A nice little listening activity based on an authentic political broadcast during the Scottish independence referendum. Suitable for English language learners, students in politics/citizenship classes, critical thinking sessions on pre-sessionals, etc. Full answers provided.

The classic United Nations roleplay! Oil has been discovered in Panama. The class votes for a President, and are then divided into countries. Each country has to persuade Panama that they should have a share of the oil. Meanwhile, secret messages, subterfuge and assassinations abound…! A fun, self-contained and complete-lesson for students of any age, focusing on politics, debating skills, citizenship issues, leadership skills, etc. Also particularly useful for professional development courses.

A listening activity in which pairs/groups answer questions on an authentic video of a Parliamentary debate about grammar schools. There is a follow-up activity in which students then prepare a speech on the same subject, detailing their own opinions. Makes a nice, self-contained 1 to 2 hour lesson lesson. Suitable for citizenship/social issues classes, and also learners of English. Full answers provided.