Use this lesson with secondary or adult students of CEFR Level B2 to raise awareness and discussion around the theme of ethical shopping. 

The interior of a shop

Introduction

If there is one thing that people from all countries have in common, it is shopping. Like it or hate it, we are all to some extent consumers, so this is a subject that learners of all ages and nationalities should be able to identify with.

Task 1 is to get learners involved in the topic and asks them to check out the labels on their clothes and study materials to see where they're from. Task 2 asks learners to think about the most important factors when shopping for different items. Task 3 is a reading task which looks at the trend of ethical shopping and consumerism. The next task gives learners some moral shopping dilemmas to discuss. Task 5 looks at how the cost of a typical pair of trainers is divided amongst all the people involved in producing and selling them. 

Teachers can copy the student worksheet, reading texts and quandary cards or can use a presentation for a no printing option.

Learning outcomes:

  • Use vocabulary related to shopping and consumerism
  • Identify and summarise information from a short text about consumer power
  • Participate in discussions about ethical shopping and give opinions

Age and level:

13-17, Adults (B2)

Time:

45-50 minutes + optional 15+ minute activity

Materials:

The materials can be downloaded below.

  • Lesson plan
  • Presentation
  • Student worksheet
  • Reading texts (1 copy x 3 learners)
  • Quandary cards
Language Level

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