Oceans

This is an upper intermediate (CEFR B2, IELTS 6.0) EFL Speaking class about oceans. Students first learn a key word (stakeholder) which they will need to know later in the class. A short quiz activates students’ prior knowledge of oceans. Students then discuss basic questions about the topic. Target language (fishermen, cruise ships, cargo ships, surfers, tourists, scientists) is introduced in pictures. These are then matched to their meanings. Students then brainstorm the different ways in which these stakeholders use the ocean. To contextualise the main activity, students consider the implications of everyone using the ocean however they wanted. In small groups, students then read four different options for oceanic protection/industry. They must allocate a budget to the options and justify why to the class. Students then refer back to the original question and discuss the conflicts between stakeholders regarding the ocean. An agree/disagree activity and final discussion bring the class to an end.