This fun, conversational B1 ESL lesson explores the topic of names. Students will discuss and learn vocabulary while reading about the meanings of names, naming laws in different countries, and how names change after marriage. They will practice pronouncing 15 English names and match short names with their longer forms. An optional homework task encourages students to research additional vocabulary related to the topic. Suitable for intermediate students.
| Type | Level | Vocabulary | Lesson time |
| Regular Lesson | B1 / Intermediate | 14 words | 60 min |
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Vocabulary
- Surname
- Given name
- Middle name
- Nickname
- Hyphenated name
- Special significance
- Cultural heritage
- Identity
- Pseudonym
- Maiden name
- Call sign
- Pet name
- Handle
- Stage name
Contents
- Lead-in
- Vocabulary match
- Reading
- Discussion
- Reading
- Comprehension
- English names
- Extra words
Lead-in, Vocabulary, Reading
This conversational B1 ESL lesson is centered around the topic of names. The lesson begins with several engaging questions to spark discussion. After that, students will learn important keywords such as surname, given name, middle name, and nickname. Next, they will complete a reading task where they examine facts about names and guess which one is false.
Discussion, Reading, Comprehension
Next, there is a quote for students to discuss, focusing on our names, cultural heritage, traditions, and backgrounds. Students will read the quote and share their opinions and thoughts. Following this, there is a reading section where students will explore three paragraphs about names in different countries. The first paragraph discusses the meanings behind names, the second covers naming laws in various countries, and the third explores how names change after marriage. Each paragraph is followed by discussion questions to encourage engagement. After the reading section, there will be a comprehension activity in which students complete sentences using words and ideas from the text.
English names, Extra words
This lesson also includes a focus on English names, giving students the opportunity to practice their pronunciation. There will be 15 words on the slides, and students will need to pronounce each one, identifying whether it is male or female. Afterward, they can check their pronunciation on the following slides and discuss how many they got correct.
Additionally, there will be extra practice in guessing the longer forms of given short names. For example, students will match “Alex” with “Alexander” and “Liz” with “Elizabeth,” among others. There is also an optional homework task where students choose two or three names from the list to research their meanings. They can then present their findings in class and provide real-life examples.
