If you’re looking for a lesson idea based on compelling conspiracy theories, you might want to try  the conspiracy cards  I created.  These cards are just a little sample of a bigger project I’m thinking of, please let me know if you’d like me to create more of these!  Just to give you an idea- this is the general idea behind the cards together with some extension activities (all of these included in the sample I linked above:)  CONSPIRACIES AND CONSPIRACY THEORIES cards: General info-  conspiracy theories, confirmed conspiracies Primary MO: Guesswork and discussion in pairs:  S tudents work in pairs, study and discuss the name of the conspiracy, the picture, the “turn of phrase” sentences and try to guess what the conspiracy is about, has it really happened, where, when etc News article (Extra)  Creating a news article on one of the titles- written or as part of a news bulletin Reading, retelling and discussion Student 1 reads the conspiracy desc...

If you are looking for extra IO practice, I can recommend an old short story by Kurt Vonnegut  EPICAC What is the story about?  In "EPICAC," a supercomputer learns about love and poetry to help its human operator win the affection of a woman named Pat. EPICAC falls in love with Pat itself, but realizing she can’t love a machine, it destroys itself, leaving behind hundreds of poems as a gift. How relatable it is these days? The story is very relevant now because it explores artificial intelligence developing emotions and creativity-issues we face as AI becomes more advanced. It also raises questions about authenticity in relationships and the ethical treatment of intelligent machines.  My students loved reading it and discussing questions about artificial intelligence, the authenticity of technologically mediated relationships, and the philosophical boundaries between human and machine. Its questions about emotion, creativity, and agency in artificial beings are more press...

I have been looking for a way to spice up a bit the class I give in DP1 as introduction to speeches- both oral and written (paper 1). Then it dawned on me- why not get the students move and learn about the structure, language, rhetorical appeals rotating the stations in pairs?  I tried and it worked very well- have a look at   the stations  and the sample answers:) . The class is designed for 5 stations, but there is also an optional one on extra linguistic features- I’ve put them in my google disc as pdfs, but you can also create QR codes for them so that you don’t need to print the activities.  As for the class itself, you can ask students to compete against each other in their pairs, and check their worksheets yourself, or allow them accces to the sample key to encourage self-assessment or peer-assessment.  What needs to be done at the end is a wrap-up session on the text type that speech is- one idea might be ask students to elaborate on the titles of each s...

Teaching with The Truman Show: A Powerful Tool for Language and Ethics   Looking for a lesson that combines language practice, critical thinking, and engaging social commentary?  The Truman Show offers the perfect springboard for a classroom mock trial that will have your B1/B2 students fully immersed in meaningful English practice. This 1998 film, starring Jim Carrey, raises fascinating questions about privacy, consent, entertainment, and human rights that remain startlingly relevant in our social media age. What better way to explore these themes than through a courtroom drama where students become active participants? The mock trial format provides authentic context for formal language practice, argumentation skills, and public speaking. Students must think on their feet, form coherent arguments, and respond to questioning – all while using appropriate legal English. The various roles (from Truman himself to background extras) ensure that every student, regardless of...

For an IB English B teacher, helping students succeed in Paper 1 is no small task. With its variety of text types, each requiring specific conventions and tailored approaches, staying organized is key. That’s why having a comprehensive checklist like the one below can be a game-changer! editable template This table is not just a tool for students? but also a valuable resource for teachers to track and plan their lessons effectively. By using it, you can ensure that your students practise all required text types while covering diverse topics. It’s a simple yet powerful way to monitor progress and guarantee that no stone is left unturned. Why is this checklist worth having? Streamlined Organization : Keep track of which text types have been covered and identify gaps in practice. Customizable for Your Class: Adapt the table to suit your students’ needs, topics of interest, or upcoming assessments. Encourages Accountability : Both teachers and students can see clear evidence of progress. ...

New year, new me;) Who are we kidding, right?  New year resolutions tend to disappear and bring us down, that is why it seems more sensible to think of changing habits and developing a system of effective routines than dream to big and fail miserably…. It is my firm belief that to be a more effective educator we need to work on certain habits. WHY IS WORTH IT?  Benefits for us, Teachers: • Saving time and energy: Automated actions require less thought. • Reducing stress: Predictable actions build confidence. • Increasing efficiency: Routine tasks are performed more effectively. • Better organization: Structured activities create a cohesive system. Benefits for  our Students: • Sense of security: Predictable teacher actions provide stability. • Role model: Students learn through observation and modeling. • Self-discipline development: Good practices transfer to their own learning. • Improved outcomes: Learning becomes easier in an ...