ESL WORKSHEET - Surfing experiences and impressions

LESSON PLAN FOR ENGLISH TEACHERS

SURFING

LinguaHouse

Jun. 1, 2021

Level: Intermediate (B1-B2)
Type of English: General English
Tags: Seasons; Entertainment; Environment and Nature; Travel and Leisure; Types of Holiday; Health and Well-being; Vocabulary and Grammar
Publication date: 06/01/2021

Students discuss their experiences and impressions of surfing before listening to a podcast about the sport. The lesson includes vocabulary development as well as a look at how -ing forms are used in different ways. It concludes with some discussion questions, and there is also an optional extension activity where students can read an acrostic poem and write their own. (by Stephanie Hirschman)

• 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 audio in American English.
• CLICK HERE to download/listen to the audio in British English.

AUDIO TRANSCRIPT

Anthony: Hi everyone! It’s time for our regular sports podcast: Get moving! Today, reporter Nic Powell is here and we’re going to talk about surfing. Why surfing, Nic?
Nic: Well, first of all, I love surfing! But, more importantly, surfing is one of five new Olympic events, along with skateboarding, climbing, karate and baseball. The organizers wanted to bring in sports that appeal to younger people. I think we’re all really going to enjoy watching Olympic surfing!
Anthony: How did surfing get started, Nic?
Nic: We know that surfing developed in Hawaii. Interestingly, the Hawaiian people had organized their food production so well that they had lots of free time, which they used for surfing. Everyone did it and it was a huge part of their social and religious life.
Anthony: How did surfing become popular around the world?
Nic: Although surfing in Hawaii temporarily declined as a result of changes introduced by Western people in the 1800s, it started to receive more attention again in the 20th century as the islands became tourist destinations. As people found out more about surfing, it became popular in other parts of the world.
Anthony: When I think about surfing, I always think of those California beach movies from the 1950s and 60s.
Nic: Yes, the surfing lifestyle really took off in Southern California after the Second World War. People improved the design of the boards, using new materials and shapes so that they could surf in different conditions. Also, the development of the wetsuit at this time meant that surfers could go out in colder waters. Surfing was now possible all over the world!
Anthony: There were lots of competitions, weren’t there?
Nic: Yes, that’s right. But men’s surfing competitions received most of the attention. Women’s surfing was a side show: the surfers received less prize money and had to surf in worse locations. It wasn’t until 2019 that women surfers received equal pay. They had been fighting for this for 40 years!
Anthony: And I believe this isn’t the only issue that surfers have been involved with?
Nic: That’s right. Surfers at all levels are also very much involved in environmental issues. As they spend so much time in the water, they’re very aware of water quality and plastic pollution. Surfers have cleaned up beaches and raised awareness of the need for conservation all over the world.
Anthony: So, surfers help look after the environment. What are some of the other benefits of surfing?
Nic: Surfing is not only a sport, it is also a mindful activity that can help people with mental health problems. When you’re surfing you have to live in the moment, noticing how the water and wind conditions are changing. You can really feel like you’re getting away from all your problems. And spending time outdoors in nature is also very good for us.
Anthony: We’re nearly out of time, Nic, but before we go, tell us about an amazing place to surf.
Nic: Just one? I can think of two places that I really want to try. The first is Nazare in Portugal. In winter, the waves can be 24 meters high! And if you want a real adventure, try surfing in Yakutat, Alaska, under a snowy mountain with bears on the shore!
Anthony: Wow! Thanks, Nic.

Adapted from: https://www.linguahouse.com/esl-lesson-plans/general-english/surfing. Accessed on June 27, 2024. © 2008–2024 LinguaHouse.com. All rights reserved.