ESL WORKSHEET - Elections and methods of voting

LESSON PLAN FOR ENGLISH TEACHERS

ELECTIONS AND VOTING

LinguaHouse

Nov. 11, 2024

Level: Intermediate (B1-B2)
Type of language: Legal English
Tags: Political Terms and Phrases; Society and Change; Vocabulary Lesson; Article Based; Politics; 16-18 Years Old; 18+ Years Old
Publication date: 11/11/2024

This lesson has been updated.
In this lesson, students will look at elections and methods of voting. A listening task requires students to answer questions relating to short interviews about a fictional upcoming election, while a reading comprehension revolves around a text that explains the various types of voting systems used in different parts of the world. There is a Cambridge-style speaking exercise in which students must discuss photographs relating to elections, and an optional extension in the form of an essay. (by Joey Vaughan-Birch)

• 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/listen to the audio 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 British English.

AUDIO TRANSCRIPT

Journalist: With the next general election just round the corner, I’m in Kingsbury West, a marginal constituency which has swung one way then the other over the decades. It is also seen as a bellwether seat, with its residents often voting for the winning president. I’ve been talking to four members of the public with different takes on what it means to take part in an election today.
Ted: Hi, I’m Ted and, although I’m getting on a bit, I still see voting as a privilege and a duty. Whether it’s for a general election or a referendum, it’s important for to me to read each manifesto carefully, watch the debates, and follow each step of the campaign. You know, universal suffrage isn’t a given in a lot of countries and I think that’s something people, especially youngsters, fail to appreciate.
Jackie: Morning, I'm Jackie. As the founder of Green Harbor, a charity dedicated to conservation, elections aren't just about voting; they're a vital opportunity to shape policies. Although I’m a firm believer in community projects, if you really want to bring about change, you need a party in charge which has your interests at heart. The present incumbent unfortunately couldn’t care less!
Mark (young man): Hello, I’m Mark and, like a lot of young people, I’ll be abstaining from voting in this election. Politicians just live in a different world to the rest of us - whoever you vote for, it doesn’t really make any difference. Politicians just don’t know how to engage and it’s embarrassing when they try. The world’s such a mess at the moment that no one knows what the exit polls are going to say. And I’m not the only one who feels like this - turnouts have been falling for ages.
James: Hi, I'm James. I just wish there was more transparency when it comes to party finances. The lack of accountability when it comes to donor influence is really concerning. Despite these issues, I'll still vote, but my confidence in the system is at an all-time low. When there are already so many forces outside our control, especially the impact of foreign nations on social media platforms, we need to tighten up the rules on campaign spending.

Adapted from: https://www.linguahouse.com/esl-lesson-plans/legal-english/elections-and-voting. Accessed on November 18, 2024. © 2008–2024 LinguaHouse.com. All rights reserved.