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The Changing of the Guard

Episode of the series Great Stuff

CEFR: A1

In this episode

Illustrated slideshow (11 images)
Glossary (9 words)
Comprehension quiz (17 questions)
19 cultural notes

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The episode

Who are the guards in the huge furry hats outside Buckingham Palace? Two friends find out about the bearskin hats, the marching band and the real soldiers underneath.

Episode worksheets (2)

Student sheet In your teacher account
Teacher sheet In your teacher account

Teaching guide

Objective & content

This Great Stuff Short is a quick dialogue about the Changing of the Guard outside Buckingham Palace in London. The speakers describe the guards in their huge furry hats, the marching band, the real bearskin and the fact that the guards are real soldiers, not just a tourist show. The grammar focus is the present simple for describing a tradition, with vocabulary for British icons, clothes and sightseeing. Learners listen, then answer the in-app questions. One line to notice: "It's a proper show, and it's free to watch."

Materials & prerequisites

The folder holds the audio, the slideshow, the script, a student sheet and a teacher sheet with the answer key (PDF); it has no lesson plan. Learners should know the present simple and basic clothing words.

Curriculum alignment

Tagged c3-child-and-wider-environment (cycle 3, 6e). The episode targets CEFR level A1-.

Possible adaptations

Lower levels: Offer segmented listening and additional visual aids.
Advanced levels: Encourage an oral summary and a debate in English on the theme.
Large groups: Organise group work with differentiated roles.

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