This classic conversation lesson is based on the idea of creating a new society. Students must decide which laws will be followed and how many freedoms will be allowed. This lesson works well for students of most levels - except beginners - as the subject brings out many opinions.
Aim: Building conversation skills, expressing opinions
Activity: Group activity deciding on the laws for a new society
Level: pre-intermediate to advanced
Outline:
- Help activate vocabulary by asking students which laws they admire most and least in their own country - and why.
- Divide students into groups of 4 - 6. Try to include as many different personalities as possible in each group (to provide for more stimulating discussion!)
- Explain the following situation to the class:
A large area of your country has been set aside by the current government for the development of a new nation. This area will include an invited international community of 20,000 men and women. Imagine that your group has to decide the laws of this new country.
- Distribute the worksheet and ask students to discuss the questions.
- Answer the worksheet as a class - ask the opinions of each group and leave ample time for discussion of differing opinions.
- As a follow-up activity, the class could discuss which laws and customs they would like to change in their own country.
A large area of your country has been set aside by the current government for the development of a new nation. This area will include an invited international community of 20,000 men and women. Imagine that your group has to decide the laws of this new country.
Discuss the following questions.
- Which political system will the country have?
- What will the official language(s) be?
- Will there be censorship?
- What industries will your country try to develop?
- Will citizens be allowed to carry a gun?
- Will there be the death penalty?
- Will there be a state religion?
- What kind of immigration policy will there be?
- What will the educational system be like? Will there be compulsory education to a certain age?
- Who will be allowed to marry?
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