How We Fell in Love with Sushi

A B2 ESL CONNECT lesson: the video looks at how sushi became globally popular through culture, migration, taste and adaptation.

BBC Ideas video thumbnail about sushi
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Watch the video on YouTube
Section 1 of 9

1. Before watching

Discuss these questions before watching. Use complete sentences and examples.

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

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

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.

YouTube video thumbnail
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Open the video

3. Comprehension

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

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.

Sushi became a global food not simply because of taste, but because it adapted to new markets and cultural expectations. As it spread, restaurants changed ingredients, presentation and portion sizes to make sushi feel more .

The story of sushi also shows how global food cultures are shaped by migration, trade and reinvention. A dish can keep links to tradition while still being for new audiences.

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.

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.

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

Drag and drop: sushi history

Drag each answer into the correct sentence.

Drop the answer here
Drop the answer here
Drop the answer here
Drop the answer here
Drop the answer here
Answers: 1 preserve, 2 fermentation, 3 fast, 4 tastes, 5 global.

7. Grammar

Grammar focus: past simple and present perfect

Choose the best option.

Answers: 1 started, 2 has become, 3 have adapted, 4 was.

Grammar practice: explaining change

Complete the sentences with your own ideas. Use words like because, over time, as a result and whereas.

Example answers:
1. Sushi became popular internationally because it was seen as fresh, stylish and different.
2. In the past, sushi was mainly a preservation method, whereas today it is often a restaurant food.
3. When food travels to a new country, it often changes to suit local tastes.
4. Traditional food can change over time as a result of trade, migration and global trends.

8. Discussion

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

Five discussion questions

  1. 1. When a traditional food changes abroad, is it still authentic?
  2. 2. Is global popularity good or bad for traditional cuisine?
  3. 3. Should restaurants explain the history of the food they serve?
  4. 4. What food from your country has changed because of globalisation?
  5. What is the main idea of the video?

9. Speaking task

Choose one food and prepare a short presentation about its journey.