Technology and the internet

Objective & content

Leo and his grandma compare then and now: she wrote letters and called her friends from a phone box, he sends messages, searches online and uploads photos. On the way, she reminds him never to share personal information and to keep his password secret. Pupils learn to talk about the technology they use and compare it with the past. After six multiple-choice questions on the conversation, they name six devices from a box of eight, match eight words with their meanings, complete nine sentences from a word box and build eight compound nouns (key + board). The last and hardest task is a mystery word: eight clues from the conversation fill rows of boxes, and one column spells PASSWORD.

Pedagogical guide

The conversation carries the words of the topic, so pupils meet each one in context before working on it, and only words the sheet teaches are tested. Staying safe online comes up naturally in the conversation, never as a lecture. In the compound nouns, the first word is given and the second comes from a box; the sentence decides when two answers seem possible (keyboard, not keyword). The grammar stays on the A2- floor (past and present simple, shall for an offer, can), and no task tests grammar.

Suggested procedure

1. (5 min) Ask pupils what they did on a phone or a computer yesterday and list the verbs.
2. (10 min) Pupils read the conversation and tick the six answers; check together.
3. (8 min) Pupils name the devices, then match the words with their meanings.
4. (8 min) Pupils complete the sentences; remind them that two words are extra.
5. (7 min) Do the laptop example together, then pupils build the compound nouns.
6. (10 min) Pupils solve the mystery word; check with the answer key on page 4.

Adaptations

[S] Before the lesson, pupils ask an older relative: "What did you do without the internet?". They then compare the answers with Grandma's.

[A] Pupils give Leo three more tips for staying safe online. To take it further, the class makes a poster of good password rules.

Materials & prerequisites

One copy of the three pupil pages per pupil, in colour or in black and white. Page 4 is the answer key: keep it. Pupils should know the past simple of common verbs.