Does democracy solve all problems?

The main goals of this ESL lesson plan are to:

• – master narrative tenses through guided instruction with clear examples and interactive exercises that help students understand how to tell stories and describe past events effectively;
• – explore democracy vocabulary and concepts by discussing potential risks of democratic systems, watching a video about Socrates’ views, and reading articles about democratic challenges;
• – strengthen speaking and critical thinking abilities through thought-provoking discussions about political systems, analyzing philosophical perspectives on government, and participating in creative card games that encourage using new concepts and vocabulary.

This lesson plan, designed for Intermediate ESL students, focuses on mastering narrative tenses and expanding vocabulary, especially in the context of democracy.

Warm-Up 

We’ll start with an engaging discussion about the potential risks associated with democracy.

Video 

Students will watch an insightful video titled “Why Socrates Hated Democracy.” Afterwards, they’ll delve into a discussion based on a series of thought-provoking questions related to the video’s content.

Grammar

In this segment, we’ll explore the intricacies of narrative tenses. Students will be guided through the rules and provided with clear, practical examples to enhance understanding.

Interactive Exercises 

To reinforce the lesson on narrative tenses, students will engage in a variety of interactive activities. These exercises are designed to solidify their grasp of the topic through practical application.

Reading

Students will be tasked with reading a compelling article about the dangers of democracy. This will be followed by a Q&A session to test comprehension and encourage critical thinking.

Pick a Card Activity 

As a closing activity, students will participate in a ‘Pick a Card’ game. Each student will describe a concept picked at random, using some suggested words, to foster creative thinking and the application of the lesson’s concepts.