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The Statue of Liberty

A complete A1 classroom lesson built around an engaging topic. Use it as a 45–60 minute lesson, or choose individual sections for a shorter class.

A145–55 minutesPlaces & historyPrintable
Teacher lesson: Look at the picture and title. What do you already know about this topic? Write two ideas, then compare with a partner. Work through the nine panels in order, or choose the sections that suit your class. Teacher answers and the listening script are stored separately.
Teacher AnswersOpen related EnglishDrills reading
1 Lesson Goals
The Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor

By the end of this lesson, I will be able to:

  • understand the main ideas and key details in The Statue of Liberty.
  • learn and use important vocabulary from the lesson.
  • use the lesson language in speaking or writing.
Start here: What do you already know about this topic? Tell a partner one idea.
2 Reading
Before you read:

Look at the picture and title. What do you already know about this topic? Write two ideas, then compare with a partner.

The Statue of Liberty stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. France gave the statue to the United States, and it was dedicated in 1886. The statue shows a woman holding a torch in one hand and a tablet in the other. The tablet has the date of the American Declaration of Independence. The statue is made mainly of copper. Over time, the copper changed from brown to green. Visitors can take a ferry to the island and can visit parts of the monument. The Statue of Liberty became a famous symbol of freedom and welcome.
3 Vocabulary
Words: statue · torch · tablet · copper · symbol

Write a short meaning or synonym for each word.

statue –

torch –

tablet –

copper –

symbol –

4 Check Your Understanding

1. Where is the Statue of Liberty?

2. Which country gave the statue to the United States?

3. What does the woman hold?

4. What happened to the colour of the copper?

5. What does the statue symbolise?

5 Language Focus

Complete with can or cannot.

1. Visitors take a ferry to Liberty Island.

2. People drive a car directly to the statue.

3. Visitors see the green copper surface.

4. A statue speak by itself.

6 Listen & Speak

Listen

Listen to your teacher. You will hear the text twice. Answer the questions.

1. Where is the statue?

2. How do visitors reach the island?

3. What two things does the statue hold?

4. Why is the statue green?

Speak

Discuss with a partner or small group.

• What famous landmark would you like to visit?
• Why do countries build monuments?
• What symbol represents your country or city?

The Statue of Liberty — Continued
7 Use Your English

Something New

Create a New York postcard. Swap with a partner and ask each other two questions about the picture and message.

Write

Write 5–6 sentences about a famous landmark. Say where it is and why people know it.

8 Puzzle or Game
Vocabulary Detective

Choose four words from the Vocabulary panel. Write a short clue for each word without writing the word itself. Swap with a partner and see how many you can guess.

Bonus: Use one of the words in a new sentence.

9 Success Criteria ✓

Tick each statement when you can do it.

  • I can explain the main idea of the lesson.
  • I can use at least three new words correctly.
  • I can complete the language task.
  • I can share an idea in spoken or written English.

One thing I am proud of today:

10 Show What You Can Do
My final challenge: The Statue of Liberty

1. Draw or plan. Add a small picture, diagram or 4 key words from the lesson.

2. Write. Write 3–5 sentences using words or language from this lesson.

3. Share. Tell a partner or teacher one thing you can now say or understand.