ESL WORKSHEET - Controversial Issues and Behavior

LESSON PLAN FOR ENGLISH TEACHERS

AGE GAP

LinguaHouse
Sep. 23, 2022

Level: Upper-Intermediate (B2-C1)
Type of English: General English
Tags: Controversial Issues; Relationships; Society and Change; Ethics and Conduct; Beliefs, Religion and Superstition; Behavior, Feelings and Emotions; Business People; 18+ Years Old; Article Based
Publication date: 09/23/2022

This lesson examines the issues surrounding a significant age gap in romantic partnerships. Students will listen to a conversation discussing a relationship and read an article on the subject. Exercises focus on related vocabulary, listening and reading skills and students will have the opportunity to discuss questions related to the topic (by Joe Wilson).

Note: This lesson involves the discussion of same-sex marriage and extramarital relationships which may not be suitable for all classes.

• CLICK HERE to download the student’s worksheet in American English.
• CLICK HERE to download the teacher’s lesson plan in American English.
• CLICK HERE to download the student’s worksheet in British English.
• CLICK HERE to download the teacher’s lesson plan in British English.
• CLICK HERE to download/listen to the audios (Am/Br English).

AUDIO TRANSCRIPT

Man: Did you hear about Peter?
Woman: I heard that he cheated on his wife.
Man: Yeah, that’s what everyone is saying, but there’s a lot more to it than that.
Woman: Oh really? Go on…
Man: Well, the problem has been going on for ages. His best friend, Eric, and his wife, Sheila, have been flirting with each other for years.
Woman: What? Was Peter there when it was happening?
Man: Yeah, I think so. I think he just laughed it off mostly. He was actually a really devoted husband.
Woman: I didn’t realize. Poor guy.
Man: That was until he met Melissa.
Woman: Was that who he cheated with?
Man: Yes, but they were friends at first. They worked together and went on some work trips. I think he mostly used to talk to her about his problems with his marriage. She was in a relationship when they met - with a guy called Shane. But I think Melissa and Peter were just a lot more compatible and after a while, Melissa decided to dump Shane.
Woman: Ah! I see.
Man: By this time, the thing with Eric and Sheila has turned into a real problem. Peter has moved out. He doesn’t know for sure if anything happened with his wife and Eric, but they’re just arguing all the time. So, they were already going through a separation. Peter is having the worst time of his life already and is living on his own in a small flat. When the break-up with Shane and Melissa happened, it was only a matter of time before they got together.
Woman: Oh! I thought it was just a typical “husband runs off with another woman” story.
Man: Yeah, but here’s the problem for him: Melissa is about 18 years younger.
Woman: 18! I didn’t know that!
Man: Yeah, he’s 46, and she is 28.
Woman: So, his wife thinks he’s off with a younger woman?
Man: Well, that’s what she’s telling everyone, even though she started the problem by flirting with his best friend.
Woman: Was she really though? I mean, did anyone else see her flirting with Eric?
Man: I think so, yeah. I know Peter’s brother-in-law, Colin. He said it could get quite embarrassing. They would have family get-togethers, barbecues, birthday parties and so on. Eric was always there and Sheila would just be talking to him for the whole event – laughing with him and pretty much ignoring Peter and everyone else there.
Woman: So is she with Eric now.
Man: I think so, and she’s divorcing Peter and wants custody of their kids.
Woman: What a nightmare! I feel a little bad for Peter now.
Man: I just hope Melissa sticks around for him. He’ll have lost everything if she doesn’t.

Adapted from: https://www.linguahouse.com/esl-lesson-plans/general-english/age-gap. Accessed on August 29, 2023. © 2008–2023 LinguaHouse.com. All rights reserved.