Human Google

Theresa Dash - author of the lesson   Theresa I Updated: February 01, 2025
Category
General English, Speaking Lessons
Topic
Learning
Media
Video
Level
B2 Upper-Intermediate
Grammar
Verb Patterns
Focus
Grammar, Speaking, Vocabulary, Listening
Lesson ID
B2-6
Lesson Time
45 minutes
UNLOCK THE LESSON
Students engaged in an online English class, exploring alternative learning methods, practicing verb patterns, and asking questions.

Lesson Overview

Can I pick your brain? In this lesson, students will learn about an alternative way of acquiring new information. The lesson features a video about a unique service where you can call and ask any question, no matter how silly. Students will learn and practice verb patterns, asking questions, and relevant vocabulary. The lesson includes plenty of engaging discussion activities and worksheets designed for both adults and teenagers, ensuring a fun and interactive learning experience.

Lesson Objectives



  • Grammar: Students will learn and review verb patterns such as infinitives and gerunds following certain verbs. They will explore how the choice between gerunds and infinitives affects meaning in sentences. Examples include using "enjoy" before a gerund (e.g., "enjoy learning") and "decide" before an infinitive (e.g., "decide to call").




  • Listening: By listening to a video about a unique information service offered by the New York Public Library, students will practice identifying verb patterns in spoken English and enhance their ability to understand diverse accents and speaking speeds.




  • Speaking: Students will engage in discussions and exercises to practice asking questions effectively and responding to inquiries, mimicking the interaction between callers and librarians as seen in the video. They will use verb patterns accurately while expressing curiosity and seeking information.




  • Vocabulary: The lesson will introduce vocabulary related to information-seeking and library services, with phrases such as "put in a call," "reach out to," and "respond to inquiries." These terms will be used in activities to enrich students' language use in contexts involving research and learning.




  • Homework: Students will complete exercises to reinforce their understanding of verb patterns. Tasks include matching verbs to the correct follow-up structure (infinitive or gerund) and filling in blanks with the correct verb forms. Additionally, they will write down new words or expressions learned during the lesson and attempt to define them, enhancing their vocabulary retention.




Video

Need to know the color of an arctic fox's eyes? Ever wonder if there are full moons every night in Acapulco? What is a group of cats called? Watch this video to discover alternative ways of doing research and looking for answers. At the New York Public Library, you can call a librarian who will answer any researchable question you might have. The helpline has been around for over 40 years, and to this day, receives more than 30,000 calls a year. Well, if Google isn't your thing, these librarians have got your answer.

Video Transcript

Vocabulary and Pronunciation

clowder [noun]: a group of cats
reach out to somebody [phrasal verb]: to communicate with someone, especially by using a phone, or sending them an email
tame [verb]: to make a wild animal less fierce and more obedient
oftentimes [adverb]: an many occasions
serrated [adjective]: having a row of sharp points along the edge
library [noun]: a building where books, newspapers, videos, or music are stored and made available for people to use or borrow
be (of) no use [phrase]: be useless, not helpful
threaten [verb]: promise to hurt somebody, or do other harm to them
curriculum [noun]: all the courses in a school, college, or university
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