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Discovering Greece

A complete A2 country lesson with reading, vocabulary, listening, speaking, Something New and writing.

A250–60 minutesCountries, islands & historyPrintable
Teacher lesson: Look at the picture and title. What do you already know about this country? Discuss with a partner and write two ideas. 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 Answers
1 Lesson Goals
White buildings in Oia on Santorini, Greece

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

  • understand the main ideas and key details in Discovering Greece.
  • 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 country? Discuss with a partner and write two ideas.

Greece is a country in south-eastern Europe with a mainland and thousands of islands. Athens is the capital and one of Europe’s oldest cities. Ancient Greek ideas about government, philosophy, theatre, art and sport influenced many later societies. Today, visitors can explore archaeological sites as well as modern towns and cities. Greece is also known for blue seas, rocky mountains, beaches and white villages on islands such as Santorini. Greek food often includes olive oil, vegetables, cheese, bread, fish and herbs. Family and social life are important, and meals may be shared slowly with relatives or friends. Tourism is an important part of the economy, but Greece also has agriculture, shipping and other industries.
3 Vocabulary
Words: mainland · island · ancient · influence · archaeological

Write a short meaning or example for each word.

mainland –

island –

ancient –

influence –

archaeological –

4 Check Your Understanding

1. Where is Greece?

2. What is the capital?

3. Name two ideas or activities linked with ancient Greece.

4. What foods are mentioned?

5. Why do many visitors travel to Greece?

5 Language Focus

Complete the present simple sentences.

1. Greece (have) thousands of islands.

2. Athens (be) the capital.

3. Ancient ideas (influence) later societies.

4. Many visitors (explore) historic sites.

6 Listen & Speak

Listen

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

1. Where is Greece?

2. What is the capital?

3. How many islands does Greece have?

4. Why do visitors come?

Speak

Discuss with a partner.

• Would you rather visit Athens or a Greek island? Why?
• What do you know about ancient Greece?
• Why are islands attractive to tourists?

Discovering Greece — Continued
7 Use Your English

Something New

In pairs, create a mini brochure for a Greek island. Include three activities, one food to try and one reason to visit.

Write

Write 80–100 words explaining why Greece is interesting for both history and travel.

8 Puzzle or Game
Memory Challenge

Close or cover the Vocabulary panel. In 45 seconds, write as many lesson words as you can remember. Then check your spelling.

Score: ____ words remembered correctly.

Use your best word in a 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: Discovering Greece

Plan: Write 5 useful words or ideas from the lesson, or make a quick labelled sketch.

Write: Write 5–7 sentences that show what you learned. Try to use at least 3 words from the Vocabulary panel.

Share: Explain your work to a partner for about 30 seconds.