Should We Forgive These Crimes?
ESL Lesson PlansShould We Forgive These Crimes?

Should We Forgive These Crimes?

This ESL lesson plan explores the concept of forgiveness in the context of various types of crime. It is designed for B1-B2 level teens and adults. In this 60-minute group discussion, students will engage in thoughtful debates, practice vocabulary related to crime and justice, and examine cases that test the boundaries of forgiveness. With thought-provoking exercises, the lesson enhances speaking skills, and develops reasoning abilities as students discuss, evaluate, and defend their viewpoints on complex moral issues.

Skills

  • Can explain whether or not they approve of what someone has done and give reasons to justify this opinion.
Online Interactive
Based on CEFR
Fully Customizable
1

Do you agree with this quote? Share your thoughts.

Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future.
- Paul Boese
Your answer:
2

Glossary

3

Which opinion do you identify with the most and why?

4

Discuss the following questions.

5

Match the words to their definitions.

6

In pairs, read about these two crimes. Go back to the questions from Exercise #4 and decide if this crime deserves forgiveness. What factors did you consider when deciding if these crimes deserve forgiveness or not?

7

In small groups, take a look at some pros and cons of forgiving certain crimes. Complete the list with your ideas. After 5 minutes, share them with the class.

Other lessons in this category

The Future of Transportation
A2
The Future of Transportation

This ESL lesson plan introduces A2-level teens to the possibilities of future transportation through a 60-minute individual reading activity. Students will explore exciting new travel methods, like flying taxis and hyperloops, while practicing future simple tense. Through reading exercises and structured questions, students improve their comprehension and learn to express ideas about upcoming technology in transportation.

A Trip to Madeira
A1-A2
A Trip to Madeira

This ESL lesson plan introduces key vocabulary for travel and accommodations while developing reading and speaking skills. Students explore practical tasks like understanding emails, identifying details, and matching events to dates. Engaging discussions, gap-filling exercises, and cultural insights about Madeira make this a fun, interactive lesson for learners at A1/A2 levels.

Let's Read a Poem: Shakespeare's Sonnet 25
B2-C1
Let's Read a Poem: Shakespeare's Sonnet 25

This ESL lesson plan invites B2-C1 level adult learners to dive into classic literature by analyzing Shakespeare’s Sonnet 25. Through this individual reading lesson, students explore vocabulary, poetic expressions, and themes, fostering their interpretative skills. The lesson includes exercises for simplifying poetic language, discussing interpretations, and comparing personal reflections on love, fame, and success. Engaging activities and discussions build students' confidence in describing their emotional responses to poetry and improving their understanding of classical English literature.

How Netflix's Money Heist Became a Worldwide Phenomenon
B2-C1
How Netflix's Money Heist Became a Worldwide Phenomenon

This lesson plan explores how Netflix's "Money Heist" became a worldwide phenomenon while developing reading and speaking skills. Students engage in discussion, comprehension exercises, and vocabulary activities to analyze the show's success, themes, and impact. Through gap-filling, sentence rephrasing, and thought-provoking questions, learners deepen their understanding of storytelling, media influence, and global entertainment trends. Perfect for adults and teens.

Talking About Clothes
A1-A2
Talking About Clothes

This engaging 45-minute lesson plan is designed for ESL teens and adults at the A1/A2 level. It focuses on developing reading and speaking skills, with students practicing how to express their likes and dislikes about clothes.

Free
An Easter Basket Full of Joy
A1-A2
An Easter Basket Full of Joy

This fun and engaging 30-minute Easter-themed ESL lesson is designed for young learners and focuses on developing reading, speaking, and vocabulary skills. Children read a simple, colorful dialogue between two characters, Alice and Tom, as they explore what’s inside an Easter basket. The lesson includes matching vocabulary to definitions, sentence half-matching, and open-ended speaking questions to encourage conversation. Perfect for beginner-level kids!

Personal Hygiene and Self-Care
A2
Personal Hygiene and Self-Care

This ESL lesson plan introduces teens to the basics of hygiene and self-care in a 45-minute individual reading and speaking activity at the A2 level. Students will explore daily habits that promote cleanliness and well-being, identifying key vocabulary and actions related to self-care. The lesson includes interactive exercises to help students discuss their routines and reflect on ways to maintain good hygiene and a balanced lifestyle.

Breaking News: Mastering the Present Continuous
A1-A2
Breaking News: Mastering the Present Continuous

This ESL lesson plan helps students master the present continuous through engaging, real-world scenarios. Learners will discuss dramatic news headlines, analyze grammar structures, and complete a gap-fill activity. The lesson builds fluency through an exciting role-play, where students create and present their own breaking news reports. This interactive approach strengthens speaking, listening, and grammar skills in a fun and dynamic way!