Don’t lie through your teeth! In this lesson, students will discuss resume writing and providing false or exaggerated information on a resume. This lesson features a video about a person arguing why it’s better not to lie on a resume. Students will learn and practice vocabulary and idioms 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

Listening: Students will watch and listen to a video about the consequences of lying on a resume. They'll learn why honesty is crucial and how exaggeration can lead to uncomfortable situations. This will help them understand the importance of truthfulness in professional settings and familiarize them with vocabulary related to job applications.

Speaking: Learners will discuss their thoughts on resume honesty and share personal experiences or opinions about job hunting. This encourages practicing conversational English, debating ethical considerations, and articulating personal views clearly.

Vocabulary: The lesson introduces terms like "embellishing," " exaggerate," and " misrepresent ," along with phrases related to job recruitment, such as "foot in the door" and "have an edge." Understanding these words and idioms will enhance students' ability to talk about job searching and professional ethics effectively.

Homework: Students will create a truthful mini-resume or list skills they genuinely have and wish to improve. They'll also reflect on the importance of honesty in their professional lives. This task aims to reinforce vocabulary usage and ethical considerations in English.

Video

What have you done to make yourself look better professionally? Have you embellished your skills or knowledge while applying for a job? Watch this video to learn about why it’s better not to lie on your resume.

Video Transcript

Vocabulary and Pronunciation

lie through one’s teeth [idiom]: to tell someone something that you know is completely false

exaggerate [verb]: represent (something) as being larger, better, or worse than it really is

misrepresent [verb]: to give a false or misleading representation of usually with an intent to deceive or be unfair

inflate [verb]: increase (something) by a large or excessive amount

overestimate [verb]: to estimate or value (someone or something) too highly

stretch the truth [idiom]: also: bend the truth; to say something that is not exactly true; to describe something as larger or greater than it really is

fib [verb]: tell a lie

ambiguous [adjective]: open to more than one interpretation; not having one obvious meaning

withhold [verb]: refuse to give (something that is due to or is desired by another); suppress or hold back (an emotion or reaction)

embellish [verb]: make (a statement or story) more interesting by adding extra details that are often untrue

come to light [idiom]: become widely known or evident

red flag [noun phrase]: unhealthy or manipulative behavior; a warning sign that could indicate a problem, miscommunication, or challenge in the future

lenient [adjective]: mild or soothing

have an edge [idiom]: have an advantage over or be slightly better than someone or something else

in hot water [idiom]: in trouble or disgrace

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