Topic discussion based on the idea of role models and setting good or bad examples.
Target language:
Role Model (good / bad)
To admire / look up to someone
To set an example (good / bad)
To be a good / bad influence
Put this picture of Paris Hilton on the board.
What do you think of Paris Hilton?
Is she a good role model? Why? Why not?
Does she set a good example for teenagers / children?
Put the picture of Michelle Obama on the board and ask the same questions.
Brainstorm language for good / bad role models.
Here are some examples, give out dictionaries if the students have trouble.
Bad Role Models | Good Role Models |
Selfish / tight-fisted | Unselfish, |
Greedy | generous |
Arrogant / self centred / full of himself | Modest / humble |
untrustworthy | trustworthy |
Bad-tempered / moody | Easy going |
dishonest | honest |
Lazy | Hard-working |
In Groups of 3-4 discuss these questions.
Who was your most important role model when you were a child? Who did you look up to / admire?
Who is your most important role model now?
Do you think you are a good role model?
Who do you think was a good / bad influence on you when you were a child?
Were you a good / bad influence on your friends?
Students report back to teacher.
Print a set of the following pictures for each group:
https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=79CFF252BEEA0A7D!231&authkey=!AFCzgQzYumAa1Ng
In groups students answer the following questions referring to each picture:
Do people admire or look up to this person?
Is he or she a good role model? Why? Why not?
Does he / she set a good example? Why? How?
Is he / she a good influence on society?
Wrap up
Open the discussion up to the class and see if there are any differences of opinion. Get students to justify their opinions.
Hello, very useful site! I have included your ‘Report Back to Teacher’ activity in a short list of activities about role models and icons on my website. http://www.highschoolesl.com/2014/04/role-models-icons-esl-activities.html. Hope this is ok!
Thanks,
Duncan
No problem at all, I’ll add a post about your site to my recommended website archive.