Congratulations class of 2019! In this lesson, students will learn about the different activities and traditions that take place around graduation time. Students will listen to a high school valedictorian give a graduation speech and learn and practice vocabulary and idioms relating to the topic. The lesson activities and worksheets have been developed for adults and teenagers.

Lesson Objectives

To discuss the different aspects of a high school graduation

To learn about various activities and traditions relating to graduation

To practice vocabulary and idioms relating to the topic

To develop speaking skills

Audio

Listen to the audio of a valedictorian giving a speech at his high school graduation. Will the graduates continue with school and attend college, start working in a full-time job, or do something else entirely? The opportunities are endless for the graduation class of 2019!

Audio Transcript

Vocabulary and Pronunciation

class of [noun]: refers to the students graduating in a specific year

valedictorian [noun]: a student in North America who usually has the highest rank in a graduating class and delivers a speech at a graduation ceremony

graduation [noun]: the successful completion of a course of study at a school for which you receive a degree or diploma

the turning of the tassel [noun]: is a widely recognized tradition in which students move their tassels on their cap from the right to the left at graduation to signify the transition from student to graduate

cap and gown [noun]: a traditional outfit worn by graduates consisting of a hat and robe in school colors

diploma [noun]: a certificate awarded by an educational establishment to show that someone has successfully completed a course of study

tassel [noun]: loosely hanging threads or cords attached for decoration to a cap or other items

pass with flying colors [idiom]: means to pass something with a high score

drop out [phrasal verb]: means to stop attending school or some group or organization

alumni [noun]: the people who previously attended or graduated from a particular school, college, or university

put on one’s thinking cap [idiom]: to start thinking about what should be done

rite of passage [idiom]: a ceremony or ritual which occurs when an individual leaves one group to enter another to signify an important change

milestone [noun]: an important point in progress or development

daunting [adjective]: seeming difficult to deal with; intimidating

social norm [noun]: are the unwritten rules of beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors that are considered acceptable in a particular social group or culture

play hooky [idiom]: an American saying that means to not go to school when you should

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