What makes you laugh?
b2/c1 level
Description
Main Aims
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To provide speaking practices on the topic of why people laugh with vocabulary related to laughing .
Subsidiary Aims
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To provide listening opportunities for students by means of a video.
Procedure (45-55 minutes)
Start the class with a short video clip or a few funny jokes to set the mood and get students laughing. Afterward, ask them: Discussion Questions: Why do you think people laugh? Can you recall a situation where you couldn't stop laughing? What happened? Do people from different cultures find the same things funny?
Speaking Practice 1: Role Play Divide the class into pairs or small groups and assign each group a scenario. Ask them to create a dialogue where the characters find something funny. Encourage the use of the new vocabulary. Afterward, each group can perform their role play for the class.
Introduce and discuss key vocabulary related to laughing: Types of Laughter:Belly laugh, Chuckle, Giggle, Snicker, Snort Expressions:Splitting one's sides, Burst into laughter, Cracking up, Rolling on the floor laughing (ROFL) Adjectives: Hilarious, Amusing, Witty, Comical, Sarcastic
Speaking Practice 2: Analyzing Humor Joke Analysis: Provide a few jokes and ask students to analyze why they find them funny. Discuss cultural aspects that may affect humor perception. Funny Stories: Have students share funny anecdotes from their lives. Discuss what elements in the stories contribute to the humor. Speaking Practice 3: Cultural Differences Cultural Humor Presentation: Assign each student or group a different culture. Have them research and present on what types of humor are prevalent in that culture. Comparative Analysis: Discuss how cultural differences influence humor. Share personal experiences or observations related to cross-cultural humor. Speaking Practice 4: Creating Humor Joke Writing: Ask students to create their own jokes using the new vocabulary. Share jokes within the class and discuss what makes them funny. Funny Images/Memes: Show funny images or memes without captions. Have students create and share their own captions, explaining the humor.
Reflection and Closing: Conclude the class with a reflection: Discussion: Reflect on what they've learned about laughter and humor. Share if their views on what is funny have changed. Homework: Assign students to find and bring in examples of humor from their own culture for the next class. These activities should engage students in discussions about laughter while expanding their vocabulary and cultural awareness.