In this C1 ESL lesson, students will explore the cultural significance of provocative Halloween costumes through an engaging discussion of the article. They will analyze the dual nature of these costumes, examining how they can serve as both a form of empowerment and a source of objectification. Activities will include group debates, critical thinking exercises, and vocabulary expansion centered on themes of feminism and societal expectations.
| Type | Level | Vocabulary | Reading Time | Lesson Time |
| Regular Lesson | C1 / Advanced | 12 words | 1000 words / 5 min | 60 min |
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Vocabulary
- replicated
- prevalent
- corseted bodysuit
- name-tag rosette
- work undercover
- exposé
- contentious subject
- empowering
- cultural zietgeist
- outlandish costume
- embellished
- exaggerated
Contents
- Lead-in
- Quote
- Short video
- Questions
- Vocabulary preview
- Vocabulary
- Article
- Summary
- Discussion
- Word association
- Costume hunt
Lead-in, Quote
This advanced ESL lesson kicks off with four thought-provoking questions about choosing Halloween costumes for various events, including a college party with friends, a work celebration, a school event, and a celebrity gathering. The following page presents a provocative quote from a related video, designed to spark student interest and encourage lively discussion, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of themes surrounding Halloween costumes.
Video, Questions
The video segment features a clip from the popular TV show Mean Girls. After watching, students will grasp the central theme regarding provocative Halloween costumes, leading into a discussion of three thought-provoking questions on the following page.
Vocabulary preview, Definitions
n the vocabulary preview section, students encounter 12 words. They will check off the boxes next to the words they recognize and provide a brief explanation or use each in a sentence. Following this, the next page offers detailed definitions to ensure they grasp any unfamiliar terms.
Article, Summary, Discussion
The article, approximately 1,000 words long, has an estimated reading time of five to six minutes, making it manageable for class. Students will read the article, focusing on highlighted terms, while exploring the key concepts related to the Playboy bunny costume. Following the reading, a summary page presents an engaging chart with six main takeaways from the article. Students will expand on each idea and are encouraged to incorporate their personal opinions. The discussion page features a debate topic: empowerment versus objectification, prompting critical thinking as students explore how something can represent both concepts.
Word association
The Word Association page features 12 vocabulary words from the lesson. Unlike traditional vocabulary activities, students will identify two objects or concepts that correspond to each word and explain their choices using specific example sentences. Multiple answers are encouraged, fostering creativity and deeper understanding.
Costume hunt
The Costume Hunt activity includes a link to a website where students will pair up with a classmate or teacher to spend three minutes selecting a costume for someone else, rather than themselves. This approach adds an element of fun to the task. Afterward, each student will explain their costume choice, providing a lively conclusion to the lesson and encouraging positive interactions.
