Description
A C1-level ESL lesson on Describing Films and TV Shows
Perfect for advanced learners, this C1 film vocabulary lesson helps students develop expressive language for discussing movies and series. Through review-based reading tasks, targeted vocabulary work, and discussion, students learn and practise powerful adjectives like gripping, haunting, and implausible. The lesson begins with a warm-up prediction activity and continues with authentic review excerpts from popular shows. With a final speaking task designed to encourage fluency and confident vocabulary use, this 45-minute class includes a ready-to-use worksheet and detailed teacher’s notes for smooth delivery and maximum student engagement.
Warmer: Predicting Teacher’s Preferences
Show six TV shows (or films, if you want!) that you like, dislike, or feel indifferent about. Ask if students know them, and based on their knowledge of you, ask them to talk together and predict which of them you (don’t) enjoy or don’t care about. Students present their guesses and compare them with your opinions. I included The Office, Game of Thrones, HIMYM, Lost, Friends, and Squid Game. If these shows aren’t your cup of tea, click the link to the Canva file and edit it as needed!
Reading: Identifying the Reviewed Shows
Say that students are going to read six reviews about three TV shows mentioned in the previous part of the class. There is one positive and one negative review for each TV show. Students read them and work out which TV show they think it might be. If you have some extra time, discuss whether students agree with the positive or a negative review and explain why they feel this way.
Vocabulary: Exploring Expressive Phrases
Present students with three sentences from the reviews, which you read before. Look at the highlighted words and phrases, and think about their meanings and synonyms. The words and phrases include intriguing (captivating, exciting, fascinating), grab someone’s attention (absorb, engage, spark interest), and a battle not to fall asleep (boring, exhausting).
Practice: Matching Adjectives and Using Them
Match the adjectives to their definitions. This serves as an introduction and explanation of the target vocabulary. Then just like in the coursebook, put these adjectives into sentences to verify students’ understanding of the words.
Speaking: Describing Personal Favourites
This C1 film vocabulary lesson ends with students reflecting on films or shows they’d describe, using the target adjectives. Put students into pairs or small groups to discuss their answers. Once you finish, share responses with the class and wrap up with speaking feedback.
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