Advanced ESL Speaking Activities

One of the challenges of teaching Advanced Students is to maintain motivation. Mundane topics that deal with the everyday aspects of life are fine at lower levels of proficiency, when vocabulary might still be limited, but an Advanced Learner, especially an adult, is less likely to enjoy a lesson on What I did on my vacation? or What life will be like in 2050?

Advanced ESL Speaking Activities are needed!
After hundreds of hours of language instruction, and the real possibility that your Advanced Students are aiming toward a qualification such a IELTS, SAT or another of the standardized tests, it becomes essential that students can present an informed opinion. And opinions can be drawn out more easily with topics that provoke a little controversy and a lot of opposing views!
Here are five new Advanced ESL Speaking Activities that we hope you will use with your students. Naturally, be vigilant about your students’ cultural sensitivities before you undertake a controversial topic.
S508 – Guns and Gun Control
This lesson takes a look at some vocabulary around weapons and gun control. While gun control is not a controversial topic in all countries, the arguments for and against it in the United States constantly invoke the famous Second Amendment. Give your students the opportunity to make an informed opinion on a topic that makes emotions rise!
S509 – Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery
The boom in cosmetic surgery is not slowing down. Are these surgeries for the vain, the narcissistic and the psychologically damaged? Or is such surgery valuable in a society that places pressure on people who are ageing?

S510 – Global Warming
Just how real are the threats posed by global warming? Is there even such a thing? Are rich countries once again determining how everyone should act? Why are we not worried about something that scientists believe will radically alter civilization for our children?

S511 – National Stereotypes
Why do we all have an idea of what other nations ‘are like’? What are the stereotypes about your neighboring countries? Are stereotypes fine to use in comedy though fatal for some politicians (but not all)?
S512 – Women’s Rights
Is Women’s Rights still a valid social movement? Do women across the planet want, or even need, the same rights as men? Without Women’s Rights’ activists, would hard-won rights disappear once again?

We’ll leave you to explore the advanced ESL speaking activities with your students and feel free to leave any comments below.

What controversial topics would you like to see covered next?