Eating Sushi Properly
This A2 ESL lesson is about learning about sushi, a famous Japanese food. Students will explore sushi vocabulary like nigiri, roll, and soy sauce. The lesson teaches how to eat sushi properly using chopsticks and other tools. It also introduces Japanese culture and other foods like ramen and tempura. Students will practice speaking through role-plays and discussions about sushi dining.
| Level | Vocabulary | Lesson time |
| A2 / Pre-Intermediate | 17 words | 60 min |
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Vocabulary
- Sushi
- Rice
- Raw fish
- Seaweed (nori)
- Soy sauce
- Wasabi
- Chopsticks
- Ginger
- Fish roe
- Caviar
- Roll
- Nigiri
- Ramen
- Takoyaki
- Sake
- Onigiri
- Matcha
Contents
- Lead-in
- Vocabulary
- Reading
- Summary
- True or false
- Speaking
- Practice
- Role-play
- Name 3
- Homework
Lead-in
This pre-intermediate lesson on sushi begins with discussion questions to spark conversation and set expectations for the lesson. Feel free to explore as many questions as needed or expand on them with follow-ups.
Vocabulary
Students match numbered images to corresponding sushi-related words on the right. Some items may be tricky, so it’s best to start with the easier ones and gradually move to the more challenging ones.
Reading, Summary, True or false
Students read about the proper way to eat sushi, with key vocabulary highlighted. Afterward, they summarize the steps using suggested keywords. The final task is a true or false activity—if a statement is false, students must correct it and explain why.
Speaking, Practice
Students complete sentence starters with their own ideas, either individually or in pairs, to encourage discussion. The practice section reinforces key vocabulary, requiring students to unscramble words.
Role-play
Students act as customers and waiters, role-playing a conversation at a Japanese restaurant using a provided menu. The menu includes additional items beyond the vocabulary covered earlier. Encourage students to use the suggested phrases and keep the dialogue engaging.
Name 3
A creative speaking activity where students must name at least three items that fit different categories, encouraging conversation and quick thinking.
Homework
Students explore five additional Japanese foods and drinks. They choose one (or two) and research how to properly consume it, providing details, explanations, pictures, and origin information. You can assign this task as a presentation or written summary.
