How to survive the apocalypse

 Advanced lesson plan (B2 and above): How to survive the apocalypse -  BUY ME A COFFEE if you like my FREE ESL content

Who are the "doomsday preppers"? In light of the global pandemic of 2020, should we all start stockpiling and making contingency plans for future catastrophes?

In this B2/C1 worksheet, students will learn some survival tips, discuss the psychology of "doomsday preppers" and learn phrases related to the topics (e.g. "better safe than sorry", "tinfoil hat conspiracy theorists").

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Lesson activities:

1) To warm up, students will label nine survival items and discuss which three they would want in an apocalyptic scenario. Key vocabulary: axe, backpack, sniper rifle, gas stove, torch, compass, thermos flask, gloves, first aid kit.

2) Students will watch a video (8:41), offering tips on how to survive in the wilderness - from making a windproof stove out of a coke can; constructing a compass using a leaf and a hairpin; to extracting a natural mosquito repellent from pine trees. Key vocabulary: zipper, hook, flint, filter, boil, charcoal, motherboard, mirror, magnetise.

3) Next, they will see six phrases related to "doomsday preppers": to come in handy, to stockpile, to wear a tinfoil hat, to live off the grid, better safe than sorry, a bunker. Students will get a chance to see the vocabulary/phrases in sentences, and to create their own sentences using them.

4) Next, they will watch a short video (2:48) about a community of "doomsday preppers", whose entire lives revolve around preparations for the apocalypse. Key vocabulary: black swan event, cider, doomy, gloomy, marauding bands.

5) Finally, students will read an article extract from Scientific American on the psychology of "doomsday preppers". What causes some people to become obsessed with the end days? Do some people secretly wish to live in a post-apocalyptic hellscape? Key vocabulary: paradoxically, hardships, impotence, much-hyped, prophecy, to kindle, allure, traits.