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Discovering Italy

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

A250–60 minutesCountries, food & 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

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

understand the main ideas and key details in Discovering Italy.
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.

Italy is a country in southern Europe shaped like a long boot. Rome is the capital, and other well-known cities include Milan, Florence, Venice and Naples. Italy has a long history, and visitors can see Roman ruins, medieval towns, Renaissance art and grand churches. Food also changes from region to region. Pasta, pizza, olive oil, tomatoes and cheese are important in many dishes, but local traditions are very different across the country. Italy has mountains in the north, including part of the Alps, and long Mediterranean coastlines. Football is extremely popular. Family meals, local markets and public squares are important parts of everyday life in many communities. Italy’s mix of history, art, landscape and food attracts millions of visitors.

3 Vocabulary

Words: ruins · region · coastline · local · attract

Write a short meaning or example for each word.

ruins –

region –

coastline –

local –

attract –

4 Check Your Understanding

1. Where is Italy?

2. What is the capital?

3. Name two other Italian cities.

4. What natural features are mentioned?

5. Why does Italy attract many visitors?

5 Language Focus

Complete the present simple sentences.

1. Italy (have) many historic cities.

2. Rome (be) the capital.

3. Different regions (prepare) different foods.

4. Many tourists (visit) Italy each year.

6 Listen & Speak

Listen

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

1. Where is Italy?

2. What is the capital?

3. What mountains are in the north?

4. What sea is mentioned?

Speak

Discuss with a partner.

• Which Italian city would you like to visit?
• What Italian foods do you enjoy?
• Why do old buildings attract visitors?

Discovering Italy — Continued

7 Use Your English

Something New

Create a one-day itinerary with one historic place, one food stop and one evening activity. Compare your plan with another pair.

Write

Write 80–100 words describing what makes Italy an interesting country to visit.

8 Puzzle or Game

60-Second Word Race

In one minute, write as many English words as you can that connect with Discovering Italy. Compare your list with a partner.

Circle three words you think are especially useful.

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 Italy

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.