Demo #3

Debating Ethical Issues (C1-C2 Level)

Let’s design a C1-C2 English as a Second Language (ESL) lesson that will challenge advanced learners. The lesson will integrate speaking, listening, reading, writing, and grammar using free or low-cost AI tools, targeting real-world language use and complex grammar structures. The topic will be Debating Ethical Issues—a relevant, high-level topic for advanced learners, encouraging them to express nuanced opinions and engage in sophisticated discussions.

Tools Used:

  1. ChatGPT (Free) – For generating debate topics and providing grammar explanations.
  2. Canva (Free) – For creating debate structure visuals and infographics.
  3. Murf.ai (Free version) – For generating listening exercises (AI-generated audio).
  4. Google Docs/Slides (Free) – For sharing reading materials and writing tasks.

Lesson Objectives:

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

  • Engage in a structured debate about ethical issues, expressing complex opinions.
  • Listen and respond to advanced-level arguments in English.
  • Read and analyze an article discussing a contemporary ethical issue.
  • Write a persuasive essay on an ethical dilemma.
  • Review and apply advanced grammar structures, including conditionals and modal verbs for speculation.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Lesson Creation

1. Listening Activity: Ethical Debate (Murf.ai)

Tool: Murf.ai (Free version)

Objective: Students will listen to an advanced conversation about an ethical dilemma.

Steps:

  1. Go to Murf.ai and sign up for the free version.
  2. In the Text-to-Speech Editor, input the following script:Speaker 1: I believe that the death penalty should be abolished. It’s inhumane, and there are too many cases of wrongful convictions.
    Speaker 2: While I understand that, I think the death penalty can serve as a deterrent for serious crimes. It also provides justice to the victims’ families.
  3. Choose voice profiles for the speakers to simulate a real conversation.
  4. Generate the audio file and download it.
  5. Create a listening worksheet in Google Docs or Google Slides with comprehension tasks:
    • Comprehension Questions: “What are the two opposing views on the death penalty?”
    • Listening for Specific Details: “What reasons does each speaker give to support their argument?”

2. Speaking Activity: Debating Ethical Issues (ChatGPT)

Tool: ChatGPT (Free)

Objective: Students will engage in a structured debate on an ethical issue.

Steps:

  1. Open ChatGPT and input the prompt:“Generate a list of debate topics about ethical issues for advanced English learners. Include topics like euthanasia, privacy in the digital age, or animal testing.”
  2. Select a few topics from the list generated by ChatGPT.
  3. In your Google Docs/Slides worksheet, provide:
    • A debate structure (e.g., opening statements, rebuttals, closing statements).
    • Example phrases for agreeing, disagreeing, and supporting arguments at a C1-C2 level. For instance:“While I respect your opinion, I must point out that…”
      “One could argue that this approach overlooks…”
  4. Have students debate the topic in pairs or small groups. Encourage them to use formal language and advanced structures such as modal verbs for speculation (e.g., might, could) and conditionals (e.g., “If society accepted euthanasia, the implications would be…”).
  5. Students can switch sides after each debate to practice defending opposing views.

3. Reading Activity: Analyzing an Article on Ethics (Canva)

Tool: Canva (Free)

Objective: Students will read and analyze a news article on an ethical issue.

Steps:

  1. Go to Canva and search for presentation templates.
  2. Select a template and create a visual presentation of a news article or ethical case study. For example:
    • Choose an article related to euthanasia or surveillance technology and summarize the key points visually with key quotes and statistics.
    • Add images or infographics that highlight the arguments.
  3. Share the article in your Google Docs/Slides worksheet.
  4. Include comprehension questions like:
    • “What is the main argument of the article?”
    • “What evidence does the author use to support their claim?”
    • “What are the ethical implications discussed?”

4. Writing Activity: Persuasive Essay (Google Docs)

Tool: Google Docs (Free)

Objective: Students will write a persuasive essay on an ethical dilemma.

Steps:

  1. In Google Docs, create a writing prompt:“Write a 300-word persuasive essay on one of the following topics:
    • Should animal testing be banned?
    • Is privacy in the digital age an illusion?
    • Should the death penalty be abolished?”
  2. Provide students with a clear structure:
    • Introduction: Present the issue and your thesis.
    • Body Paragraphs: Present arguments with supporting evidence.
    • Conclusion: Summarize your points and reinforce your stance.
  3. Share the Google Docs link so students can complete the task directly in the document.
  4. Provide a rubric to evaluate the essays, focusing on argument development, cohesion, and use of advanced grammar (e.g., modal verbs, conditionals, and passive voice).

5. Grammar Focus: Advanced Modal Verbs & Conditionals (ChatGPT & Quillionz)

Tool: ChatGPT (Free) and Quillionz (Free)

Objective: Students will review and practice using advanced modal verbs (speculation, deduction) and conditionals in an ethical debate context.

Steps:

  • ChatGPT (for explanation):
    1. In ChatGPT, input the prompt: “Explain how to use advanced modal verbs for speculation (e.g., might, could, must) and conditionals (e.g., If I were you, I would…) in the context of a debate. Provide examples like: ‘The government might have to consider…’ or ‘If people valued privacy more, they would…’”
    2. Use ChatGPT’s explanation to teach these grammar structures during the lesson. Add examples of modal verbs and conditionals that students can use in their debate or writing tasks.
  • Quillionz (for quizzes):
    1. Go to Quillionz and input the text about modal verbs and conditionals from ChatGPT.
    2. Quillionz will generate multiple-choice questions, fill-in-the-blank exercises, and sentence transformation tasks.
    3. Share the quiz link or download the questions and add them to your worksheet for students to complete as a grammar review.

Lesson Flow

  1. Warm-Up (10 minutes):
    • Introduce the concept of ethical debates. Ask students if they’ve ever participated in a debate or discussed moral dilemmas in English.
  2. Listening Activity (15 minutes):
    • Play the ethical debate audio generated by Murf.ai.
    • Students listen and answer comprehension questions on the worksheet.
  3. Speaking Activity (30 minutes):
    • Conduct a structured debate using one of the ethical issues generated by ChatGPT.
    • Students practice defending both sides of the argument, using modal verbs and conditionals.
  4. Reading Activity (20 minutes):
    • Students read the ethical article created in Canva and answer comprehension questions about the arguments and implications.
  5. Writing Activity (30 minutes):
    • Students write a persuasive essay on one of the ethical dilemmas, following the structure provided in the Google Docs prompt.
  6. Grammar Activity (20 minutes):
    • Review advanced modal verbs and conditionals using ChatGPT’s explanation.
    • Have students complete the grammar quiz created by Quillionz.
  7. Wrap-Up (10 minutes):
    • Review key points from the debate and the lesson. Encourage students to continue exploring ethical issues and using advanced language structures in discussions.
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