Don’t go down the rabbit hole! In this lesson, students will discuss conspiracy theories and the spread of information. This lesson features a video of an expert talking about conspiracy theories and why people share them. Students will learn and practice passive voice and vocabulary relating to this topic. The lesson includes plenty of engaging discussion activities and worksheets that have been developed for adult and teenage learners.

Lesson Objectives

Grammar: Learners will explore the use of passive voice in English. They will practice transforming sentences from active to passive voice.

Listening: By watching a video on why conspiracy theories spread, students will enhance their listening skills. They will focus on identifying key arguments about how and why people believe in conspiracy theories, such as confirmation bias and the role of anxiety in believing misinformation.

Speaking: Students will engage in discussions and debates about various conspiracy theories. They will practice expressing their views, asking questions, and challenging the ideas of others. This will help improve their ability to articulate complex ideas and respond to opposing viewpoints in English.

Vocabulary: The lesson will introduce vocabulary related to conspiracy theories, including terms like "misinformation," "bias," "cover-up," and "rabbit hole." Students will apply these terms in discussions, enhancing their ability to communicate more precisely about specific topics.

Homework: Students will complete tasks that involve filling in the blanks with appropriate words, correcting idiomatic phrases, and rewriting sentences in passive voice. These activities, as detailed in the provided homework material, will reinforce their understanding of the grammar and vocabulary covered in the lesson.

Video

Do you believe that the Earth is flat or that people never landed on the moon? Watch this video to learn the science behind conspiracy theories. Why do you think people share and believe certain things but not others?