The Dark Side of London
ESL Lesson PlansThe Dark Side of London

The Dark Side of London

Explore the dark side of Victorian London through fog, crime, poverty, overcrowding, and the mystery of Jack the Ripper. Students develop historical vocabulary, discuss urban challenges, and compare Victorian society with modern cities.

Skills

  • Can develop a clear argument, expanding and supporting their points of view at some length with relevant examples, such as discussing the social problems of Victorian London and the effects of rapid urban growth.
Online Interactive
Based on CEFR
Fully Customizable
1

Look at the words below. Work in pairs and predict how they might be connected.

  1. fog
  2. factory
  3. poverty
  4. overcrowding
  5. crime
  6. slums
  7. detective
  8. Jack the Ripper
  9. pollution
  10. Victorian London


Discuss:

  1. Which of these words creates the strongest image?
  2. What problems do rapidly growing cities often face?
  3. Would you like to live in London in the 1880s? Why or why not?
2

Match the words to the definitions.

3

Match the conversation halves.

4

Read the text. What is the main purpose of this text?

5

Choose the correct answer.

6

Discuss the questions.

7

Read the instruction and do the task.

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