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The Philippines: Islands and Culture

A complete A2 classroom lesson with the EnglishDrills nine-colour lesson sequence.

A250–60 minutesCountries & islandsPrintable
Teacher lesson: Look at the picture and title. What do you already know about this topic? 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
The Chocolate Hills in Bohol, Philippines

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

  • understand the main ideas and key details in The Philippines: Islands and Culture.
  • 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? Discuss with a partner and write two ideas.

The Philippines is a country in Southeast Asia made up of more than seven thousand islands. Its capital is Manila. Filipino and English are official languages, and many regional languages are spoken as well. The country is known for beaches, coral reefs, mountains and tropical weather. People enjoy many sports, foods and celebrations, and basketball is especially popular. Because the Philippines is spread across so many islands, boats and aeroplanes are important for travel between different regions. The country also experiences natural hazards such as typhoons and earthquakes, so communities need good preparation and strong communication systems.
3 Vocabulary
Words: island · regional · coral reef · tropical · typhoon

Write a short meaning or example for each word.

island –

regional –

coral reef –

tropical –

typhoon –

4 Check Your Understanding

1. Where is the Philippines?

2. What is the capital?

3. Name the two official languages mentioned.

4. Why are boats and aeroplanes important?

5. What natural hazards can affect the country?

5 Language Focus

Complete with can or can’t.

1. Visitors travel between islands by boat.

2. You drive directly from every island to every other island.

3. People hear many regional languages.

4. Communities prepare for typhoons.

6 Listen & Speak

Listen

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

1. What is the capital?

2. Name one official language.

3. Which sport is popular?

4. How do people travel between many islands?

Speak

Discuss with a partner.

• What are the advantages of living on an island?
• What challenges can island travel create?
• What do you know about Filipino food or culture?

The Philippines: Islands and Culture — Continued
7 Use Your English

Something New

You have three fictional islands to visit: one for a beach, one for mountains and one for a festival. Decide the best order and transport. Explain your plan to another pair.

Write

Write 80–100 words describing what a visitor could experience in the Philippines.

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: The Philippines: Islands and Culture

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.