ESL WORKSHEET - Easter origins

LESSON PLAN FOR ENGLISH TEACHERS

THE ORIGINS OF EASTER

LinguaHouse

Mar. 27, 2026

Level: Pre-intermediate (A2-B1)
Type of language: General English
Tags: Beliefs, Religion and Superstition; Celebrations and Special Events; Historical Events; People and Places; Animals; Useful Vocabulary; 10-12 Years Old; 13-15 Years Old; 16-18 Years Old; 18+ Years Old
Publication date: 03/27/2026

This lesson explores the religious origins and modern cultural traditions of Easter through two engaging reading texts. Students develop their reading comprehension by identifying facts and sequencing events. They also expand their thematic vocabulary with terms like "fasting" and "service". The lesson culminates in a speaking activity in which learners use cue cards to share personal experiences about holidays, meals, and local customs. (by Sophie Wilde)

• 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

Speaker: The origins of Easter - The story of one of the most important Christian holidays
Easter is one of the most important holidays for Christians. It remembers the time when Jesus died on the cross and, Christians believe, came back to life on the third day. This is why Easter is a festival of hope and new life.
Easter also has links to a Jewish festival called Passover. In the Bible, Jesus went to Jerusalem for the Passover with his friends, and the events of his last week happened at that time. In many languages, the name for Easter is similar to "Pascha", a word linked to Passover. In English, we use the word "Easter". Some writers say this word is connected to an old name for spring in early England, but the main meaning of the day is Christian.
The date of Easter is not the same every year. It is always on a Sunday in spring, but it can be in March or April. Long ago, church leaders wanted all Christians to celebrate on the same day. In AD 325, leaders met in the city of Nicaea and agreed on a shared rule. Today, many churches still follow this idea: Easter Sunday is the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after March 21.
Before Easter Sunday, many Christians follow Lent. Lent is a period of about 40 days when people try to live more simply. Some people fast, which means they eat less or give up certain food. The week before Easter is called Holy Week. It includes Good Friday, the day Christians remember the death of Jesus. Over time, Easter also became a spring celebration for many people who are not religious. Families often share a special meal, give chocolate eggs, and do egg hunts. Eggs are a sign of new life, and they fit the spring season. In parts of Europe, people also light fires on Easter weekend to mark the end of winter. So, Easter today has both religious roots and spring customs. For many people, it is a time for faith, family, and a fresh start.

Adapted from: https://www.linguahouse.com/esl-lesson-plans/general-english/the-origins-of-easter. Accessed on March 30, 2026. LinguaHouse.com © 2008–2026. All rights reserved.