Don’t believe everything you read online! In this lesson, students will discuss the topic of seeking online advice. This lesson features a video of a qualified doctor talking about the issues that may arise when googling symptoms online. Students will learn and practice vocabulary relating to the topic. The lesson includes plenty of engaging discussion activities and worksheets that have been developed for adult and teenage learners.

Lesson Objectives

To develop speaking and listening skills

To talk about online advice and the problem with googling your symptoms

To learn and practice new vocabulary words relating to the topic

Video

Have you ever asked Google a crazy question about yourself or something you heard? Do you have cancer; are you dying? Watch this video to listen to a qualified doctor explain the problems that may arise from using “Dr. Google” too much.

Video Transcript

Vocabulary and Pronunciation

diagnosis [noun]: the identification of an illness or other problem by examining symptoms

consult [verb]: to seek information or advice from (someone with expertise in a particular area)

cyberchondria [noun]: a clinical phenomenon in which repeated Internet searches regarding medical information result in excessive concerns about physical health

take as gospel [idiom]: to believe something to be true

condescending [adjective]: having or showing a superior attitude toward others; snobby

utilize [verb]: to make use of something

fall for something [phrasal verb]: to be deceived by something, esp. a lie

misconstrue [verb]: to interpret (something, especially a person's words or actions) wrongly

suspicion [noun]: a feeling or thought that something is possible, likely, or true

debunk [verb]: to expose the falseness (a myth, idea, or belief)

misconceptions [noun]: a view or opinion that is incorrect because based on faulty thinking or understanding

collaboration [noun]: the action of working with someone to produce or create something

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