Getting from A2 to B2
Here are some good topics from a great website:
A1
How often
https://test-english.com/listening/a1/how-often-do-you-a1-english-listening-test/
Birth
https://test-english.com/reading/a2/why-arent-babies-born-on-certain-days_reading-test/
B1
https://test-english.com/listening/b1/weird-driving-rules-modal-verbs-b1-english-listening-test/
https://test-english.com/listening/b1/famous-sports-cheating-scandals-b1-english-listening-test/
https://test-english.com/listening/b1/stories-of-relationships-b1-english-listening-test/
https://test-english.com/listening/b1/how-do-you-keep-fit-b1-english-listening-test/
https://test-english.com/listening/b1/stonehenge-b1-listening-test/
https://test-english.com/listening/b1/biography-albert-einstein-listening-test/
dark tourism
https://test-english.com/listening/b2/dark-tourism-b2-english-listening-test/
Here are some basic websites with tense information. You need to know the present simple, present continuous, simple past and present perfect- questions and negatives.
https://eslgrammar.org/english-tenses/
https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/grammar/verbtenses
https://www.britishcouncilfoundation.id/en/english/articles/tenses-guide
https://www.learnenglishteam.com/a-quick-way-to-learn-english-tenses-free-pdf/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/easy_grammar
https://arts.uottawa.ca/writingcentre/en/hypergrammar/using-verbs
Then some work on modal verbs.
https://www.grammarly.com/blog/modal-verbs/
Then some short and easy texts and videos.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/course/newsreview-2023/unit-1/session-41
https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/englishinthenews
free toefl course
great toefl site
more toefl sites
https://videos.feedspot.com/toefl_youtube_channels/
i needshort material for a beginner efl course. Just interesting things but short so easy to explain and a few new vocab items each time (from A2 to B2). I'm ,thinking of off beat unusual topics like the mercator map, Patrice Lumumba, Peter thiel's views on interview questions and university education, chicken sexing and what it tells us about the brain, cartoons so unusual things that most people haven't seen before not common topics like holidays, movies, pop music, friends, hobbies, sport- can you give me a list of topics that might work and some sources and lesson ideas?
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Here’s a list of offbeat and unusual topics that could engage students while introducing manageable vocabulary and concepts:
Topic Ideas
The Mercator Map and Map Distortions
Key Vocabulary: map, distortion, accurate, size, projection.
Lesson Idea: Compare distorted and accurate world maps; discuss how maps shape perceptions of the world.
Sources: National Geographic, The True Size website.
Patrice Lumumba and African Independence
Key Vocabulary: independence, colony, leader, struggle, freedom.
Lesson Idea: Show a short video or timeline of Lumumba’s life, followed by a discussion on the meaning of independence.
Sources: History.com, BBC History.
Peter Thiel’s Contrarian Views
Key Vocabulary: contrarian, education, interview, entrepreneur, future.
Lesson Idea: Share an excerpt of his ideas, then have students answer a unique interview question like, “What’s a problem nobody is solving?”
Sources: Zero to One by Peter Thiel, articles summarizing his views.
Chicken Sexing and the Brain
Key Vocabulary: chicken, sexing, unconscious, skill, expert.
Lesson Idea: Explain the concept of learning something without realizing it; discuss other hidden skills students might have.
Sources: Neuroscience blogs, articles about “intuitive expertise.”
Cartoons that Challenge Expectations
Key Vocabulary: cartoon, unusual, expectation, story, humor.
Lesson Idea: Show a short clip from a lesser-known cartoon, then discuss its themes and why it’s unique.
Sources: Pixar short films (e.g., “Piper”), Studio Ghibli.
The Science of Fungi and Mycelium Networks
Key Vocabulary: fungus, network, grow, underground, connect.
Lesson Idea: Discuss how fungi communicate like the internet, followed by drawing the network.
Sources: Documentaries like Fantastic Fungi.
Unusual Jobs (e.g., Odor Tester, Water Slide Tester)
Key Vocabulary: job, smell, test, unusual, work.
Lesson Idea: Present strange jobs, then have students design their “dream unusual job.”
Sources: Career blogs, Guinness World Records website.
Ancient Board Games (e.g., Senet, Go, Mancala)
Key Vocabulary: game, ancient, board, player, strategy.
Lesson Idea: Introduce an old game, teach the basic rules, and have students play.
Sources: YouTube tutorials, historical gaming websites.
Optical Illusions and the Brain
Key Vocabulary: illusion, trick, brain, image, perception.
Lesson Idea: Show examples of illusions, then discuss why the brain sees them differently.
Sources: Psychology websites, TED-Ed videos.
Rare Animals and Their Habits
Key Vocabulary: animal, rare, habitat, endangered, unique.
Lesson Idea: Show pictures of unusual animals, then create descriptions using new vocabulary.
Sources: National Geographic Kids, wildlife conservation sites.
Urban Legends (e.g., The Vanishing Hitchhiker)
Key Vocabulary: legend, story, mysterious, spooky, truth.
Lesson Idea: Read a short urban legend, then have students discuss or write their version.
Sources: Snopes.com, books on folklore.
The History of Everyday Objects (e.g., Paperclips, Velcro)
Key Vocabulary: invention, object, use, history, purpose.
Lesson Idea: Share the surprising history of an object and have students guess what other items were invented by accident.
Sources: History Channel website.
Additional Suggestions
Pair each topic with images, short videos, or infographics to make explanations clearer for beginners.
Use structured speaking or writing activities (e.g., describing, comparing, or predicting).
Keep the texts or audio simple, with glossaries for new words.
Would you like me to develop a specific topic into a full lesson plan? If yes, let me know which one!
4o
from brilliant maps on fb Map Showing Only Domestic Flights Within Countries
illusions
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yes, nice, can you give me some more
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Here’s another batch of unusual, offbeat topics for beginner EFL lessons:
More Topic Ideas
The World's Loneliest Tree (Campbell Island, New Zealand)
Key Vocabulary: lonely, tree, island, nature, remote.
Lesson Idea: Share the story of this tree and discuss what “lonely” means in nature and in life.
Sources: Nature.com, National Geographic.
Vantablack – The World’s Blackest Material
Key Vocabulary: black, light, absorb, material, darkest.
Lesson Idea: Show pictures of objects coated in Vantablack, then discuss why it’s strange or how colors affect emotions.
Sources: Scientific American, YouTube demonstrations.
Silent Languages: Sign Language and Whistled Languages
Key Vocabulary: language, silent, sign, whistle, communicate.
Lesson Idea: Introduce simple sign language gestures or a whistled language, then have students practice “silent” communication.
Sources: YouTube videos on sign/whistled languages.
The History of Tattoos (Ice Age to Modern Day)
Key Vocabulary: tattoo, skin, symbol, ancient, design.
Lesson Idea: Show examples of ancient tattoos and discuss why people choose to get them.
Sources: Smithsonian Magazine, National Geographic.
The Mystery of the Bermuda Triangle
Key Vocabulary: mystery, disappear, ship, plane, strange.
Lesson Idea: Present stories about ships and planes that disappeared, then have students guess why it happens.
Sources: History.com, Discovery Channel.
The Bizarre Diet of the Axolotl (A Mexican Salamander)
Key Vocabulary: animal, water, rare, Mexico, diet.
Lesson Idea: Discuss why this animal is both cute and weird, followed by a simple reading on its habitat.
Sources: Wildlife documentaries, science blogs.
Unusual Inventions (e.g., the Foldable Bicycle Helmet)
Key Vocabulary: invention, creative, idea, problem, solve.
Lesson Idea: Show pictures of strange inventions and have students guess what they do or create their own invention ideas.
Sources: Design websites, "Oddity Mall."
Extreme Weather Phenomena (e.g., Fire Tornadoes, Frost Flowers)
Key Vocabulary: weather, extreme, tornado, ice, fire.
Lesson Idea: Introduce examples of rare weather events and ask students to describe weather they have experienced.
Sources: NASA, weather-focused YouTube channels.
Synesthesia – Seeing Sounds and Tasting Colors
Key Vocabulary: senses, color, sound, taste, brain.
Lesson Idea: Explain how synesthesia works and ask students what colors they associate with sounds or feelings.
Sources: TED-Ed videos, psychology blogs.
The Life of a Message in a Bottle
Key Vocabulary: message, bottle, ocean, travel, find.
Lesson Idea: Read a short story about a famous message in a bottle and have students write their own messages to “send.”
Sources: News stories, maritime blogs.
The Oldest Shoes in the World (5,500 Years Old!)
Key Vocabulary: shoe, old, leather, foot, protect.
Lesson Idea: Show a picture of the shoes and discuss why humans made shoes and how they’ve changed.
Sources: Archaeological magazines.
Weird World Records (e.g., Tallest Stack of Doughnuts)
Key Vocabulary: record, stack, competition, win, strange.
Lesson Idea: Present strange records, then brainstorm what record students might want to break.
Sources: Guinness World Records website.
The Sound of Space (e.g., Solar Winds, Black Hole Echoes)
Key Vocabulary: space, sound, wave, star, listen.
Lesson Idea: Play NASA recordings of “space sounds” and discuss how space differs from Earth.
Sources: NASA website, space documentaries.
Body Art Traditions (e.g., Henna, Scarification)
Key Vocabulary: body, art, tradition, paint, decorate.
Lesson Idea: Show pictures of body art from around the world and discuss cultural meanings.
Sources: Cultural anthropology blogs.
The History of Timekeeping (e.g., Water Clocks, Sundials)
Key Vocabulary: time, clock, ancient, measure, hour.
Lesson Idea: Introduce different timekeeping devices and have students draw one or describe how it works.
Sources: History of Science books.
Microscopic Art (e.g., Art on Grains of Rice)
Key Vocabulary: tiny, art, create, detail, small.
Lesson Idea: Show examples of microscopic art, then have students guess how it’s made.
Sources: Art blogs, YouTube videos on microscopic art.
Cave Paintings and Early Human Art
Key Vocabulary: cave, paint, wall, animal, ancient.
Lesson Idea: Show famous cave paintings, then have students draw a simple story using shapes and animals.
Sources: National Geographic, archaeology sites.
The Science of Yawning
Key Vocabulary: yawn, tired, brain, breathe, stretch.
Lesson Idea: Discuss why we yawn and explore myths like "yawns are contagious."
Sources: Science blogs, TED-Ed.
Would you like a lesson plan developed for one of these topics, or more ideas like this? Let me know!
4o
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and some lesser known ideas about politics and history and science
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Here’s a selection of lesser-known ideas from politics, history, and science that could work for beginner EFL lessons. These topics are fascinating, approachable, and unusual enough to engage learners. Each includes key vocabulary and lesson suggestions.
Politics
The Voting System in Ancient Athens
Key Vocabulary: vote, democracy, citizen, ancient, stone.
Lesson Idea: Explain how Athenians used pebbles or pots to vote. Students can "vote" on a classroom topic using objects.
Sources: History.com, BBC Bitesize.
Micronations (e.g., Sealand)
Key Vocabulary: nation, small, independent, king, law.
Lesson Idea: Discuss unusual micronations like Sealand. Students create their own imaginary country.
Sources: Atlas Obscura, micronation websites.
The World’s First Female Prime Minister (Sirimavo Bandaranaike)
Key Vocabulary: leader, female, prime minister, country, Sri Lanka.
Lesson Idea: Introduce Sirimavo and discuss why her election was groundbreaking.
Sources: HistoryExtra, political history blogs.
How Iceland Elected a Comedian as Mayor
Key Vocabulary: mayor, election, joke, promise, city.
Lesson Idea: Explain how Jón Gnarr used humor to win. Students brainstorm silly promises a politician could make.
Sources: The Guardian, Reykjavik political studies.
(Pirate Party)
The "Flagless" Nations of the World
Key Vocabulary: flag, nation, design, represent, people.
Lesson Idea: Discuss why some groups don’t have official flags. Students design a flag for a cause.
Sources: UNPO (Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization).
History
The Postal System That Changed the World (Pony Express)
Key Vocabulary: mail, fast, horse, travel, deliver.
Lesson Idea: Tell the story of the Pony Express and compare it to modern delivery.
Sources: National Postal Museum, PBS.
The Year Without a Summer (1816)
Key Vocabulary: volcano, cold, summer, climate, crop.
Lesson Idea: Explain how a volcanic eruption caused global cooling. Students brainstorm how they’d survive without summer.
Sources: Smithsonian Magazine, climate history blogs.
The Real Robinson Crusoe (Alexander Selkirk)
Key Vocabulary: island, shipwreck, survive, alone, rescue.
Lesson Idea: Share Selkirk’s survival story. Students describe what they’d take to a deserted island.
Sources: History Channel, biography blogs.
The Mystery of the Baghdad Battery
Key Vocabulary: battery, electricity, ancient, jar, metal.
Lesson Idea: Introduce this ancient “technology.” Ask students what it might have been used for.
Sources: Archaeology magazines, science history books.
The Ghost Army of World War II
Key Vocabulary: war, ghost, trick, soldier, fake.
Lesson Idea: Tell how inflatable tanks and sound effects fooled enemies. Students create their own trick strategies.
Sources: History.com, WWII documentaries.
Science
How Ants Build Cities Underground
Key Vocabulary: ant, tunnel, build, colony, teamwork.
Lesson Idea: Show videos of ant colonies and discuss teamwork. Students draw a “human ant city.”
Sources: National Geographic, insect science blogs.
The “Immortal” Jellyfish
Key Vocabulary: jellyfish, ocean, live, forever, nature.
Lesson Idea: Explain how this jellyfish reverts to a younger state. Discuss what students would do if they could live forever.
Sources: ScienceDirect, marine biology blogs.
Why Dogs Tilt Their Heads
Key Vocabulary: dog, tilt, head, curious, listen.
Lesson Idea: Discuss the science behind head tilting and human-animal communication. Students share pet stories.
Sources: Psychology Today, animal behavior studies.
Plants That Eat Animals (e.g., Venus Flytrap)
Key Vocabulary: plant, eat, trap, insect, unusual.
Lesson Idea: Show a Venus Flytrap in action. Students imagine other “strange” plants.
Sources: Botany blogs, plant science videos.
The Science of Laughter
Key Vocabulary: laugh, funny, brain, feel, happy.
Lesson Idea: Explain why humans laugh. Share silly jokes and discuss why they’re funny.
Sources: TED-Ed, scientific studies on humor.
The Fainting Goats
Key Vocabulary: goat, faint, scare, muscle, fall.
Lesson Idea: Show a video of fainting goats and discuss why they react this way. Students can share other funny animal stories.
Sources: Animal behavior blogs.
The “Worm Moon” and Other Strange Moon Names
Key Vocabulary: moon, full, name, season, night.
Lesson Idea: Teach the names of unusual moons (e.g., Harvest Moon, Blue Moon). Students invent their own moon names.
Sources: Astronomy blogs, almanacs.
The Evolution of Flightless Birds (e.g., Ostriches, Penguins)
Key Vocabulary: bird, flight, evolve, run, swim.
Lesson Idea: Discuss why some birds lost the ability to fly. Students describe how they’d adapt if they were birds.
Sources: National Geographic, evolutionary biology books.
These ideas are great for stimulating conversation and curiosity while introducing vocabulary in meaningful ways. Let me know which ones you’d like me to expand into full lesson plans!
4o
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has anyone got efl activities based on bill brysons writings especially the history books
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Bill Bryson's engaging writing style and his ability to simplify complex topics make his works excellent resources for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) activities. Here are some suggestions for incorporating his history-focused books into your lessons:
1. "A Short History of Nearly Everything"
Vocabulary Building: Utilize the comprehensive vocabulary list available on Vocabulary.com to introduce new terms and concepts.
Reading Comprehension: Assign short excerpts from the book and develop comprehension questions to assess understanding.
Discussion Topics: Use chapters as a springboard for discussions on scientific discoveries, encouraging students to share their thoughts and insights.
Supplementary Materials: Refer to the teacher's guide provided by Penguin Random House for additional activities and discussion points.
2. "Mother Tongue: The English Language"
Grammar and Word Formation: Explore excerpts that delve into the history and quirks of the English language to enhance students' understanding of word formation and grammar.
Cultural Insights: Discuss the evolution of English and its global impact, fostering a deeper appreciation for the language among learners.
3. "A Really Short History of Nearly Everything"
Simplified Content: This abridged version is suitable for younger learners or those at a lower proficiency level, providing a concise overview of complex topics.
Interactive Activities: Create projects or presentations based on the book's content to encourage active participation and reinforce learning.
Additional Resources
Teachers Pay Teachers: Explore lesson plans and activities related to Bryson's works, such as graphic organizers and comprehension questions, available for purchase.
Online Forums: Engage with communities like Reddit to discover recommendations and shared experiences from educators who have incorporated Bryson's books into their teaching.
Incorporating Bill Bryson's writings into your EFL curriculum can provide students with engaging and informative content that enhances their language skills while broadening their knowledge of history and science.
Recent Discussions on Bill Bryson's Works
Bill Bryson on semi-retirement: 'I can barely write a postcard now'
Sources
4o
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no, I mean actual texts ready taken with vocab activities and comprehension questions
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Incorporating Bill Bryson's writings into your EFL lessons can provide engaging and informative content for students. Here are some resources that include excerpts from his works, along with vocabulary activities and comprehension questions:
"Notes from a Small Island" – Pre and Post Reading Activities
Resource: Teachit offers a selection of activities designed for students studying "Notes from a Small Island." These include pre-reading tasks that encourage students to explore the connotations of 'small island' and research Bill Bryson's life, as well as post-reading activities that involve comparing Britain in 1973 and 1993 using examples from the book.
"The Moose" – Reading Comprehension and Exercises
Resource: ESL Printables provides an excerpt titled "The Moose" from Bryson's work, accompanied by exercises aimed at enhancing reading comprehension. This resource can serve as an engaging lesson for students.
"Mother Tongue" – History of the English Language
Resource: iSLCollective offers a selection of excerpts from Bryson's "Mother Tongue," focusing on the history of the English language. The material includes exercises on word formation and can be used to delve into the intricacies of English.
"Neither Here Nor There" – Travel Writing Extracts
Resource: An ESL worksheet based on an extract from Bryson's "Neither Here Nor There" is available, featuring his travels through France, Italy, and Croatia. The worksheet includes reading comprehension exercises tailored for ESL learners.
"A Short History of Nearly Everything" – Activities and Worksheets
Resource: Teachers Pay Teachers offers a range of activities and worksheets related to Bryson's "A Short History of Nearly Everything." These materials are designed to complement classroom instruction and enhance students' understanding of the content.
"Mother Tongue" – Reading Comprehension Exercise
Resource: A blog post provides an extract from "Mother Tongue," accompanied by multiple-choice questions aimed at C2-level students. This can be useful for advanced learners to practice reading comprehension.
These resources offer a variety of materials that incorporate Bill Bryson's engaging writing style, providing both educational and entertaining content for EFL students.
Sources
4o
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and a list of people like malcolm gladwell, bill bryson, jonah lehrer, stephen levitt and michael lewis
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Here’s a list of similar authors who share an engaging, accessible, and thought-provoking style, often combining storytelling with analysis in fields like history, psychology, science, economics, and culture:
Writers in the Style of Bill Bryson, Malcolm Gladwell, and Michael Lewis
Jared Diamond
Famous For: Guns, Germs, and Steel; Collapse.
Focus: Geography, anthropology, and history.
Why Similar: Explores big ideas about human society through compelling narratives.
Daniel Kahneman
Famous For: Thinking, Fast and Slow.
Focus: Behavioral economics, psychology.
Why Similar: Makes complex psychological theories accessible and applicable.
Yuval Noah Harari
Famous For: Sapiens; Homo Deus.
Focus: History, philosophy, and the future of humanity.
Why Similar: Combines history with big-picture questions about society.
Steven Pinker
Famous For: The Better Angels of Our Nature; Enlightenment Now.
Focus: Linguistics, cognitive psychology, and societal progress.
Why Similar: Writes optimistically and accessibly about science and human nature.
Mary Roach
Famous For: Stiff; Packing for Mars; Gulp.
Focus: Science and humor.
Why Similar: Investigates niche topics (e.g., the human body, space exploration) with wit and curiosity.
Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Famous For: The Black Swan; Antifragile.
Focus: Risk, randomness, and decision-making.
Why Similar: Challenges conventional wisdom and invites readers to think differently.
David Epstein
Famous For: The Sports Gene; Range.
Focus: Talent, expertise, and learning.
Why Similar: Combines science with storytelling to explain big ideas.
Tim Harford
Famous For: The Undercover Economist; Messy.
Focus: Economics, creativity, and problem-solving.
Why Similar: Uses everyday examples to demystify economic and social concepts.
Atul Gawande
Famous For: Being Mortal; The Checklist Manifesto.
Focus: Medicine, decision-making, and ethics.
Why Similar: Writes thoughtfully about systems, improvement, and human stories.
Philip Ball
Famous For: Bright Earth; The Music Instinct.
Focus: Science, art, and culture.
Why Similar: Blends scientific rigor with cultural and historical insights.
Rebecca Skloot
Famous For: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.
Focus: Science, ethics, and human stories.
Why Similar: Combines gripping narratives with science and societal questions.
Andrew Solomon
Famous For: Far From the Tree; The Noonday Demon.
Focus: Psychology, identity, and human resilience.
Why Similar: Uses deep research and personal stories to explore universal themes.
Michael Pollan
Famous For: The Omnivore’s Dilemma; How to Change Your Mind.
Focus: Food, plants, and consciousness.
Why Similar: Tackles broad topics with curiosity and insight.
Kathryn Schulz
Famous For: Being Wrong; Lost & Found.
Focus: Errors, uncertainty, and human experience.
Why Similar: Explores deep concepts through relatable anecdotes.
Charles Duhigg
Famous For: The Power of Habit; Smarter Faster Better.
Focus: Productivity, habits, and decision-making.
Why Similar: Makes behavioral science practical and engaging.
Daniel Levitin
Famous For: This Is Your Brain on Music; The Organized Mind.
Focus: Neuroscience, music, and cognition.
Why Similar: Explores the intersection of science and culture.
Ben Goldacre
Famous For: Bad Science; Bad Pharma.
Focus: Medicine, science, and ethics.
Why Similar: Writes critically yet humorously about science and misinformation.
Pico Iyer
Famous For: The Art of Stillness; The Open Road.
Focus: Travel, philosophy, and culture.
Why Similar: Combines personal experience with thoughtful reflection.
Bessel van der Kolk
Famous For: The Body Keeps the Score.
Focus: Trauma, neuroscience, and healing.
Why Similar: Uses accessible language to explain deep psychological concepts.
Erik Larson
Famous For: The Devil in the White City; Dead Wake.
Focus: History and storytelling.
Why Similar: Brings historical events to life with vivid narratives.
Let me know if you’d like more about these authors or ideas for incorporating them into EFL activities!
4o
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yes are there any existing efl activitiies ainvolving texts or videos by these writers
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Incorporating works by authors like Malcolm Gladwell, Bill Bryson, Jonah Lehrer, Stephen Levitt, and Michael Lewis can enrich EFL (English as a Foreign Language) lessons by exposing students to engaging, thought-provoking content. Here are some resources and strategies to integrate their texts and videos into your teaching:
1. Lesson Plans and Teaching Guides
Bill Bryson's "Notes from a Small Island": Teachit offers pre-reading and post-reading activities that encourage students to explore cultural connotations and compare historical contexts.
Michael Lewis's "The Big Short": While specific EFL activities are limited, the book has been included in academic assignments, suggesting its potential for classroom discussion on economic topics.
2. Video-Based Activities
Malcolm Gladwell's Talks: Gladwell's TED Talks and interviews are excellent resources for listening comprehension and critical thinking exercises. Consider using his talk on "Choice, Happiness, and Spaghetti Sauce" to discuss market research and consumer behavior.
Stephen Levitt's Discussions: Levitt, co-author of "Freakonomics," has participated in various interviews and podcasts that can be used to explore unconventional economic theories.
3. Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary Exercises
Excerpts from "Freakonomics" by Stephen Levitt and Stephen Dubner: Use selected passages to create reading comprehension questions that challenge students to think critically about economic concepts presented in the book.
Bill Bryson's Descriptive Narratives: Bryson's vivid descriptions can serve as models for vocabulary building and descriptive writing exercises.
4. Discussion and Debate
Jonah Lehrer's Ideas: Although specific EFL materials are scarce, Lehrer's exploration of neuroscience and creativity can inspire debates on topics like the nature of creativity and the reliability of scientific reporting.
5. Supplementary Materials
"Freakonomics" Documentary: The film adaptation of Levitt and Dubner's work can be used for listening practice and to stimulate discussions on the intersection of economics and everyday life.
Michael Lewis's Interviews: Lewis's discussions on topics like financial markets can provide real-world context for advanced learners interested in economics and finance.
6. Creating Custom Materials
Adapt Texts for Language Levels: Simplify excerpts from these authors' works to match your students' proficiency levels, ensuring the content remains challenging yet comprehensible.
Develop Comprehension Questions: Craft questions that test understanding and encourage critical thinking, tailored to the specific themes and complexities of each author's work.
While ready-made EFL activities for these specific authors may be limited, their works offer rich content that can be adapted to create engaging and educational materials for your students.
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4o
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add david eagleman and 5 more people like him to the list but not necessarily neuroscientists
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Here are six more authors, including David Eagleman, who write engagingly on science, philosophy, and the human experience, making them excellent additions to the list:
David Eagleman
Famous For: Incognito: The Secret Lives of the Brain; The Brain: The Story of You.
Focus: Neuroscience, consciousness, and human perception.
Why Similar: Makes complex neuroscience accessible, often tying it to real-life questions and creativity.
1. Carl Zimmer
Famous For: She Has Her Mother’s Laugh; Parasite Rex.
Focus: Biology, genetics, and evolution.
Why Similar: Combines cutting-edge science with storytelling to explore human and natural history.
2. Brian Greene
Famous For: The Elegant Universe; Until the End of Time.
Focus: Physics, cosmology, and the nature of the universe.
Why Similar: Makes complex scientific ideas, like string theory, digestible and awe-inspiring.
3. Carlo Rovelli
Famous For: Seven Brief Lessons on Physics; The Order of Time.
Focus: Theoretical physics and philosophy.
Why Similar: Blends science and philosophy, often in poetic and highly accessible prose.
4. Siddhartha Mukherjee
Famous For: The Emperor of All Maladies; The Gene: An Intimate History.
Focus: Medicine, genetics, and the history of science.
Why Similar: Deeply researched and human-centered exploration of complex scientific topics.
5. Oliver Burkeman
Famous For: Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals; The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking.
Focus: Psychology, productivity, and the human condition.
Why Similar: Tackles everyday struggles with depth, humor, and insight.
6. Deborah Blum
Famous For: The Poisoner’s Handbook; Love at Goon Park.
Focus: Science, history, and forensics.
Why Similar: Combines investigative journalism with fascinating scientific and historical narratives.