This comprehensive ESL lesson plan on the Olympic Games is based on a recent long-read article by the BBC, available here. Although it can be covered in a single extended session, we recommend breaking the lesson into several parts and incorporating different activities throughout the 2024 Olympic Games this summer in Paris.
| Type | Level | Vocabulary | Reading Time |
| Regular or Flipped Lesson | B2 / Upper-Intermediate | 63 words | 3500 words / 23 mins |
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Vocabulary
- spectacle
- ancient manuscript
- false-start
- immortalise
- obstacle
- tug of war
- plunge
- make a debut
- retain
- remarkable
- a feast for the senses
- a sight to behold
- motto
- oath
- torch
- ignite
- torch relay
- torchbearer
- cauldron
- extinguish
- mascot
- ambassador
- allegorical figure
- host city
- approximately
- IOC
- expenditure
- medal tally
- home soil
- refurbishment
- goddess
- charge forward
- solidarity
- apartheid
- initiate
- refuse
- invasion
- revenge
- doping
- reinstatement
- suspension
- sanctions
- superiority
- oppression
- expel
- overshadow
- hostage
- rescue
- gender parity
- solemn
- exaltation
- applause
- assumption
- eligibility
- suppress
- decorated
- surpass
- consecutive
- tarnish
- substance
- unsubstantiated allegations
- suffocate
- seizure
Contents
- Lead-in
- Vocabulary preview 1 (9 words)
- Vocabulary 1
- Reading 1 – History
- True or false
- Vocabulary preview 2 (14 words)
- Vocabulary 2
- Reading 2 – Symbols
- Speaking
- Vocabulary preview 3 (9 words)
- Vocabulary 3
- Reading 3 – Hosts and Awards
- Quiz
- Vocabulary preview 4 (16 words)
- Vocabulary 4
- Reading 4 – Controversies
- Summary
- Vocabulary preview 5 (15 words)
- Vocabulary 5
- Reading 5 – Athletes
- Speaking
- Agree or disagree
- 10 words
- Speaking
- Homework
Lesson Overview
The lesson begins with lead-in questions to engage students and assess their prior knowledge of the Olympics. It then progresses through five sections, covering topics such as Olympic history, symbols, host cities, athletes, controversies, and athletes. Each section includes a vocabulary preview with short and concise definitions, followed by a reading comprehension activity. You can approach the reading tasks traditionally or use a flipped classroom format.
After the reading sections, the lesson features discussion activities, including agree/disagree statements, vocabulary practice, and a creative homework assignment where students design an Olympic mascot for the upcoming Games in their hometown.
This lesson plan is adaptable for various ESL levels, including intermediate, upper-intermediate, and advanced students. It incorporates historical photographs and a wealth of useful vocabulary to enhance the learning experience.
