Speaking!

 

Work in pairs

In front of you, you have different dialogues.

Read the dialogues and help each other understand them. 

Continue the conversation with at least 5 more sentences. 

Write your sentences in your notebook.

Show Sara what you have written.

Practice so you know your lines by heart. 

Act it out! 

1. The Missing Homework

Teacher: Why didn’t you do your homework?
Student: My dog ate it.
Teacher: Again? That’s the third time this week!
Student: He really loves learning.
Teacher: (laughs) What do you think your dog will eat next?
Student: Hmm… maybe…

---

2. The Talking Parrot

Friend 1: Did you hear about my new parrot?
Friend 2: No, what’s special about it?
Friend 1: It speaks five languages!
Friend 2: Wow! What does it say?
Friend 1: Mostly “I’m hungry!”
Friend 2: What would you teach it to say next?
Friend 1: I think I’d teach it to say...

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3. The Birthday Cake

Customer: Excuse me, I ordered a birthday cake, but it’s wrong.
Baker: What’s wrong?
Customer: It says, “Happy Dirt Day” instead of “Happy Birthday”!
Baker: Oh no! What should we do now?
Customer: Hmm, maybe we can…

---

4. The Lost Phone

Friend 1: I lost my phone yesterday.
Friend 2: Oh no! Where did you see it last?
Friend 1: I think I left it in the fridge.
Friend 2: The fridge?! Why?
Friend 1: I was… well… what would you do if you lost your phone?

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5. The Robot Waiter

Customer: Excuse me, my robot waiter just brought me a shoe instead of my dinner.
Waiter (Robot Voice): Error. Shoe equals food.
Customer: No, no, I want pizza!
Waiter: Pizza not available. Would you like…?

---

6. The New Neighbour

Person 1: I think my new neighbour is a spy.
Person 2: A spy? Why do you think that?
Person 1: They always wear sunglasses… even at night!
Person 2: That’s strange. What else have you noticed?
Person 1: Well, yesterday I saw…

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7. The Alien at School

Friend 1: Did you see the new student?
Friend 2: Yes, but they’re… different.
Friend 1: I think they might be an alien.
Friend 2: An alien? Why?
Friend 1: They don’t eat food. They just…

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8. The Time Machine

Friend 1: Guess what? I built a time machine!
Friend 2: What? Really? Where will you go first?
Friend 1: I’m going to visit the dinosaurs.
Friend 2: That’s dangerous! What if…?
Friend 1: Hmm, good point. Maybe I should go to…

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9. The Talking Dog

Friend 1: You won’t believe it—I saw a dog talking today!
Friend 2: A talking dog? What did it say?
Friend 1: It said, “Stop staring at me!”
Friend 2: (laughs) That’s crazy! What would you ask it if you could talk to it?
Friend 1: Hmm… I think I’d ask…

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10. The Floating Chair

Person 1: My chair just started floating in the air!
Person 2: Floating? Are you serious?
Person 1: Yes! Look, it’s up by the ceiling now.
Person 2: That’s so weird. What do you think is causing it?
Person 1: Maybe it’s because…

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11. The Invisible Friend

Friend 1: My best friend is invisible.
Friend 2: Invisible? How do you know they’re real?
Friend 1: They help me with my homework!
Friend 2: (laughs) If I had an invisible friend, I’d ask them to…

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12. The Magic Pencil

Friend 1: I found a pencil that writes by itself.
Friend 2: No way! What does it write?
Friend 1: It wrote, “I’m hungry. Feed me.”
Friend 2: (laughs) What do you feed a pencil?
Friend 1: I don’t know! Maybe I’ll try…

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13. The Loud Neighbour

Person 1: My neighbour plays music so loud I can’t sleep.
Person 2: That’s annoying. What kind of music?
Person 1: Heavy metal at midnight!
Person 2: Wow. What would you say to them?
Person 1: I think I’d say…

Matilda!

 Matilda - Roald Dahl 

What do you think the book will be about? 

Have you ever heard about Roald Dahl?

Roald Dahl is a very famous author. Perhaps you have watched Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with Johnny Depp?

He is also the author of the book that we are going to read: Matilda.

1. First of all, work on your own and write down 5 words that you think of when you see the cover of the book.
2. Compare your words with your neighbour - which words are the same and which are not?
Be prepared to tell the whole class about your thoughts.

Before we start reading - discuss the questions below with your neighbour. Take notes since I want you to be able to tell the whole class as well. 

1. Do you remember how old you were when you started reading?
2. What was the first book that you read and what was it about?
3. Do you remember your first day at school, when you were 6-7 years old? What happened and how did you feel?
 

Before reading! 

1. Quizlet / Quizlet live. We will take a look at some words that you will find in the text. 

First of all, work individually and if it works... we will try Quizlet live! 

2. I will read the first chapters to you. 

3. You listen and underline words you don't understand. 

4. Together we will collect words and I will help you understand them. 

After reading chapters 1-4 :

Go to Trelson and answer the questions below: 

1. Describe who the person is: 
a  Matilda
b  Mr. Wormwood
c  Mrs. Phelps

2.
a What can Matilda do at the age of one and a half?
b What can Matilda do at the age of three?
c What can Matilda do at the age of four?
d Why does Mrs. Phelps watch Matilda with surprise and excitement?
e Why doesn’t Mr. Wormwood want Matilda to read books?

3.
Do you think Mr. Wormwood is a good father? Why or why not? Write 3-5 sentences and motivate your opinions. 

4. "But that's dishonest, daddy," Matilda said. "It's cheating." 

What does Matilda mean? Why is her dad being dishonest? 

5.  Tell me 2 things that you liked about the chapters? 

2 things that you disliked? 

Do you have any questions? Anything you didn't understand?

Before reading chapters 5-6 

What would you do if someone underestimated or mistreated you because you were young?

What does it mean to be clever in a way that surprises others?

Together we will read chapters 4-6

In pairs answer the questions below: 

Both of you write your answers in Trelson, but you may also talk to and help each other. 

a How old is Matilda when she goes to school for the first time? 

b How many children does Crunchem Hall have? 

c How many other children are in Matilda’s group? 

d How old is Miss Honey?

How many miles are Miss Trunchbull’s car on the clock?

h How old is Hortensia?

i How many times was Hortensia in The Chokey in her first year? 

k Why does Matilda start going to school later than other children?

l Why does Miss Honey try to stay calm when Matilda multiplies twelve sevens? 

m Why does Miss Honey go to see Miss Trunchbull?

n Why does Miss Trunchbull like Mr Wormwood? …

o Why does Miss Trunchbull think Matilda is a bad girl? … 

p Why does Miss Honey go to see Matilda’s parents? … 

q Why doesn’t Mr Wormwood want to see Miss Honey? … 

r Why does Miss Trunchbull put children in The Chokey? …

s Why doesn’t Miss Trunchbull like Amanda’s hair? …

t Why does Miss Trunchbull make Bruce eat the cake? 

Let's finish the book! 

Read chapters 7-9. 

Final assignment

First, plan your essay. Create a mind map. 

Show Sara! 

Then go to Trelson and write your essay. Write at least 150 words, size 12. 

1. Standing Up for What’s Right

Matilda often stands up against unfairness. Write about a moment in the book where she showed bravery. Would you have done the same thing? Why or why not? 

Have you ever stood up for someone or something? What happened? 

2. The Perfect Teacher

Miss Honey is described as kind and caring. What qualities make her a good teacher? Do you think she is the perfect teacher? Why or why not?

What is a perfect teacher for you? Explain, give examples and motivate your opinions. 

3. Your Own Ending
Imagine a different ending for Matilda. What would happen to Matilda, Miss Honey, and miss Trunchbull? Write about your new version of the ending i.e. write a new last chapter! 

The US Election

How the US Election Works

In the United States, people vote to choose their leaders. Every four years, Americans pick a new president in a big election. The process can seem complicated, so here’s a simple way to understand it.


1. **The Candidates**

First, different people want to be president. These people usually belong to political parties. The two main parties are the Democrats and the Republicans. Each party picks one person to be their candidate.

2. **Primaries and Caucuses**

The candidates compete in smaller elections called primaries and caucuses. These help each party choose who will be their final candidate for president.

3. **Campaigns**

Once the final candidates are chosen, they start campaigning. This means they travel around the country to share their ideas and try to win people’s votes. They give speeches, make ads, and have debates to show why they would be the best president.

4. **Voting Day**

On the first Tuesday in November, people go to vote. But the US uses a system called the Electoral College, which is a bit different from just counting everyone’s votes.

5. **The Electoral College**

The US has 50 states, and each state has a certain number of *electoral votes* based on its population. Bigger states like California have more votes, while smaller states like Wyoming have fewer. When people in a state vote, they’re actually choosing *electors* who will vote for the president. The candidate who gets the most votes in a state usually wins all the *electoral votes* from that state.

6. **Winning the Election**

To win the presidency, a candidate needs a majority of the electoral votes. There are 538 total electoral votes, and a candidate needs 270 to win. Once someone gets 270 votes, they become the next president.

7. **The New President**

After the election, the new president starts their job in January. This is called *Inauguration Day*, and it’s when they officially take office and start leading the country.


**Word List**

- Candidate – A person who wants to be elected to a job, like president.

- Political Party – A group of people with similar ideas about how the government should be run (e.g., Democrats, Republicans).

- Primary and Caucus – Small elections to help parties pick their final candidate.

- Campaign – Efforts by candidates to promote themselves and gain support from voters.

- Vote – To make a choice in an election.

- Electoral College – A special system in the US where each state has a certain number of votes based on its population.

- Elector – A person chosen by voters in each state to cast the electoral votes for president.

- Electoral Vote – A vote given by each state’s electors for a candidate.

- Inauguration Day – The day when the new president officially starts their job.

Trump vs Harris - what do they want? 

What do they want? (BBC) 

Help in Swedish: 

Hur valet i USA fungerar

I USA röstar folk för att välja sina ledare. Vart fjärde år väljer amerikanerna en ny president i ett stort val. Processen kan verka komplicerad, så här är en enkel förklaring.

1. Kandidaterna
   Först vill olika personer bli president. Dessa personer tillhör oftast politiska partier. De två största partierna är Demokraterna och Republikanerna. Varje parti väljer en person som sin kandidat.

2. Primärval och nomineringsmöten
   Kandidaterna tävlar i mindre val som kallas primärval och nomineringsmöten. Dessa hjälper varje parti att välja vem som blir deras slutgiltiga kandidat för president.

3. Kampanjer
   När de slutgiltiga kandidaterna är valda börjar de kampanja. Det betyder att de reser runt i landet för att dela sina idéer och försöka vinna folkets röster. De håller tal, gör reklam och har debatter för att visa varför de skulle bli den bästa presidenten.

4. Valdagen
   Den första tisdagen i november går folk för att rösta. Men USA använder ett system som kallas Electoral College, vilket är lite annorlunda än att bara räkna allas röster.

5. Electoral College
   USA har 50 delstater, och varje delstat har ett visst antal elektorsröster baserat på sin befolkning. Större delstater som Kalifornien har fler röster, medan mindre delstater som Wyoming har färre. När folk i en delstat röstar, väljer de faktiskt elektorer som ska rösta på presidenten. Den kandidat som får flest röster i en delstat vinner vanligtvis alla elektorsröster från den delstaten.

6. Att vinna valet
   För att vinna presidentvalet behöver en kandidat en majoritet av elektorsrösterna. Det finns totalt 538 elektorsröster, och en kandidat behöver 270 för att vinna. När någon får 270 röster blir de nästa president.

7. Den nya presidenten
   Efter valet börjar den nya presidenten sitt jobb i januari. Detta kallas Inauguration Day, och det är då de officiellt tar sin plats och börjar leda landet.

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Ordlista

• Kandidat – En person som vill bli vald till ett jobb, som president.
• Politiskt parti – En grupp människor med liknande idéer om hur regeringen ska styras (t.ex. Demokraterna, Republikanerna).
• Primärval och nomineringsmöte – Mindre val för att hjälpa partier att välja sin slutgiltiga kandidat.
• Kampanj – Kandidaternas ansträngningar för att främja sig själva och få stöd från väljarna.
• Rösta – Att göra ett val i ett val.
• Electoral College – Ett speciellt system i USA där varje delstat har ett visst antal röster baserat på sin befolkning.
• Elektor – En person som väljs av väljarna i varje delstat för att lägga elektorsrösterna på en presidentkandidat.
• Elektorsröst – En röst som ges av varje delstats elektorer till en kandidat.
• Inauguration Day – Dagen då den nya presidenten officiellt börjar sitt jobb.

Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda

 Introduction

Becky Albertalli is an American writer known for her young adult books. Before she became an author, she worked as a psychologist, helping young people. Her first book, Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, won awards and was made into the movie Love, Simon. Becky writes about LGBTQ+ themes, friendship, and the challenges of being a teenager, and she creates characters that feel real and relatable.

(If you are a teacher and land on this page - I only "collect" questions, films and links here. Of course, the lessons contain many different things and you don't see the "full lesson plan". Feel free to use the questions but plan your own lessons and remember that it's important to tailor your lessons to the specific needs of your class.")

Before reading the book: 

Discussion: 

1. What is our right to privacy on the internet? Is everything we say or do (e.g., comments, posts, and searches) discoverable by others? Should it be?

2. Which social media platforms do you mostly use? 

3. Have you heard of or used Tumblr?

4. What do you need to consider before commenting or posting anything on the internet? 

5. Take a look at the cover of the book! What do you think the book will be about?

Vocab - take a look at the words before we start reading. Do you know the meanings?

https://quizlet.com/se/942657001/simon-vs-the-homo-sapiens-agenda-flash-cards/?i=81stf&x=1jqt

https://docs.google.com/document/d/12Wyg9SRzM_ZI08SiLsEPCWe9t-yF-KwuwgBABGoxJPc/edit?usp=sharing

During reading

Listen to chapters 1-2 together in class: 

https://esl-bits.eu/ESL.English.Learning.Audiobooks/SimonVS/Ch1-2/design.html

Write down words you don't know. We will put the words into the list above. 

After reading

1. How does Simon feel about the possibility of people discovering his secret identity? Provide evidence from the text to support your answer.

2. Who is Blue? 

3. Why does Simon feel the need to keep his emails private, especially those sent to Blue?

4.  “I need the violence of video games and the smell of this basement,” what does this mean in this context? 

Quote

“‘You’re actually going to make me do this,’ I say. ‘Make you? Come on. It’s not like that.’ ‘Well, what’s it like?’ ‘It’s not like anything. I mean, I like this girl. I was just thinking you would want to help me here. Invite me to stuff when she’ll be there. I don’t know.’ ‘And what if I don’t? You’ll put the emails on Facebook? On the fucking Tumblr?’ Jesus. The creeksecrets Tumblr: ground zero for Creekwood High School gossip. The entire school would know within a day. We’re both quiet. ‘I just think we’re in a position to help each other out,’ Martin finally says.” 

(Chapter 1, Pages 4 - 5)

In this passage, Simon is being pressured by Martin to help him, or else Martin threatens to expose Simon’s secret online. 

• How do you think social media and gossip sites, like the "creeksecrets Tumblr," impact Simon’s decisions and behaviour?

•  Do you think social media can add more pressure to situations like this in real life? Why or why not?

Chapter 3 

Listen and read here

Who is Blue? 

Is it a boy or girl - motivate your opinion. 

Quote

“If Blue were a real junior at Creekwood with a locker and a GPA and a Facebook profile, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be telling him anything. I mean, he is a real junior at Creekwood. I know that. But in a way, he lives in my laptop. It’s hard to explain.”

In the quote, Simon says Blue "lives in [his] laptop," which shows his mixed feelings about their connection. 

                     * How does talking to Blue online change the way Simon feels close or distant to him?

                     *Think about how being online helps or stops Simon from sharing things with Blue. 

                     *Do you think this online distance makes their relationship more real or less real? Use examples from the book to explain your answer.

Chapters 4-5 

       

Vocabulary

In pairs take a look at the words chapters 4-5. What do you think they mean? Circle the correct meaning. Vocab chapters 4-5 (Here are the correct meanings: XXX)

In class we will go through the correct meaning. You will also find explanations in easier Swedish

We will listen to chapters 4-5 together. 

Homework for Friday 4th of Oct:

Chapters 6-8

Read chapters 6-8. Write a few sentences about what you: 

Like? Dislike? Do you have any questions? 

If you listen as well it will take about 30 minutes.

Questions chapter 6 -8

Go to Trelson and answer the questions below: 


* Who is Jacques?
How do Blue and Jacques feel differently about Halloween, and what does this show about their personalities?

What do you think Blue means when he says he feels "trapped inside himself"? How does Jacques respond to this?

Why do you think the talk about Reese’s candy turn into a conversation about identity and being scared to open up?

Why is Blue afraid to tell Jacques who he really is? How does this affect their friendship?

How does using jokes help keep Blue and Jacques’ emails fun and friendly?

Why does Simon feel uncomfortable with Gender Bender Day?

What is Simon's reaction to seeing Bram dressed as a cheerleader? Why is this important to him?

How does the argument between Leah and Nick about the football game affect Simon and their friends?

Why does Simon want to go to the football game?

How does Simon feel when Martin talks to him about Abby? Why does this conversation bother Simon?

What is the "Shoreo" that Simon talks about, and how does he describe it?

How do Simon and Blue joke about Oreos and a balanced diet in their emails?

What is Simon's "Oreo diet"? 

Why does Blue avoid deep-fried Oreos, and what past experience does he share?

What did you like and dislike about chapters 6-8? Anything you didn't understand? 

This is a Thilt-A-Whirl: 

      

Questions chapters 10-19 

1. Where does Simon’s email name come from? 

2. To whom does Blue consider coming out first? 

3. Why does Martin get offended at play practice when he overhears Simon and Abby’s conversation? 

4. Why do Martin, Abby, and Simon go to Waffle House? At the end of that excursion, how does Simon feel about Martin?

 5. Why doesn’t Blue come out to his father? 

6. Who does Simon come out to first?

 7. What does everyone wear to play practice over Christmas break?

 8. What do Simon and Blue agree is the “default sexuality”?

 9. How did Blue’s coming out to his mother go? 

10. Why is it harder for Simon to tell Nick/Leah about his sexuality?

Chapters 20-23

The questions below are the same type that normally appear during the national exams. 

Speak English all the time! 

In your groups talk about: 

Having friends who accept you for who you are is important.

Agree? Disagree? Explain why and give examples. What does your friend think

Keeping secrets from your friends is sometimes necessary.

Agree? Disagree? Explain why and give examples. What does your friend think?

People should be free to share their identity in their own time.

Agree? Disagree? Explain why and give examples. What does your friend think?

Social media and technology make it hard to keep things private.

Agree? Disagree? Explain why and give examples. What does your friend think?

It’s important to stand up for your friends when they are bullied.

Agree? Disagree? Explain why and give examples. What does your friend think?

Apologizing can sometimes make a situation worse.

Agree? Disagree? Explain why and give examples. What does your friend think?

People should be more careful about what they say online.

Agree? Disagree? Explain why and give examples. What does your friend think?

Teenagers need more guidance from adults about handling relationships.

Agree? Disagree? Explain why and give examples. What does your friend think?

Forgiving someone who has hurt you is difficult but important.

Agree? Disagree? Explain why and give examples. What does your friend think?

Talking openly about feelings with friends and family is helpful.

Agree? Disagree? Explain why and give examples. What does your friend think?

The questions below are questions related to understanding the book. 

Talk about these as well. At the end of the lesson, we will discuss the questions in class.

1. What happens after Simon’s private emails are shared with the whole school? How does Simon feel, and how does this affect his relationships with his friends and family?
   
   

2. How do Simon’s friends (Nick, Leah, and Abby) react when they find out he is gay? Describe how each friend reacts and what it shows about their friendship with Simon.
   
   

3. Why did Martin decide to share Simon's emails with everyone? How does Simon feel about what Martin did, and does he forgive him? Why or why not? How does Blue help Simon after his secret is out? How does Simon feel about Blue after the reveal?

Chapters 23-30 

Just read! 

Before reading chapters 31 - end 

Who do you think Blue is? 

Characters to choose from: 

Cal Price 

The friendly and charming theatre student who seems to connect with Simon on several occasions.
Martin Addison
The socially awkward classmate who blackmails Simon, but his behaviour could be a cover for deeper feelings.
Nick Eisner
Simon’s easy-going and fun best friend who shares a love for music and could be hiding a secret
Bram Greenfeld
The quiet and shy soccer player who often stays in the background but seems observant and thoughtful.
Garrett Laughlin
Nick’s teammate and friend, known for his good looks and confident personality, but potentially more complex than he seems.

Final essay

Choose one of the topics below. Write your text in Trelson where you also can find the book. 

Make sure you have; paragraphs, capital letters of names and I, correct verb forms and have checked your spelling.  

Listen to your text before you hand it in. 

Is It Okay to Keep Secrets from Your Friends?

In the book, Simon keeps his sexuality a secret from his friends for a long time. 

Write an argumentative text about whether keeping secrets from your friends is ever okay.

Include:

• Your opinion (e.g., “I think it’s okay to keep secrets in some situations…”).
• Arguments and examples from the book or your own life should support your opinion.
• A counterargument (e.g., why some people think all secrets are bad) and your response to it.

Instructions:

• Write 200–300 words.
• Use linking words like however, on the other hand, and in conclusion.
• Organize your text into paragraphs with a clear introduction, main part, and conclusion.

Write a letter to Blue
Imagine you are Simon, and you want to write a letter to Blue after discovering his real identity. Share your thoughts and feelings about finally meeting him and what you hope for your relationship in the future.

Include:

• How you felt when you learned who Blue was.
• What you appreciate about him and his emails.
• What you hope for the future of your friendship or relationship.

Instructions:

• Start with “Dear Blue” and finish with “Yours, Simon.”
• Write at least 150–250 words.
• Make your letter thoughtful and heartfelt.