LESSON OVERVIEW

The main objectives of this lesson are to:

• practise vocabulary to talk about accents;
• discuss challenges related to accents and pronunciation;
• watch an explainer video on accents in a foreign language.

In this lesson, students talk about how they feel speaking a foreign language, watch a short video showing how speakers of English can struggle to understand different accents and learn vocabulary to discuss the topic (e.g. esteemed, exploit, glamorize, etc.). They talk about pronunciation and accents and watch an explainer video. Students also discuss tips on how to improve pronunciation in a foreign language and do pronunciation activities.

VOCABULARY AND DISCUSSION

This lesson starts with a warm-up where students share their perspectives on understanding and expressing themselves in a foreign language. After that, they watch a short video about someone struggling to understand an accent and discuss challenges in comprehending English and implications for learners’ confidence. Then, students replace words and phrases in sentences with words related to the diversity and perception of accents. 

Afterwards, students talk about accents. They look at the statements again, choose one idea they agree with and one idea they disagree with and give their reasons. Following that, they practise the target vocabulary and complete gaps in a text as well as questions about media portrayal of accents. Next, students read the text again and discuss the questions. They also brainstorm ways to promote more accurate and respectful representations of accents and cultures in the media and popular culture.

VIDEO AND PRONUNCIATION

In this part of the lesson, students talk about accents and English pronunciation challenges. Following that, they look at some words ( e.g. Paris, Mbappe, civilization, etc.) and discuss why they might be difficult for someone to pronounce. Next, they watch the first part of the explainer video and say what rule or aspect of pronunciation they exemplify. 

Then, students watch the second part of the video and make notes about one more thing that makes English pronunciation different from that of other languages. Finally, they look at tips on how to improve pronunciation in a foreign language and discuss which they have tried, would like to try and wouldn’t try. Additionally, they share what other things they have tried or heard about that help to improve pronunciation. Finally, students do some pronunciation activities in which they examine pronunciation tips and do some tasks. First, they practise the /p/, /t/ and /k/ sounds. Secondly, students work on word stress. Then, they learn about content words and practise sentence stress.

HOMEWORK/REVISION

This lesson also includes an additional task that you can use as homework or revision. In the task, students create sentences about pronunciation and accents. The task is available in the teacher’s version of the worksheet. You can print it and hand it out to your students. It’s also included in the e-lesson plan.