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Describe a scene from the movie "White Chicks"

using at least three different past tense forms. Explain how the agents' feelings about their disguises changed throughout the movie using appropriate past tenses.

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White Chicks (2004) Official Trailer 1 - Marlon Wayans Movie

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1. Simple Past Tense

Definition: Used for completed actions in the past. Structure: Subject + verb in past form + complement

Ex.

The FBI agents disguised themselves as the Wilson sisters.

They went to the Hamptons for their undercover mission.

2. Past Continuous Tense

Definition: Used for actions that were in progress at a specific time in the past. Structure: Subject + was/were + verb-ing + complement

Ex.

While the real Wilson sisters were shopping at the mall, the FBI agents were preparing their disguises.

Kevin was struggling with his high heels throughout the investigation.

3. Past Perfect Tense

Definition: Used for actions completed before another past action. Structure: Subject + had + past participle + complement

Ex.

By the time they arrived at the hotel, the real Wilson sisters had already left town.

The agents realized that someone had threatened the Wilson sisters before the kidnapping attempt.

4. Past Perfect Continuous Tense

Definition: Used for ongoing actions that started before and continued up to another point in the past. Structure: Subject + had been + verb-ing + complement

Ex.

The FBI had been investigating the kidnapping case for weeks before they went undercover.

The criminals had been planning their scheme for months prior to the agents' intervention.

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This lesson explores the four main past tense forms in English using examples related to the 2004 comedy film "White Chicks."

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While the FBI agents tried to get the dog back into the car, the Wilson sisters wouldn´t stop screaming which resulted in a scar in each sister face. By the time they arrived at the hotel, the Wilson sisters had already decided that they were not going to leave the room.

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The two FBI agents weren´t happy about their disguises in the beggining. However, throughtout the movie, the agents discovered that they had made real friends, the girls who didn´t even known they weren´t the real Wilsons sisters. While they were having fun, they understood that they shouldn´t have hiden that from the FBI even thought in the end they caught the criminal.

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Lesson Goal

You will develop fluency and accuracy in using past tenses (Simple Past, Past Continuous, Past Perfect, and Past Perfect Continuous) by analyzing and discussing a scene from House M.D., focusing on medical cases, deductions, and character interactions.

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House M.D. Compilation - Medical Vocabulary

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Test your vocabulary and comprehension with this interactive lesson on illness and hospital vocabulary

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1. Have you ever struggled to remember something important? What did you do?

2. Have you ever had to piece together past events based on small clues?

3. Before joining this class, what had you been doing today?

4. What do you think a doctor like House does when he can’t remember a critical event?

5. If you lost your memory of a specific event, how would you try to reconstruct what happened?

6. What medical conditions could cause memory loss?

7. If a detective or doctor had to figure out what happened to someone unconscious, what questions would they ask?

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Activity 1 - Watch the short video from House M.D. - Season 4, Episode 15 (House's Head). Then use the verb tenses learned previously to answer the questions.

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Activity 1 - Watch the short video from House M.D. - Season 4, Episode 15 (House's Head). Then use the verb tenses learned previously to answer the questions.

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What had happened before House woke up? (Past Perfect)

What was happening while House was unconscious? (Past Continuous)

How long had House been trying to remember the event? (Past Perfect Continuous)

What did House finally remember? (Simple Past)

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Activity 2 - Fill in the gaps. Adjust the words in bracket accordingly.

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Activity 2 - Fill in the gaps. Adjust the words in bracket accordingly.

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Dr. House _woke up_____ (wake up) on a bus after a serious accident, but he ___couldn't remember___ (not remember) how he got there. He __realized____ (realize) that he ___had witnessed___ (witness) something crucial before the crash, but the details __had already escaped____ (escape) him. While he _tried_____ (try) to recall the event, his team __was searching____ (search) for any medical cases that could be related. House __was____ (be) convinced that someone on the bus __had been____ (be) in serious danger, but he _couldn't figure out_____ (not figure out) who it was. By the time he finally _recovered_____ (recover) parts of his memory, the patient ___had already collapsed___ (already collapse), and they __rushed____ (rush) to save them.

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Sentence Transformations (Past-Tense Variations)

1. Simple Past → Past Perfect

House forgot a crucial clue.
→ House had forgotten a crucial clue before he woke up.

2. Past Continuous → Past Perfect Continuous

House was searching for answers while suffering from memory loss.
→ House had been searching for answers while suffering from memory loss.

3. Simple Past → Past Continuous

The patient collapsed on the floor.
→ The patient was collapsing on the floor when House had his memory flashback.

4. Past Perfect → Simple Past

House had tried different methods before he remembered the patient’s face.
→ House tried different methods before he remembered the patient’s face.

5. Past Continuous → Past Perfect

House was questioning his team about the accident.
→ House had questioned his team about the accident before realizing the truth.

EXAMPLES

1. I forgot about my test tomorrow.

I had fotgotten about my test before my friend told me about it.

2. My mom was working while talking to my sister on the phone.

My mom had been working while she talked to my sister on the phone.

3. My cousin fell of his bike.

My cousin fell of his bike when his mom wasn't watching.

4. My mom had tried to contact a lot of babysitters before she decided to call my grandma.

My mom tried to contact a lot of babysitters before she decided to call my grandma.

5. My friend was questioning the teacher about her grade.

My friend had questioned the teacher about her grade before she realized he was right.

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Activity 3 - Role-Play & Storytelling. Use the information below to create your own story:

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Activity 3 - Role-Play & Storytelling. Use the information below to create your own story:

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Role-Play:
You will act out a scene where you will be House trying to recall an event.

Storytelling Challenge:
Create a medical mystery inspired by the show, narrating events using all four past tenses.

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Activity 1 - Read the statements below then categorize them according to the following labels:

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Activity 1 - Read the statements below then categorize them according to the following labels:

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Past Perfect - Used to return to an earlier Past time (double past).

Past Perfect continuous (progressive) -the same contrast between simple past and past continues can be made in past perfect verb forms for events further back in the past.

Past continues (progressive) - Generally refers to actions and progress often interrupted by events.

Past simple - States| Habits | Completed actions.

1 - I got up, switched off the radio, and sat down again.

2 - Every day I went to the park.

In those days, I didn't like reading.

3 - I was drinking my coffee at the time.

4 - While I was opening the letter, the phone rang.

5 - The car was getting worse all the time.

6 - One of those headlights was gradually falling off, and the engine was making more and more funny noises.

7 - By the time I got to the station, the train had left.

8 - The train left five minutes before I got to the station.

9 - I had been living in a bed-sitte up to then.

10 - While do I had been talking on the phone, Jimmy had escaped.

11 - The whole place was deserted, but it was obvious that someone had been living there. They'd been cooking in the kitchen for a start and they hadn't bothered to clear up the mess.

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Lesson Goal: By the end of this lesson, you will be able to accurately use past time tenses to describe events and actions.

Past tenses:

Simple past

Past continuous

Past perfect

Past perfect continuous

Would and Used to

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Used to and would also talk about the past for example:

I used to go swimming a lot.

Every week he would buy his mother a bunch of flowers.

I used to like cowboy films

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Activity 2 - Underline the correct word or phrase in each sentence:

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Activity 2 - Underline the correct word or phrase in each sentence:

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Underline the correct word or phrase in each sentence:

A - When you pass the town hall clock, did you notice/were you noticing what time it was?

B- Last night my neighbors were shouting/ would shout for hours and I couldn't get to sleep.

C- When you lived in London, did you use to travel/ were you traveling by bus?

D - Everyone was having a good time, although not many people danced/ were dancing.

E - Jill was really hungry because she didn't eat/ haven't eaten all day.

F - Before we went to the theater, we called in/ had called in at George's Cafe for pizza.

G - It took a while for me to notice, but then I did. Everyone stared/ was staring at me. What had I done wrong?

H - Nobody bothered to tell me that the school decided/ had decided to have a special holiday on Friday.

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Meredith is Killing it as Chief - Grey's Anatomy

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🗣️ “Today we’re going to revisit Grey’s Anatomy through the lens of storytelling and grammar—specifically how the characters’ past actions shaped emotional and life-changing events. Let’s start by diving into your personal experience with the show.”

1A - If you could relive one scene from Grey’s Anatomy, which one would it be—and why?

1B - What emotions did it bring up for you?

2A - Was there a moment in the series that completely changed how you saw a character?

2B - What happened and how it affected your view?

3A - Can you describe a time when you felt angry, hopeful, or heartbroken because of something that happened to a character?

3B - Do you remember a scene where everything seemed fine, but suddenly something went wrong?

4 - Imagine you were one of the doctors at Grey Sloan Memorial—what’s one thing you would have done differently in a critical moment?

5A - If you had to tell someone who’s never watched the show about one unforgettable storyline, which one would you choose?

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Activity 3 - Watch the scene from - Grey's Anatomy - Derek’s Death Scene (Season 11, Episode 21). Then: 

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Activity 3 - Watch the scene from - Grey's Anatomy - Derek’s Death Scene (Season 11, Episode 21). Then: 

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Create sentences related to the scene using the past tenses learned previously.

Past Simple: "Dr. Bailey performed the surgery."

Past Perfect: "Dr. Bailey had performed the surgery before the patient woke up."

Etc...

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to express beliefs about the present or future

to talk about what people want to do or are willing to do

to make promises, offers and requests.

is the past tense form of will. Because it is a past tense, it is used:

to talk about the past

to talk about hypotheses (when we imagine something)

for politeness.

Beliefs

We use would as the past of will, to describe past beliefs about the future:

I thought we would be late, so we would have to take the train.

Willingness

to talk about what people want to do or are willing to do:

to talk about typical behaviour, things that we often do (because we are willing to do them):

We always spend our holidays at our favourite hotel at the seaside. We'll get up early every morning and have a quick breakfast then we'll go across the road to the beach.

We use would as the past tense of will:

to talk about what people wanted to do or were willing to do in the past:

to talk about typical behaviour, things that we often did (because we were willing to do them) in the past:

When they were children they used to spend their holidays at their grandmother's at the seaside. They'd get up early every morning and have a quick breakfast. Then they'd run across the road to the beach.

Promises, offers and requests

I'll give youa lift home after the party.
We'll come and see you next week.
Level: intermediate
Hypotheses and conditionals

We use will in conditionals to say what we think will happen in the present or future:

when we imagine a situation:

I would give her a call if I could find her number.
If I had the money, I'd buy a new car.
Youwould lose weight if you took more exercise.
If he got a new job, hewould probably make more money.
What if he lost his job? Whatwould happen then?

We also use conditionals to give advice :

Past tenses are more polite:

See also: Verbs in time clauses and conditionals
Level: beginner
Expressions with would

We use:

Would you carry this for me, please?
Would you mind carrying this?
Would you mind not telling him until tomorrow?

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Learn about the modal verbs will and would and do the exercises to practise using them.

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🎯 Objectives:

Understand and correctly use 10 common English idioms.

Connect idiomatic expressions to real-life contexts and TV drama scenarios.

Practice listening, speaking, and comprehension using a scene from Grey’s Anatomy.

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Let's learn idioms + examples of how they are used!

Here are 100 common English idioms with meanings and example sentences:

1. A blessing in disguise

2. A dime a dozen

3. All ears

4. All in the same boat

5. Barking up the wrong tree

6. Beat around the bush

7. Bite the bullet

8.Bury the hatchet

9. By the skin of your teeth

10. Call it a day

11. Cold feet

12. Cost an arm and a leg

13. Cry over spilled milk

14. Cut corners

15. Drive someone up the wall

16. Silver lining

17. Face the music

18. Get a taste of your own medicine

19. Get the ball rolling

20. Give someone the benefit of the doubt

21. Go the extra mile

22. Hit the nail on the head

23. In the heat of the moment

24. It's a piece of cake

25. Keep your chin up

26. Kill two birds with one stone

27. Let the cat out of the bag

28. Like a fish out of water

29. Make a long story short

30. Miss the boat

31. Not my cup of tea

32. On cloud nine

33. Once in a blue moon

34. Out of the blue

35. Over the moon

36. Pull someone's leg

37. Put the cart before the horse

38. Raining cats and dogs

39. Not ring a bell

40. Rule of thumb

41. Shoot yourself in the foot

42. On the fence

43. Skeletons in the closet

44. Take a rain check

45. The ball is in your court

46. The best of both worlds

47. Show someone the ropes

48. The whole nine yards

49. Through thick and thin

50. Throw in the towel

51. Turn a blind eye

52. Under the weather

53. Off The Hook

54. Up in the air

55. When it rains, it pours

56. Wrap your head around something

57. Throw someone for a loop

58. At the drop of a hat

59. At the end of your rope

60. Pipe down!

61. Cross that bridge when you come to it

62. Drop the ball

63. Elephant in the room

64. Get off on the wrong foot

65. Go down in flames

66. Go with the flow

67. Hang in there

68. In hot water

69. Jump on the bandwagon

70. Kick the bucket

71. Swallow something hook, line, and sinker

72. Show your true colors

73. On thin ice

74. Play it by ear

75. Save your breath

76. Steal the show

77. Take it with a grain of salt

78. clear as mud

79. jump the gun

80. get your wires crossed

81. Throw caution to the wind

82. Lose your touch

83. Off the chain

84. Eyeball it

85. Spice things up

86. Bring home the bacon

87. Nip something in the bud

88. The last straw

89. A whole new ballgame

90. Burn the midnight oil

91. Between a rock and a hard place

92. Play devil's advocate

93. Put your foot in your mouth

94. Get a grip

95. Piece of work

96. Put someone on the spot

97. a night owl

98. has seen better days

99. get bent out of shape

100. Play your cards right

Now you know 100 common idiomatic expressions and their meanings. I hope these idioms + examples are helpful!

You'll learn lots more idioms & examples in my 300+ Idioms Course!

This course is an EFFECTIVE way to learn and practice common idiomatic expressions in the English language. It's not just a list of idioms - instead, each lesson helps you learn the expressions more actively.

The lessons start by showing you examples of idioms in sentences, and you'll try to guess what they mean from the context. Then, you can watch a video where I teach the idioms' meanings. Next, try a quiz to see how well you remember the idiomatic expressions. Finally, there are short-answer questions to help you practice using these common idioms yourself - and you can get feedback and correction from an Espresso English teacher!

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100 Idioms: Meanings & Examples - Espresso English

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Learn LOTS of common idioms in English, with examples of how these expressions are used by native English speakers.

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Activity 1 - Look at these idioms and try to guess their meaning according to the context given.

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Activity 1 - Look at these idioms and try to guess their meaning according to the context given.

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1 - A blessing in disguise:

Losing that job was a blessing in disguise because it pushed me to start my own business.

2 - A dime a dozen:

Those souvenir keychains are a dime a dozen at the tourist shops.

3 - All ears:

Go ahead, I’m all ears. Tell me what’s been on your mind.

4 - All in the same boat:

Everybody on staff got a pay cut – we’re all in the same boat.

5 - Barking up the wrong tree:

If you think I took your book, you’re barking up the wrong tree. I haven’t seen it.

6 - Beat around the bush:

Stop beating around the bush and tell me why you didn’t show up to my birthday party.

7 - Bite the bullet:

I have to bite the bullet and tell him the truth, even though it might hurt him.

8 - Bury the hatchet:

After years of not speaking to each other, they finally decided to bury the hatchet and become friends again.

9 - By the skin of your teeth

I passed the exam by the skin of my teeth; I got the minimum required score.

10 - Call it a day

We’ve been painting all afternoon; let’s call it a day and continue tomorrow.

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1 - Do you know any scenes from Grey’s Anatomy where characters went through tough situations but learned something from it?

Close your eyes and recall:

George’s Accident – Grey’s Anatomy – Season 5, Episode 24

Where was George last seen?

What happened to the man who was hit by the bus?

How did Meredith and the others discover his identity?

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GREY'S ANATOMY SCENE Season 5 Episode 24, Season 6 Episode 1 Grey Finds Out It's George

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Activity 3 - Catalogue the episodes below, by using the idioms lerant.

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Activity 3 - Catalogue the episodes below, by using the idioms lerant.

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Grey’s Anatomy:

Season 2, Episode 5 – The ferry boat accident (everyone working together = “__________________”)

Season 5, Episode 24 – George’s accident reveal (a moment where “_______________” could be debated)

“The ER is packed. A patient comes in — crushed, face unrecognizable, mute. He can’t speak. Everyone assumes it’s just another victim. But Meredith holds his hand. He writes 007 in her palm. She realizes — it’s George. It’s almost too late — she figures it out by the skin_____________.”

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Activity 2 -  Idioms Matching + Examples. Write the idiom according to their definition. Then fill in the example sentences.

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Activity 2 -  Idioms Matching + Examples. Write the idiom according to their definition. Then fill in the example sentences.

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Activity 4 - Pair up the idioms with their respective scene description. 

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Activity 4 - Pair up the idioms with their respective scene description. 

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1 - By the skin of your teeth –

2 - Barking up the wrong tree –

3 - Beat around the bush –

4 - Bite the bullet –

5 - All in the same boat –

6 - Call it a day –

A - When there's nothing more to be done.

B - Meredith realizes George’s identity just in time.

C - The doctors share emotional pain.

D - Everyone assumes the patient is a stranger.

E - No one dares to admit who it might be.

F - Meredith has to tell others it’s George.

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Create a short dramatic scene (5–7 lines each) using at least 3 idioms.

Must reflect on what happened and how they feel.

Use tone, emotion, and gestures.

Sample Lines:

“I’m all ears—tell me exactly how he wrote 007.”

“I thought he was just another John Doe. I was barking up the wrong tree.”

“We’ve been through hell today. We’re all in the same boat.”

ER Dialogue Acting

Scenario:

Doctors are decompressing after discovering George’s identity.

Roles: Cristina, Meredith, Bailey, Alex, Chief

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Beliefs

We use will to express beliefs about the present or future:

John will be in his office. (present)
We'll be late. (future)
We will have to take the train. (future)

We use would as the past of will, to describe past beliefs about the future:

I thought we would be late, so we would have to take the train.

I belived that my family would like to have lunch at my house instead of going to a restaurant.

We use would as the past tense of will:

to talk about what people wanted to do or were willing to do in the past:

We had a terrible night. The baby wouldn't go to sleep.
Dad wouldn't lend me the car, so we had to take the train.

My mom wouldn't tell me what was going on with her work.

to talk about typical behaviour, things that we often did (because we were willing to do them) in the past:

When they were children they used to spend their holidays at their grandmother's at the seaside. They'd get up early every morning and have a quick breakfast. Then they'd run across the road to the beach.

When I was a kid, me and my cousin would spent all day in the park with my grandfather.

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🎯 Objectives:

Understand and use "would" in past hypothetical contexts.

Enhance listening, speaking, and writing skills through context-rich activities.

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Activity 1 - Watch the video and discuss the alternate realities presented in the episode:

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Activity 1 - Watch the video and discuss the alternate realities presented in the episode:

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1. How do the characters' lives differ?

2. What decisions led to these alternate outcomes?

3. Identify statements that reflect past hypotheticals using "would have."

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Grey's Anatomy| Season 8 - episode 13| If/Then| Owen/Cristina| Moments

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Activity 2 - Gap Fill – What Would Have Happened?

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Activity 2 - Gap Fill – What Would Have Happened?

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Fill in the blanks using the correct form of the verbs with “would have” or past perfect based on the scene.

1. If Cristina _____had married_____ (not marry) Owen, she _____would have had__________ (have) a very different life.

2. Owen ___wouldn't be_________ (not be) so unhappy if he ___had listened________ (listen) to Cristina earlier.

3. If they ____had choosen_________ (choose) different careers, they _____wouldn't have met_________ (not meet) at all.

4. Meredith’s life ____would be________ (be) less dramatic if she _____had made________ (make) other choices.

5. If Cristina _____had been honest_______ (be honest) about what she wanted, they ___wouldn't have fought___________ (not fight) so much.

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Activity 3 - Unscramble the words to form correct conditional sentences.

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Activity 3 - Unscramble the words to form correct conditional sentences.

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had / Cristina / been / more / open / their marriage / worked / out / might / have
→ If Cristina had been more open, their marriage might have worked out.

have / would / so / not / been / Owen / angry / if / Cristina / had / communicated
→ If Cristina had communicated, Owen wouldn't have been so angry.

more / she / If / compassionate / been / had / Owen / have / stayed / might
→ If Owen had been more compassionate, she might have stayed.

Cristina / would / child / not / if / wanted / have / a / she / Owen / married / had
→ If Owen wouldn't had wanted a child, Cristina would have married him.

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Activity 2 -

✅ Answer Key:

1. had not married / would have had

2. would not have been / had listened

3. had chosen / would not have met

4. would have been / had made

5. had been honest / would not have fought

Activity 3 -

✅ Sample Answers:

1. If Cristina had been more open, their marriage might have worked out.

2. Owen would not have been so angry if Cristina had communicated.

3. If she had been more compassionate, Owen might have stayed.

4. Cristina would not have married Owen if she had wanted a child.

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Imagine you're one of the characters. Reflect on a decision from the "If/Then" episode. Use "would have" to express a regret or an alternative outcome.

Examples:

Cristina: “If I had told Owen the truth earlier, we wouldn’t have hurt each other so much.”

Owen: “If I had accepted Cristina’s dreams, our relationship might have lasted.”

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Read the excerpt from the article "Solo Vacations: Traveling Alone Is Now a Group Activity" and fill in the gaps with the correct form of the verbs given in brackets.

"Rich Harrington 1. _______ (WANT) to visit Europe, but planning a trip with others felt daunting. "It's hard enough coordinating dinner out with friends," he said. Then Mr. Harrington, a 41-year-old animator from Middletown, Conn., discovered group trips that cater to solo travelers, and in 2023, he 2. _______ (TRAVEL) with the tour operator Exoticca to Italy, where he said he appreciated being able to focus on the experiences and to share them with others in the group.

Finding a companion whose budget, time off and interests overlap with yours enough to plan a vacation together can be tough. Tour operators 3. ____________ (RESPOND) with trips that bring solo travelers together to forge connections with one another, while 4. ________ (LEAVE) the itinerary and logistics to the professionals. People are seeking " curated trips that turn into multiday friend-findig events," said Melissa Biggs Bradley, the founder of Indagare Journeys, a luxury tour operator that offers group trips to destinations like Thailand, South Africa, Namibia, India and Morocco.

The demand 5. __________ (GROW). Ms. Biggs Bradley estimated that the number of solo travelers on Indagare tours 6. _______ (QUINTUPLE) since 2019. And surging interest has led G Adventures, a tour operator that 7.__________ (FOCUS) on families, young adults and outdoor enthusiasts, to introduce Solo-ish Adventures, group tours with activities "handpicked for turning strangers into a close-knit crew."

There 8. ______ (BE) some downsides to traveling with a group. Mr. Harrington said, like restricted flight choices, early morning meet-ups and stops he wished were longer. But, he said, he liked having the transportation and activities arranged.

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🗣️ Starting Off - Which of the statements about traveling do you agree with discuss it. 

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🗣️ Starting Off - Which of the statements about traveling do you agree with discuss it. 

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1 - It's an eye-opening experience.

2 - It's a thoroughly selfish pursuit.

3- It makes you a more interesting person.

4 - It allows you to detox from social media.

5 - It brings prosperity to many communities.

6 - It is detrimental to the environment.

7 - It makes you appreciate family and home.

8 - It ruins traditional communities.

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Where to next?

A unique perspective on all things travel.

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Warm-Up: Documentaries vs. Paparazzi Gossip

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Warm-Up: Documentaries vs. Paparazzi Gossip

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What is paparazzi gossip? Where do people usually see it?

Which one do you think is more trustworthy: a documentary or paparazzi gossip? Why?

Have you ever watched a documentary about a celebrity? How did it make you feel?

Have you ever read or heard celebrity gossip that turned out to be false? What happened?

In your opinion, what is the main purpose of a documentary? What about paparazzi gossip?

How do you think the tone and style of a documentary are different from those of gossip articles?

Why do you think some people trust gossip more than official news or documentaries?

Do you think paparazzi gossip can damage someone’s career? Give an example or hypothetical situation.

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Taylor Swift Talks About Paparazzi in NYC! 😍📸

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SUPPORT

Target vocabulary

1. Poignant – causing a strong feeling, often of sadness or emotion.

2. Crowded area – a place full of people.

3. Decimated – greatly reduced or destroyed.

4. Information void – a lack of information.

5. Hard-hitting – powerful, direct, and not avoiding the truth.

6. Gripping – very exciting and interesting.

7. Hound – to follow or chase someone persistently.

8. Unflattering – making someone look worse than they really are.

9. Tell their stories directly – to share their own version without others editing or controlling it.

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Activity 1 - Match each bold word with its meaning:

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Activity 1 - Match each bold word with its meaning:

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Taylor Swift often experiences a C-poignant moment when someone stumbles out of a G-crowded area, captured unprepared. Traditional media has been E-decimated, creating an I-information void. Now, journalism has moved to documentarians, who make H-hard-hitting, B-gripping stories that dig deeper.
Meanwhile, paparazzi still A-hound celebrities, and sometimes publish D-unflattering photos. But with social media, the days of paparazzi are numbered, because stars can now F- tell their stories directly.

A. To chase someone without stopping.
B. Very exciting and interesting.
C. Causing a strong feeling of sadness or emotion.
D. Making someone look worse than reality.
E. Greatly reduced or destroyed.
F. To share your own version without others editing it.
G. A place full of people.
H. Powerful and not avoiding the truth.
I. A lack of information.

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Activity 3 - Fill in the blanks with the correct word from the box. 

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Activity 3 - Fill in the blanks with the correct word from the box. 

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documentary • gossip • reliable • invasion • speculate • highlight • authentic • rumours • privacy • footage

1. A good _______documentary___ presents facts and real-life stories supported by evidence.

2. Paparazzi photos are often seen as an ____invasion______ of a celebrity’s personal life.

3. It’s important to use _____reliable_____ sources when researching a celebrity’s career.

4. The media likes to ____speculate______ about Taylor Swift’s relationships without proof.

5. Behind-the-scenes ____footage______ from her concert tour gave fans a closer look at her creative process.

6. Social media can spread ___rumours_______ faster than traditional news outlets.

7. The documentary tried to show an ____authentic______ version of Taylor, rather than her public persona.

8. Paparazzi often publish celebrity ___gossip______ to attract more readers.

9. The best part of the documentary was the ___highlight_______ of her award-winning performances.

10. Many fans believe celebrities deserve as much ______privacy____ as anyone else.

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Activity 3- Create your own sentences using the vocabulary you learned in this lesson.

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Activity 3- Create your own sentences using the vocabulary you learned in this lesson.

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Activity 1 - How many expressions from the list below can you recall? Test your memory and create example sentences related to paparazzi and journalism scenarios.

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Activity 1 - How many expressions from the list below can you recall? Test your memory and create example sentences related to paparazzi and journalism scenarios.

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1 - a poignant moment D

2 - stumbles out of C

3 - a famed director K

4 - surrendered H

5 - information void L

6 - decimated A

7 - gripping F

8 - hard-hitting J

9 - scratch the surface E

10 - fly on the wall B

11 - struck a chord G

12 - hound celebrities I

A – badly damaged or reduced in number.

B – observing something quietly without being noticed.

C – to come out of somewhere unsteadily or awkwardly.

D – a very emotional or touching moment.

E – to deal with only a small part of a subject or issue.

F – very exciting or interesting; holds full attention.

G – caused an emotional reaction or connection with people.

H – gave up control or resistance.

I – follow or chase celebrities aggressively, usually by paparazzi.

J – very strong, direct, or powerful, often shocking.

K – a very famous and well-known director.

L – a situation where there is no available information on a topic.

Actors that work in a famed - director movie, usually suffers poignant moments because of the paparazzis.

Every information about celebrities are considered gripping by the fans, even if they are not real.

In the future, paparazzis are going to be decimated because hound celebrities will probably be considered a crime.

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A poignant moment

Can you think of a moment in a celebrity’s life that was very emotional?

Information void

What happens when there is no information about a celebrity scandal?

Gripping

What makes a celebrity story gripping?

Scratch the surface

Can you recall a story where the media only scratched the surface?

How could a journalist go deeper?

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Lesson Goal:
By the end of the lesson, you will be able to understand, recall, and use advanced journalism and paparazzi-related vocabulary and expressions (e.g., a poignant moment, information void, hound celebrities) in both spoken and written contexts. You will also be able to analyze and discuss differences between ethical reporting and gossip, construct complex sentences using target prepositions and word formations, and produce nuanced opinions about media coverage and celebrity stories.

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Acivity 2 - Listen to the audio. Then fill in the gaps. 

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Acivity 2 - Listen to the audio. Then fill in the gaps. 

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poignant moment | gripping | hard-hitting | stumbled out of | decimated | scratched the surface | hound celebrities | unflattering photos | struck a chord

Story: The Rise and Scrutiny of Emma Hart

Emma Hart had always been a rising star in Hollywood, and one ___poignant moment____ came when she accepted her first major award, tears of joy streaming down her face. Cameras flashed as she ____stumbled out of_______ the limousine, trying to maintain her composure amid the chaos.

Before reaching this level of fame, Emma had trained under a famed director, who praised her dedication and talent. Yet, the sudden media attention was overwhelming, and she often felt she had surrendered her privacy to the public.

When a major scandal broke, the media’s information void created space for endless speculation. Newspapers and online outlets, already _______decimated______ by the decline in traditional readership, published every minor detail, trying to create ___gripping______ headlines. Some reports were so ____hard - hitting________ that they barely ____scratched the surface_______ of the truth.

Documentaries tried to show Emma as a “fly on the wall” in her everyday life, giving viewers an authentic look behind the scenes. One episode particularly __struck a chord______ with the public, showing her struggles balancing fame and personal life.

Meanwhile, paparazzi continued to __hound celebrities_______, following Emma wherever she went. They captured ____unflattering photos____________, trying to turn normal moments into scandalous stories. Despite the pressure, Emma’s talent and resilience allowed her to rise above the gossip, proving that fame was both a blessing and a challenge.

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Activity 3 - Fill in the gap using the highlighted words below.

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Activity 3 - Fill in the gap using the highlighted words below.

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a poignant moment • stumbles out of • a famed director • surrendered • information void • decimated • gripping • hard-hitting • scratch the surface • fly on the wall • struck a chord • hound celebrities

1. The actor had __________ when he received his lifetime achievement award in front of thousands of fans.

2. Photographers captured the singer as she __________ the car after her late-night concert.

3. After studying under __________, the young actress was offered her first leading role.

4. The politician finally __________ to the journalists’ questions after hours of being questioned.

5. During the scandal, there was an __________, so tabloids started speculating wildly about the celebrity’s private life.

6. Traditional print newspapers have been __________ by online news outlets over the past decade.

7. The documentary was so __________ that viewers couldn’t take their eyes off the screen.

8. The journalist wrote a __________ article exposing corruption at the highest levels of government.

9. Most celebrity tabloids only __________, failing to investigate the real story behind the rumors.

10. The reality show gave viewers a “__________” look at the actor’s daily life without interference.

11. The story about the wrongly accused athlete really __________ with the public, leading to a social media campaign.

12. Paparazzi often __________, following stars everywhere to get exclusive photos.

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Activity 4 - Create sentences using the vocabulary words worked on this lesson. 

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Activity 4 - Create sentences using the vocabulary words worked on this lesson. 

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Unflattering photos of celebrities from tabloids - Britney Spears

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Unflattering photos of celebrities from tabloids - Britney Spears

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1 - Fans follow celebrities everywhere. Do you think this hounding is admiration or disrespect?

2- What’s the difference between a flattering photo and an unflattering photo? Look at the photos next to you and compare them.

3 - Sometimes we only see unflattering photos of celebrities in the media. Why do you think the media prefers these?

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Flattering photos of celebrities from tabloids - Britney Spears. 

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Flattering photos of celebrities from tabloids - Britney Spears. 

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Poignant moment – emotionally moving

Gripping – extremely interesting, holds attention

Hard-hitting – direct, powerful, often about journalism

Stumbled out of – to leave ungracefully/unexpectedly

Decimated – destroyed, ruined

Scratched the surface – only started to explore

Hound celebrities – chase/follow them aggressively (paparazzi, media)

Unflattering photos – photos that show someone badly

Struck a chord – caused deep emotions or connection

Documentary – a non-fiction film or TV program that gives facts and information about real events or people.

Invasion – when someone enters a place or situation without permission; also used for military attack.

Reliable – someone or something you can trust to be true or to do what is expected.

Speculate – to guess about something without having all the facts.

Footage – video recording of an event.

Rumours – information that may not be true, spread from person to person.

Authentic – real, genuine, not fake.

Gossip – talking about other people’s private lives, often without facts.

Highlight – the best or most exciting part of something.

Privacy – the state of being free from other people watching or interfering in your life.

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Activity 1 -  Match the scenario with the correct expression

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Activity 1 -  Match the scenario with the correct expression

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1. scratched the surface | stumbled out of | hard-hitting | gripping | unflattering photos | poignant moment | decimated | hound celebrities

1. A documentary about mental health made many teenagers feel understood.
→ struck a chord

2. The paparazzi waited outside the restaurant all night, running after the singer when she came out.
→ hound celebrities

3. The football team lost so badly that fans said their reputation was completely ruined.
→ decimated

4. During her concert, Taylor Swift spoke about the struggles she faced early in her career, and many fans cried.
→ poignant moment

5. The Netflix series was so exciting that viewers binge-watched the whole season in one day.
→ gripping

6. A magazine showed pictures of an actor yawning and looking tired at the airport.
→ unflattering photos

The journalist published a strong article exposing unfair treatment in the music industry.
→ hard hitting

7. The singer left the nightclub looking confused and barely able to walk straight.
→ stumbled out of

8. A documentary about Taylor Swift’s life touched on some issues, but there was still much more to tell.
→ scratched the surface

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 Activity 2 - Now, use each of the new expressions to write your own sentence. Try to connect them to celebrities, movies, or music you like. Check the example first.

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 Activity 2 - Now, use each of the new expressions to write your own sentence. Try to connect them to celebrities, movies, or music you like. Check the example first.

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👉 Poignant moment

Example: “It was a poignant moment when Taylor Swift thanked her fans during her speech.”

The fans find it gripping when paparazis posts unflattering photos of the celebrities.

Fans post information about celebrities when they only scratched the surface and don't know the whole story.

It's important for everyone to watch documentaries so they can truly understand someone's life.

The real reliable fans are those who don't post unflattering photos of the celebrities.

Rumours are starting to sound more authentic than documentaries nowadays.

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Lesson Goal

By the end of the lesson, you will be able to discuss celebrity culture using advanced vocabulary, express personal opinions about media and privacy, and write a short review that demonstrates control of at least five new words and expressions.

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Choose a celebrity you know (for example: Britney Spears, Taylor Swift, or another one you like). Think of one moment, performance, or scene from their life that you’ve seen in the news, in a documentary, or online. Write a short review (about 8–10 sentences). Use at least 5 of the new words or expressions from today’s lesson.

Britney Spears was being haunted by paparazzis with her son on her lap, her privacy was being completed disrespected. She almost dropped her son infront of the paparazzis, because she was nervous, so they took an unflattering photo that indicated she was a bad mother. They followed her into a restaurant trying to catch a gripping moment to post about, while she was in tears. The fans distorted the whole story, so it's necessary to watch a documentary in order to know the authentic personality of Britney Spears and reliable sources.

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Vocabulary Focus

New Words / Phrases and Meanings:

1. Self-absorbed – Only thinking about yourself; egocentric.

Example: Some travelers are so self-absorbed that they don’t notice the local culture.

2. Pristine – Perfectly clean, fresh, or unspoiled.

Example: The island was pristine, with white sand and clear water.

3. Grapevine – Informal communication or rumors; word-of-mouth.

Example: I heard about the festival through the grapevine.

4. Trappings of progress – The visible signs or results of development, like buildings, shops, or technology.

Example: The small village had changed, with new roads and shops—the trappings of progress.

5. Begrudge – To feel resentment or jealousy toward someone else’s success or possessions.

Example: Don’t begrudge the locals their chance to earn money from tourism.

6. Voluntarism – The practice of doing something freely to help others without expecting payment.

Example: She traveled abroad to teach art to children, practicing voluntarism.

7. Haggle – To negotiate the price of something, usually trying to pay less.

Example: Tourists often haggle for souvenirs in local markets.

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Activity 1 - Reading & Vocabulary Activity

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Activity 1 - Reading & Vocabulary Activity

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1. Read the text below carefully.

2. While reading, highlight the words (trappings of progress, begrudge, selfish, self-absorbed traveler).

3. After reading, explain what the bold words mean in your own words.

Text for Activity:

Are Travelers Selfish?

When you think about it, travel can be a largely selfish pursuit. It often revolves around me, me, me: the places I want to go, the people I want to meet, the sights I want to see, and the food I want to try. My bucket list, my experiences.

So, are you a self-absorbed traveler? Let’s explore some common scenarios.

Imagine a traveler seeking something unique. The first reaction is often to blame the guidebook, even though it’s probably how you found out about the place in the first place. True, the book in your hand may bear some responsibility, but that’s a simplistic view.

In today’s world of travel blogs, social media, and backpackers’ grapevines, it’s inevitable that a once-pristine paradise will soon be overrun with tourists. You could also place some responsibility on the locals. Many of the efforts you may find annoying—beach bars, souvenir shops, tour services—exist because they bring money. It’s hard to blame them for wanting a better life.

If the money tourists spend helps reduce poverty and raise living standards, it would be selfish to begrudge locals their chance at a better life. Honestly, travelers have two choices: accept the place as it is, even if it doesn’t meet expectations, or recognize that progress is part of life.

If you find the trappings of progress offensive, don’t blame the guidebooks, the Internet, or other tourists. And definitely don’t blame the locals for trying to improve their lives—that would truly be selfish.

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Have you ever visited a pristine paradise? Was it crowded with tourists?

Do you think it’s selfish if tourists only think about themselves?

Have you ever noticed locals trying to improve their community through tourism?

Have you ever begrudged something while traveling?

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Activity 2 - Read the question. Then search for the answers in the text you are about to read.

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Activity 2 - Read the question. Then search for the answers in the text you are about to read.

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1. What does the author mean by “travel is largely a selfish pursuit”?

2. Why does the author mention guidebooks and social media?

3. How can tourists affect local communities?

4. Why is it hard to blame locals for having beach bars or souvenir shops?

Activity 3 - Comprehension Check (True/False):

1. The author thinks guidebooks are always to blame for over-tourism. F

2. Spending money in local shops helps the community. T

3. International resorts contribute most of their profits to the local economy. F

4. The author believes voluntarism is completely selfless. F

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Starting Off - Match the Word with Its Meaning

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Starting Off - Match the Word with Its Meaning

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1 - Begrudge F

2 - Voluntarism G

3 - Haggle A

4 - Self-absorbed B

5 - Pristine D

6 - Grapevine E

7 - Trappings of progress C

A - To negotiate the price of something;

B - Only thinking about yourself;

C - Signs or results of development;

D- Perfectly clean, fresh, or unspoiled;

E - Informal communication or rumors;

F - To feel resentment or jealousy toward someone else;

G - Doing something freely to help others without expecting payment;

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Activity 1 - Personal Experience Questions

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Activity 1 - Personal Experience Questions

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1. Can you think of a pristine place you’ve visited? Describe it. What made it feel unspoiled or special?

2. Have you ever met a traveler who seemed self-absorbed? What were they doing that made you think so?

3. How do you usually hear about cool places to visit? Do you rely on guidebooks, blogs, or the grapevine?

4. Have you ever seen the trappings of progress in a place that changed its charm? How did it make you feel?

5. Have you ever felt someone begrudging your experience or opportunities while traveling? How did you react?

6. Have you ever participated in voluntarism while traveling or thought about it? What did you do, or what would you like to do?

7. Do you like to haggle for souvenirs? Can you tell me about a good or funny experience haggling?

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Activity 3 -  Choose one of the Role-Play Scenarios below. Then develop a dialogue.

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Activity 3 -  Choose one of the Role-Play Scenarios below. Then develop a dialogue.

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Scenario 1: Responsible Tourist

Student: You are visiting a small island. Locals have built new shops and restaurants. Use trappings of progress and begrudge to explain how you feel and what you decide to do.

Teacher: Ask questions like: “Would you buy souvenirs here? Why or why not?”

Scenario 2: Market Adventure

Student: You are at a local market. Try to haggle politely for a handmade souvenir and describe the experience.

Teacher: Pretend to be the shopkeeper and respond to her bargaining. Encourage her to use polite phrases.

Scenario 3: Sharing Stories

Student: Tell me about a pristine place you visited and a traveler who was self-absorbed. How did it affect your experience?

Teacher: Encourage her to use at least one more vocabulary word (e.g., grapevine, voluntarism).

Maria: "Last year I travelled to South Africa with my family, and the beaches were so pristine."

Bia: "Really, why?"

Maria: "There were trash cans everywhere so people don't throw the trash on the sand or on the sea, and there were animals, like penguins, and everyone respected them."

Bia: "That's wonderfull!! I dint't have the same experience when I traveled to France."

Maria: "What happened?"

Bia: "First of all, there was a self-absorbed tourist who only cared about his culture and didn't want to try any of the local food on the menu. After, I run into a girl on a store that was haggling with the seller, but she was trying to buy for less then half the price a dress made by hand."

Maria: "That's horrible, I wish that every tourist could behave well and even try to volunteer when visiting another country."

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Activity 2 - Read the 3 short stories. Then answer the questions below.

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Activity 2 - Read the 3 short stories. Then answer the questions below.

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A - The Self-Absorbed Traveler

During her exchange in the U.S., Mia visited a national park with her friends. She noticed a traveler who was self-absorbed, taking selfies everywhere and ignoring the natural beauty around him. Despite that, Mia focused on enjoying the pristine trails and waterfalls. She had learned about the park from the grapevine. Her friends had shared tips about hidden spots. By the end of the day, she felt grateful for her experiences and even joined a short volunteer activity to help maintain the trails, practicing a bit of voluntarism herself.

How would you deal with a self-absorbed tourist?

Have you ever discovered a place through word-of-mouth, like the grapevine?

Could you imagine doing a small volunteer activity while traveling?

B - A - Responsible Tourist – The Island That Changed

Sofia had always dreamed of visiting a small island in the Caribbean. When she arrived, she was amazed by the pristine beaches and turquoise water. But as she explored, she noticed new shops, restaurants, and hotels. The trappings of progress. Some tourists complained, but Sofia understood that the locals wanted better opportunities. She decided to buy souvenirs from a family-owned shop and have lunch at a local café, respecting the community and enjoying the experience without begrudging the changes.

How would you feel if a place you visited had changed a lot?

What would you buy or do to help locals?

Could you still enjoy the place even with progress around you?

C - The Souvenir Bargain

Lia wandered through a busy market in Morocco. A colorful rug caught her eye, but she knew the price was too high. She decided to haggle politely, offering half the price. The shopkeeper smiled and offered a compromise. In the end, they agreed on a fair price. Lia felt proud of her negotiation, but she made sure not to save so much that it would hurt the seller. She left the market feeling happy and respectful of the local culture.

Have you ever haggled for something? How did it feel?

What strategies would you use to negotiate politely?

Why is it important not to begrudge the seller?

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Lesson Plan
Topic: Travel, local economy, and cultural awareness
Target Vocabulary: pristine paradises, begrudge, bargain

Objective:

Expand travel-related vocabulary

Improve speaking fluency and confidence

Encourage sharing personal travel experiences

Develop critical thinking about tourism, local economy, and ethical travel

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Create lesson plans, presentations, quizzes, worksheets and more with AI powered apps for teachers. 

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Activity 4 - Connects vocabulary to real experiences.

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Activity 4 - Connects vocabulary to real experiences.

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Think about a place you have visited (Mexico, Greece, France, Italy, or another). Answer the questions below by using the target vocabulary. e.g. pristine paradise/ begrudge/ selfish/ etc.

1. How did you imagine this place before visiting?

2. What did you expect to see, feel, or experience?

3. How was it really when you arrived? Was it crowded, busy, or different than you expected?

Activity 5 - Write a short paragraph (5–6 sentences) describing your expectations vs. reality and your opinion about tourism in that place.

Before I went to Greece, I thought it was a pristine paradise and I was right, it really was. I expected to visit a lot of beaches and ride a bike to go to places but I actually had to use a car because there weren't beaches or restaurants close to the hotel. I also visited some historical places and found out about the greek mythology, so the beaches weren't the only nice place to visit. I felt a little begrudge of the locals, because I wish I could live in that beautiful place, but there were a lot of selfish tourists who didn't appreciate the culture as I did and disrespected the local communities by judging their manners.

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Starting Off  - Read the statements below. Then choose your top 3 statements. Share your choices and explain your reasoning.

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Starting Off  - Read the statements below. Then choose your top 3 statements. Share your choices and explain your reasoning.

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1. Travel is an eye-opening experience.

2. Travel makes you a more interesting person.

3. Travel allows you to detox from social media.

4. Travel brings prosperity to many communities.

5. Travel is detrimental to the environment.

6. Travel makes you appreciate family and home.

7. Travel ruins traditional communities.

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Ativity 3 - Fill in the blanks with the highlighted words below. Then listen to the audio and check your answers.

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Ativity 3 - Fill in the blanks with the highlighted words below. Then listen to the audio and check your answers.

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trappings of progress | pristine paradise | haggling | downside | begrudge (2x) | bargain | trickles down | make a dent

Travel, Bargains, and Giving Back

When you travel, one of the most exciting parts can be exploring markets, shops, and local restaurants. But how do you decide where to spend your time and money? Choosing local establishments over international chains can make a huge difference. Your money ___trickles down______ into the community, helping families earn a living and supporting small businesses. In contrast, foreign-owned resorts or hotel chains may offer comfort and convenience, but very little of what you pay actually benefits the locals.

When shopping, learning to __bargain_____ can be both fun and ethical. A fair bargain respects the seller while giving you a reasonable price. Saving a few coins may not _______make a dent___ in your budget, but it can matter a lot o the person selling the item. On the other hand, trying to put one over on a local by __haggling___ aggressively for tiny savings is selfish and unfair. Tourists often forget that a once-___pristine paradise________ may be seething with tourists, and locals rely on tourism to improve their lives. It is hard to ___begrudge_____ them this effort, even if it feels like prices increase during high season.

Travel is not only about shopping or sightseeing. Many people choose to volunteer while abroad, helping in communities by building homes, teaching, or supporting conservation projects. Volunteer work can feel very rewarding, but there is a ____downside______: organized volunteer trips are often expensive. You may pay far more for a guided volunteer experience than if you had traveled independently. Some volunteers enjoy the feeling of doing good, but even the kindest acts can have a touch of selfishness. After all, you are also gaining experience, stories, and satisfaction.

Responsible travelers respect the ____trappings of progress__________ in local communities, shop fairly, and try not to ___begrudge______ locals for improving their lives. Whether bargaining in a market or volunteering abroad, small choices can make a big difference. Both to the people you meet and the memories you take home.

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Objective:

Develop critical thinking and discussion skills

Encourage personal reflection and storytelling

Connect personal travel experiences with ethical considerations

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Activity 1 - Think about your own travel experiences. Use the vocabulary word learned. 

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Activity 1 - Think about your own travel experiences. Use the vocabulary word learned. 

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1. Visiting places on my bucket list is exciting, but there is a downside when too many tourists arrive. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

2. Does tourism always have a positive effect on an area, or can it sometimes harm local communities or environments? Give examples.

3. Would you pay to do volunteer work in a disadvantaged community abroad? Why or why not? Could there be selfish motives involved?

4. Have you ever begrudged a change in a place you visited (like rising prices or crowds)? How did you feel?

5. Can a pristine paradise really stay pristine with tourism? What can travelers do to protect it?

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Activity 2 - Match each vocabulary word or phrase with its correct definition.

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Activity 2 - Match each vocabulary word or phrase with its correct definition.

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1. trappings of progress E

2. pristine paradise C

3. haggling F

4. downside B

5. begrudge D

6. bargain A

7. trickles down G

8. make a dent H

a. Negotiating the price of something to reach an agreement

b. The negative or disadvantageous aspect of something

c. Something that is pure, untouched, or in perfect condition

d. To resent or feel annoyed at someone for having or achieving something

e. The visible signs or effects of development and modernization

f. Something that is a good deal, bought at a fair or lower price

g. Money or benefits slowly spreading from wealthier people or organizations to others

h. To reduce, even slightly, the amount of something (e.g., money, resources)

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1. Why is it better for tourists to spend money at local establishments?
a) They are cheaper than foreign-owned chains
b) The money trickles down into the local community
c) They offer more luxury than international hotels
d) It allows tourists to avoid crowded areas

2. What is a fair way to bargain in local markets?
a) Trying to put one over on the seller for tiny savings
b) Negotiating politely to reach a reasonable price
c) Paying as little as possible, even if it offends the seller
d) Avoiding bargaining completely

3. What is one downside of organized volunteer trips?
a) They never help local communities
b) They are often expensive
c) They make tourists feel selfish
d) Volunteers always work too much

4. What does it mean if a place is a pristine paradise?
a) It is overcrowded with tourists
b) It is beautiful and largely untouched
c) It is full of local markets and shops
d) It is modernized with resorts

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Activity 5 - Wrap up | Critical Thinking:

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Activity 5 - Wrap up | Critical Thinking:

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1. Explain in your own words what it means to begrudge someone in the context of tourism. Give an example.

2. Give an example of how small spending by tourists can make a dent in the local economy.

3. Why might a tourist feel guilty when trying to bargain too hard?

4. How can volunteerism be both rewarding and selfish at the same time?

5. Choose one place you’ve visited and describe whether it felt like a pristine paradise or was seething with tourists.

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Fashion, Fame & Media Representation

Use past and present perfect verb forms correctly in context.

Recycle and use media-related vocabulary from previous lessons.

Reflect on the connection between fashion, fame, and storytelling in the media.

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1. Have you ever heard about the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show?

What do you think it consists of?

Why do you think it attracts so much attention from the media?

2. Are you into brands?

What are your favorite ones?

Why do you think those brands struck a chord with you?

3. Have you ever watched a fashion show or seen photos from one?

Do you think the media sometimes share unflattering photos of models or celebrities?

Why do you think they do that?

4. Do you think the media gives us the full story about the fashion world, or do they only scratch the surface?

What kinds of things do you think remain in the information void — things we don’t see or hear about?

5. If someone made a fly-on-the-wall documentary about a model’s daily life, what do you think it would show?

Would it be gripping, hard-hitting, or maybe even a poignant moment for viewers?

6. How do you think public opinion changes when a powerful image or story strikes a chord with people?

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Activity 2 - Complete the sentences using the correct past tense or passive form of the verbs in brackets.

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Activity 2 - Complete the sentences using the correct past tense or passive form of the verbs in brackets.

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1. After years of success, the designer finally ___launched_______ (launch) her new sustainable collection.

2. The first fashion show _____was held_____ (hold) in Paris, attracting international attention.

3. The audience ____was impressed______ (impress) by the creativity and message of the show.

4. Before she became famous, the model ___had worked_______ (work) as a makeup artist.

5. The event ____was cancelled______ (cancel) last year due to controversy over unrealistic beauty standards.

6. The brand ____had lost______ (lose) many followers before it reinvented itself.

7. The creative director ___didn't expect_______ (not/expect) the comeback to be so successful.

8. The new campaign ____was designed______ (design) to promote diversity and inclusivity.

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Read each sentence. Describe its structure (e.g., Subject + was/were + past participle). Write the grammar point title: Past Simple, Past Passive, Past Perfect, or Negative Past Simple.

1 - The designer presented her latest collection at Milan Fashion Week.

Structure: Subject + past verb

Grammar Point: Past Simple

2 - The runway was flooded with photographers during the opening show.

Structure: subject+ was/were + past participle

Grammar Point: Past Passive

3 - By the time the models arrived, the team had prepared all the outfits.

Structure: subject +had + past participle

Grammar Point: Past Perfect

4 - The famous influencer did not attend the after-party last night.

Structure: subject + did not/didn't + base verb

Grammar Point: Negative Past Simples

5 - The makeup look was inspired by 1990s fashion icons.

Structure: subject + was/were + past participle

Grammar Point: Past Passive

6 - The audience cheered loudly when the final model walked the runway.

Structure: subject + past verb

Grammar Point: Past Simples

7 - Before the magazine release, the editor had reviewed all the photos.

Structure: subject + had+ past participle

Grammar Point: Past Perfect

8 - The brand did not release any official statement after the controversy.

Structure: subject + did not/didn't + base verb

Grammar Point: Negative Past Simple

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Now it’s your turn to create your own sentences!
Use the fashion world or celebrity events as inspiration.

1. Write one sentence for each grammar point. (Past Simple, Past Passive, Past Perfect, or Negative Past Simple).

2. Try to make your sentences creative and connected to the fashion or media world.

Past Passive: Models, like Adriana Lima, were always begrudge for being pretty and appearing in fashion shows.

Past Perfect: Before the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show decided to promote diversity, the models that walk needed to be super skinny.

Past Simple: Self-absorved people used to think models don't have to give anything up to keep their appearance.

Negative Past Simple: The brazilian girls didn't expect for a brazilian influencer to appear in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2025.

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Lesson Goals:

Reflect critically on societal messages about appearance.

Compare past and present beauty standards.

Use previously studied grammar points in sentences and short stories.

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How can a fashion magazine or advertisement influence the way a whole generation thinks about beauty?

Can a single image strike a chord with young people and change their style or habits?

Do you think some images scratch the surface of real beauty, or do they show it fully?

Have you seen any hard-hitting campaigns that challenge traditional beauty ideals?

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Activity 1 - Choose the correct word for each gap. Then listen to the audio and check your answers.

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Activity 1 - Choose the correct word for each gap. Then listen to the audio and check your answers.

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information void | gripping | unflattering photos| poignant moments | did not feature | had introduced | were criticized | were expected | fly-on-the-wall

The Hidden Pressures of Beauty Standards

Fashion magazines, social media, and advertising have long shaped society’s idea of beauty. In the past, models ____were expected_____ to fit a very narrow image. Some campaigns ____were criticized______ for being unrealistic and excluding diverse body types. By the 2010s, several brands ______had introduced______ more inclusive lines, but many still ___did not feature_____ all body types equally. Photographers and media often captured _____unflattering photos_______ of models off-stage, creating a misleading perception. Some documentaries provided a ___fly-on-the-wall_______ perspective, revealing ______poignant moments____ and the _____gripping____ reality behind the glamour. Despite these efforts, an ___information void________ remains, leaving audiences unaware of the pressure to conform to beauty standards.