ESL CONNECT - How to Solve the World's Plastic Problem | ESLconnectsite

1. Before watching

Discuss these questions before watching. Try to give reasons and examples.

1. Why is plastic useful in modern life?

Discuss with a partner. Give examples, include a counterargument and reach a clear conclusion.

2. Why has plastic become an environmental problem?

Discuss with a partner. Give examples, include a counterargument and reach a clear conclusion.

3. Who should be most responsible: consumers, companies or governments?

Discuss with a partner. Give examples, include a counterargument and reach a clear conclusion.

2. Watch

Watch the video using the image from YouTube, then complete the comprehension and language tasks.

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Open the video

3. Comprehension

Choose the best answer based on the video’s main ideas.

1. Why is plastic difficult to manage?

2. Why is recycling not enough on its own?

3. What does a circular economy try to do?

4. Who should share responsibility for plastic waste?

Answers: 1 B, 2 B, 3 B, 4 B.

4. Five-paragraph gap-fill

Choose the correct word or phrase from each dropdown. The paragraphs are adapted from the video topic for classroom use.

Plastic is cheap, light and durable, which makes it useful but also hard to manage once it becomes waste. A serious response means reducing unnecessary and designing products that can remain useful for longer.

A circular economy aims to keep resources in circulation and prevent plastic from leaking into the environment. This requires regulation, investment and systems that make materials easier to .

The video gives examples so learners can connect the main ideas to real situations and make the topic more .

A useful lesson is to notice both the language and the practical in the video.

After watching, students should discuss the topic and apply the ideas to their own experience.

Answers: Complete the dropdowns in order. Extra answers may include memorable, advice, critically.

5. Phrasal verbs

Match each phrasal verb or phrase with the best meaning.

1. cut down on

2. throw away

3. break down

4. phase out

5. build into

Answers: 1 A, 2 B, 3 C, 4 D, 5 E.

6. Vocabulary

Vocabulary matching

Match each word or phrase with the correct meaning. The answer choices are in the side column.

1. single-use plastic

2. waste

3. recycle

4. biodegradable

5. packaging

6. circular economy

Answers: 1 B, 2 D, 3 A, 4 F, 5 C, 6 E.

Drag and drop: plastic solutions

Drag each solution into the sentence that matches it best.

1. We can reduce waste by using fewer ______ products.

Drop the answer here

2. Companies should design packaging that is easier to ______.

Drop the answer here

3. Governments can create stronger ______ to control plastic pollution.

Drop the answer here

4. Consumers can choose products with less ______.

Drop the answer here

5. A circular economy focuses on reuse instead of ______.

Drop the answer here

Answers: 1 single-use, 2 recycle, 3 rules, 4 packaging, 5 waste.

7. Grammar

Grammar focus: should, need to, have to

Choose the best modal verb. Think about advice, necessity and obligation.

1. We ______ reduce unnecessary plastic where possible.

2. Companies ______ think about what happens to packaging after use.

3. People ______ stop using all plastic immediately, because some plastic is necessary.

4. Governments ______ create laws if voluntary action is not enough.

Answers: 1 should, 2 need to, 3 don’t have to, 4 may need to.

Grammar practice: cause and effect

Complete the sentences with your own ideas. Use words like because, so, therefore and as a result.

1. Many people use plastic because...

2. Plastic often ends up in the environment, so...

3. If products are easier to repair, people will...

4. Companies should reduce unnecessary packaging because...

Example answers:
1. Many people use plastic because it is cheap and convenient.
2. Plastic often ends up in the environment, so animals and ecosystems can be harmed.
3. If products are easier to repair, people will keep them for longer.
4. Companies should reduce unnecessary packaging because it creates avoidable waste.

8. Discussion

Use the useful language and questions below to discuss the topic.

Five discussion questions

1. Is recycling enough to solve the plastic problem?
2. Should plastic packaging be more expensive if it damages the environment?
3. Is it fair to ask consumers to change, or should companies change first?
4. What plastic item would be easiest for you to stop using?
What is the main idea of the video?

9. Speaking task

Create a practical plan for a school, company or local community.

Place

Main problem

Three actions

Expected result