This C1 ESL lesson explores the history and environmental impact of Christmas trees, focusing on the differences between real and artificial trees. Students will read an article discussing the origins of Christmas trees, their environmental consequences, and current trends. Vocabulary practice includes key terms and collocations related to the topic, helping students improve their language skills in context. Fun speaking tasks will encourage lively discussions and critical thinking, allowing students to express opinions and engage in debates about Christmas tree choices.
| Type | Level | Vocabulary | Reading time | Lesson time |
| Regular Lesson | C1 / Advanced | 12 words | 775 words / 4 min | 60-70 min |
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Vocabulary
- mockery
- pagan
- solstice
- solidify
- faux
- indistinguishable
- haul
- shed
- biodegradable
- habitat
- plummet
- charm
Contents
- True or falseÂ
- Lead-in
- Vocabulary preview
- Definitions
- Article
- Summary swap
- Speaking
- Hot takes
- Practice
- Collocations
- Christmas sales pitch
True or False, Lead-in
This advanced ESL lesson on Christmas trees begins with six statements for students to discuss, deciding if they could be true or false. You can go through as many statements as you like, with no right or wrong answers, as long as students can explain and justify their opinions on the next page. Additionally, there’s a thought-provoking question asking students to imagine living in the 1800s and designing an artificial Christmas tree – what materials would they use?
Vocabulary preview, Definitions
The vocabulary preview page includes 12 words from the article. Students should tick the box next to the words they know and briefly explain them. For unfamiliar words, they will discuss them on the next page, and you can provide examples, synonyms, or sentences to help ensure they fully understand the meanings.
Article, Summary swap
The article on the rise and fall of real Christmas trees is 775 words long, with key vocabulary highlighted. Students should read it at their own pace, focusing on the vocabulary and how it’s used in context. Once ready, they move to the next activity. In “Summary Swap,” students write a three-sentence summary of the article on artificial and real Christmas trees, then exchange summaries with a partner to compare similarities and differences.
Speaking, Hot takes
The speaking page includes four images related to the article. Students should examine the images and explain how they relate to the topic. The “Hot Takes” page presents controversial opinions on Christmas trees. Feel free to go through as many statements as needed, depending on the flow of your lesson.
Practice, Collocations
The vocabulary practice page contains 12 sentences split into two parts. Students must combine the two parts into one sentence using the suggested words. The next page focuses on collocations. Students will find one collocation for each word from the list and then add their own. Encourage them to create example sentences using the more challenging collocations.
Christmas sales pitch
The final page, called “Christmas Sales Pitch,” requires students to form two teams. One team will represent a Christmas tree farm, while the other will represent a modern company selling artificial trees. They must convince a student, acting as the buyer, to choose which type of tree to purchase. It’s a great speaking activity to wrap up your C1 ESL lesson on Christmas trees.
