The Great Gatsby: English Through Classic Literature
ESL Lesson PlansThe Great Gatsby: English Through Classic Literature

The Great Gatsby: English Through Classic Literature

This 60-minute ESL lesson for adults (B2) explores classic literature, critical thinking, and vocabulary through a video review of The Great Gatsby. Students begin by reflecting on their own reading habits and opinions about classic books, then build key vocabulary (e.g. narrator, intriguing, cultural consciousness) through matching and rephrasing exercises. A video review of The Great Gatsby provides a springboard for listening comprehension, true/false analysis, and group discussion. Designed to promote thoughtful conversation, contextual vocabulary use, and listening fluency, this lesson is perfect for learners interested in combining English practice with literature and culture.

Skills

  • Can account for and sustain their opinions in discussion by providing relevant explanations, arguments and comments.
  • Can understand recordings in the standard form of the language likely to be encountered in social, professional or academic life and identify viewpoints and attitudes as well as the information content.
Online Interactive
Based on CEFR
Fully Customizable
1

Share your opinion on the following questions:

1
What do you think makes a book a classic?
2
How do you feel about reading books that are considered "must-reads"?
3
Have you ever had mixed feelings about a book? What was it?
4
Do you enjoy discussing books with others? Why or why not?
5
How do you think a book's popularity affects your reading experience?
2

Can you match these words to their definitions?

3

Watch this video review on "The Great Gatsby." Then, mark the statements below as True or False.

4

Answer the questions about the video.

5

Rephrase each sentence using one of the phrases on the list.

6

Match the sentence halves to summarize the video review. Then, in small groups, share which statements you agree or disagree with and explain why.

7

Discuss these questions in pairs.

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