ESL WORKSHEET - Sport and Controversial Issues

LESSON PLAN FOR ENGLISH TEACHERS

CONTROVERSIAL WORLD CUP KICKS OFF

LinguaHouse
Dec. 6, 2022

Level: Mixed Levels
Type of English: General English
Tags: Controversial Issues; Society and Change; Ethics and Conduct; Sport and Fitness; Hobby; Politics; Socializing; 18+ Years Old; 16-18 Years Old; Article Based; Video Talk
Publication date: 12/06/2022

A breaking news lesson about the recent controversy surrounding the start of the World Cup in Qatar, with a news report giving background information on the tournament, and an article in which four members of the public share their views. Students will learn related vocabulary, practice reading and listening skills and reinforce their new vocabulary with conversation practice (by David J. Marriott).

CLICK HERE to download the student’s worksheet in American English (L4).
CLICK HERE to download the student’s worksheet in American English (L5).
CLICK HERE to download the teacher’s lesson plan in American English (L4).
CLICK HERE to download the teacher’s lesson plan in American English (L5).
CLICK HERE to download/listen to the audio in American English.
CLICK HERE to download/listen to the video in American English.
CLICK HERE to download the student’s worksheet in British English (L4).
CLICK HERE to download the student’s worksheet in British English (L5).
CLICK HERE to download the teacher’s lesson plan in British English (L4).
CLICK HERE to download the teacher’s lesson plan in British English (L5).
CLICK HERE to download/listen to the audio in British English.
CLICK HERE to download/listen to the video in British English.

AUDIO/VIDEO TRANSCRIPT (AMERICAN ENGLISH)

The 2022 Fifa World Cup has kicked off in Qatar, twelve years after the Middle Eastern country was awarded the tournament in a special ceremony. At the time, the decision to grant the World Cup to Qatar was met with heavy criticism, which has increased over the years.
Controversy over the building of seven new stadiums, largely built by migrant workers, has become a key talking point in the build up to the tournament. An investigation by The Guardian has found that estimated 6,500 migrant workers have died in Qatar since the country was given the right to host the World Cup, although the official number of deaths related to stadium construction is much lower: only 40, according to organizers. The investigation followed reports that work on the stadiums was taking place during the hottest part of the day, and that workers were being forced to live in bad conditions.
There have also been concerns about Qatar’s stance on LGBT rights, with homosexuality remaining illegal in the Gulf state. In response, both Fifa and Qatar have urged the world to focus on the soccer, with Fifa president Gianni Infantino accusing critics of “hypocrisy” and “racism”. In a 57-minute press conference, the Italian claimed that Western nations were in no position to judge Qatar, given their colonial past. His speech drew further criticism from human rights groups.
Organizers have estimated that over 1.2 million fans will travel to Qatar for the 29-day tournament, which has, reportedly, cost Qatar over $200 billion. However, many fans have chosen to boycott the World Cup, and cities such as London and Paris have decided not to set up public areas for fans to watch the games.

Adapted from: https://www.linguahouse.com/esl-lesson-plans/general-english/controversial-world-cup-kicks-off. Accessed on December 6, 2022. © 2008–2022 LinguaHouse.com. All rights reserved.