Media
Hoarders

Students research the psychological explanations for hoarding, pre-study vocabulary, and then watch an episode of the television program, Hoarders, in two parts.

The Power of Negativity

Discussion and listening. Students discuss questions relating to optimism and positivity. They then listen to a radio interview with journalist, Oliver Burkeman, who discusses his own examination of happiness and the potential benefits of "negative thinking".

Reading
Perfectionism

A vocabulary and reading comprehension activity about the topic of perfectionism.

You Are What You Keep

A vocabulary and reading comprehension activity about what people choose to collect over the course of their lives.

The Cat Man

A reading about one man’s decision to drastically alter his appearance.

Searching for Happiness

Discussion and reading. In groups, students discuss the nature of happiness and trouble so many people have in "finding" it. Students then read an article and summarize the author's main points.

Use of English
Mind Over Matter

A unit introduction activity as students work together to answer IQ questions pertaining to math and English and then read about the differences between men’s and women’s brains.

Vocabulary Focus

A collection of vocabulary activities related to the unit theme.

Verb Patterns

Students review and practice main verb patterns in English.

Stress Test

Students work together to deduce vocabulary meaning in a short, introduction of the stress test, and then take the test and interpret their results.

Habits

A vocabulary focus activity related to the unit theme.

Phrasal Verbs

Students learn and practice several phrasal verbs.

The Subjunctive

Grammar. Students learn about and practice using subjunctive in formal language.

Multiple Choice Cloze: Temper

Students discuss questions on the topic of anger, then do a multiple choice cloze exercise about how we control our temper.

Writing
Linking Cause and Effect

Students combine sentences using conjunctions and transitions to express a cause/effect relationship.

Cause and Effect Verbs/Nouns

Students learn about specific verbs and nouns that express cause and/or effect, then use this vocabulary in several exercises.

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