: For the Royal Family
5. Audio: Against the Royal Family
6. Debate
7. Discussion
8. Grammar: 2nd Conditional
9. Picture Round

Homework

There is an excellent homework task to supplement this awesome B1 ESL lesson plan. Students are challenged to write detailed answers to topic-based questions. Activity layout:

1. Writing Task