C1 16 Vocab Speaking Conspiracy

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Conspiracy theories | Vocabulary and speaking

C1 | 60 - 90 Minutes 
Use of the board
Start by writing the word "conspiracy" on the board. Try to elicit the definition before adding it to the board.
People often mistranslate this term, so you may get some interesting answers.
After that, elicit some famous examples of conspiracy theories from modern culture. Discuss each one with
the class and add any vocabulary to the board that you feel is appropriate for this level. 4 to 6 will be
enough. Use the sample board work to guide you.
Activities
Tinfoil hats
The students will discuss diﬀerent conspiracy theories with their classmates.
If you worked through the sample board work for this lesson, leave the theories on the board, but create
some space to add the following questions:
1. Why do you think so many people believe this?
2. Do you feel that there is any truth contained in this theory?
Then divide the class into groups of 2-3 and have them discuss each theory while answering those
questions.
Allow the students suﬃcient time to address each item thoroughly before holding a group discussion, where
you invite students to share their thoughts.
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Fake news
For this speaking activity, the students will have to decide which conspiracies were proven to be true.
The students can remain in the same groups for this task. Tell them that you are going to give them six
conspiracy theories and that two of these theories turned out to be true. They will have to work out for
themselves which ones they are.
Add the following to the board:
1. The Dalai Lama worked for the CIA.
2. A former British prime minister was a Russian spy.
3. The USA faked the moon landing in 1969.
4. A prominent western government built a "gaydar" machine.
5. A Polio vaccine causes cancer.
6. The US government can manipulate the weather.
Next, give the groups some time to work out their selections. They will have to provide justifications for
their choices, so they should discuss these as well.
You may permit the use of smartphones so long as the students are doing so in English. In which case,
they should be able to cite references when providing justifications.
Key: 1, 4 and 5 were proven to be true. See below for some background information.
Background information
According to declassified intelligence documents, the Dalai Lama earned US$180,000 in connection with
the CIA's funding of the Tibetan Resistance in the 1960s. The aim was to disrupt China.
In the 1950s, the Canadian government developed the "fruit machine" to test for homosexuality in federal
employees. The testing was done by exposing subjects to same-sex erotic images and analysing pupil
dilatation response. Many employees lost their jobs.
In 1960 it was revealed that some of the cells used to make the polio vaccine could cause cancer.
Between 1955 and 1963, nearly 100 million children were given this vaccine.
The grassy knoll

The students will discuss questions related to the rise of conspiracy theories.
Divide the students into pairs to discuss the following questions:
1. Do you think conspiracy theories have increased in popularity in recent years? Why/Why not?
2. Do you know someone who firmly believes in any of the conspiracies talked about today?
3. If your best friend tried to convince you that the world was flat, how would you handle the situation?
Allow as much time as you feel they need, monitor the students throughout and don't be afraid to join in.
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Games
Hot seat: Conspiracy theories

Students have to describe crazy conspiracies.
Start by dividing the class into two teams. On each turn, one student will sit with their back to the board,
facing their teammates. Next, you'll add a conspiracy to the board.
For each round, teams will attempt to describe the conspiracy to their teammate in the hot seat. They
must not use any significant words from the board. Set a time limit if you wish. Some examples to get you
going:
1. The moon does not exist.
2. Barack Obama could control the weather.
3. Elvis Presley is still alive.
4. We're living in the Matrix.
5. Meghan Markle is a robot.
6. Aliens built the pyramids.
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teflhandbook.

Conspiracy theories | Vocabulary and speaking

Use of the board

1. Why do you think so many people believe this?

Add the following to the board:

1. The Dalai Lama worked for the CIA.

2. A former British prime minister was a Russian spy.

3. The USA faked the moon landing in 1969.

4. A prominent western government built a "gaydar" machine.

5. A Polio vaccine causes cancer.

6. The US government can manipulate the weather.

The grassy knoll

Divide the students into pairs to discuss the following questions:

Hot seat: Conspiracy theories

1. The moon does not exist.

2. Barack Obama could control the weather.

3. Elvis Presley is still alive.

4. We're living in the Matrix.

5. Meghan Markle is a robot.

6. Aliens built the pyramids.

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