Lesson Overview
Topic
One Hour for the Planet. Earth Hour — the annual global event where cities switch off their lights for one hour to raise awareness about climate change and environmental protection. The lesson covers the history, science and impact of Earth Hour through all four skills, using real facts and data at B1–B2 level.
Format
Nature magazine article + school eco-podcast. Listening characters: Mia (a Year 10 student environmental activist) and Tom (the school radio journalist interviewing her).
Level
B1–B2
Duration
90 minutes
Grammar
G1 Present Simple — facts and habits ·
G2 Present Perfect — changes, achievements and experiences ·
G3 Past Simple — history and events ·
G4 Can — ability and possibility ·
G5 There is / There are — describing what exists ·
G6 Passive Voice — how things are done and organised
Vocabulary
12 words (B1–B2 labelled): awareness · pollution · renewable · fossil fuels · carbon footprint · habitat · campaign · electricity · landmark · participate · conserve · symbolic
Writing
100–120 words
Background — Earth Hour: Key Facts
Origin and history
Earth Hour was created by WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) and the advertising agency Leo Burnett. It began in Sydney, Australia on 31 March 2007, when 2.2 million homes and businesses switched off their non-essential lights for one hour. The following year it became a global event. By 2023, it reached 190+ countries and territories and over 7,000 cities. It takes place on the last Saturday of March each year, at 8:30 PM local time.
What happens
Homes, businesses, schools and famous landmarks switch off their non-essential lights for one hour. Famous landmarks that have participated include: the Sydney Opera House, the Eiffel Tower (Paris), the Empire State Building (New York), Big Ben (London), the Colosseum (Rome), the Burj Khalifa (Dubai) and the Sagrada Família (Barcelona). The event is symbolic — it does not save a measurable amount of electricity on its own. Its purpose is to raise awareness, inspire action and demonstrate global solidarity on climate issues.
The environmental context
Carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) are the primary driver of climate change. Global temperatures have risen by approximately 1.1°C above pre-industrial levels. Biodiversity loss — the disappearance of species and habitats — is accelerating. Earth Hour connects these issues to individual and collective action: the argument is that changed attitudes and behaviours, at scale, do make a difference.
Criticisms and responses
Earth Hour has been criticised for being too symbolic — switching off lights for one hour produces negligible energy savings. Defenders argue that: (a) the symbolic purpose is to inspire action beyond the hour itself; (b) Earth Hour has led to real policy change — several countries have cited the event as a catalyst for renewable energy legislation; (c) it generates billions of pounds of free media coverage for environmental issues.
Key Grammar — Teaching Notes
G2 — Present Perfect: the key B1–B2 grammar distinction
The most important teaching point in this lesson is the Present Perfect vs Past Simple distinction:
· Past Simple = a finished action at a specific time in the past:
"Earth Hour started in 2007." · "Two million people took part in the first year."
· Present Perfect = a past action with present relevance, or a change up to now, without a specific time:
"Earth Hour has grown to include 190 countries." · "Scientists have found that awareness campaigns matter."
Key trigger words:
Past Simple: last year / in 2007 / yesterday / in the first year / in March
Present Perfect: since 2007 / over the years / already / yet / ever / never / recently / so far
Typical B1–B2 error: "Earth Hour has started in 2007." → must be Past Simple because of the specific time reference.
G6 — Passive Voice at B1–B2
Present passive: is/are + past participle
"Earth Hour is organised by WWF." · "Lights are switched off at 8:30 pm."
Past passive: was/were + past participle
"The first event was held in Sydney." · "Two million homes were switched off."
Key question for students: "Is the person/organisation doing it important? If not — use the passive."
Lesson Procedure
Time
Stage
Skill
Teacher does
Students do
0–8 min
Lead-in
Speaking
Board: "What day is it? 8:30 pm. All the lights go off. Why?" Take guesses. Then: "Have you heard of Earth Hour? Have you ever participated?" Generate curiosity before revealing the topic.
Guess the situation. Discuss whether they know Earth Hour.
8–18 min
Vocabulary
—
12 B1–B2 environment words with level labels. Fact card visual. Part B matching. Part C gap-fill.
Read vocabulary. Match. Gap-fill.
18–42 min
Grammar
—
G1–G6. Extra focus on G2 (PP vs PS distinction — the core B1–B2 contrast). Exercises 1–6.
Study cards. Exercises 1–6. Pair-check.
42–55 min
Reading
Reading
Magazine article. Gist: "What is Earth Hour? When and where did it start?" Tasks 1–3. Label G1–G6.
Read. Answer questions. T/F/NG. Find grammar.
55–67 min
Listening
Listening
Mia and Tom's school podcast about Earth Hour. Read TWICE at a clear B1–B2 pace.
MCQ. Notes. Grammar hunt.
67–80 min
Speaking
Speaking
Three tasks: describe the event / debate its value / personal environmental action.
Describe. Discuss. Debate.
80–90 min
Writing
Writing
100–120 words. Three options. All 6 structures + 5 vocabulary words.
Write. Self-check.
Listening Script — 'The Green Wave: School Eco-Podcast'
Tom is friendly and curious. Mia is passionate and well-informed. Read at a clear, natural B1–B2 pace. Read twice.
Tom:
Welcome to The Green Wave — our school's eco-podcast. I'm Tom, and today I'm talking to Mia from Year 10, who runs our school's Environmental Action Group. Mia, you've been organising our school's participation in Earth Hour for two years now. Can you tell us what Earth Hour actually is?
Mia:
Of course! Earth Hour is a global event where people switch off their non-essential lights for one hour every year. It takes place on the last Saturday of March, at 8:30 pm. It's organised by WWF — the World Wide Fund for Nature. The idea is simple: by switching off your lights for one hour, you show that you care about the planet and about climate change.
Tom:
And how big is it? Is it just a British thing?
Mia:
No, it's a global event! Earth Hour started in Sydney, Australia in 2007. In the first year, over two million people took part — just in Sydney. Since then, it has grown enormously. Today, there are more than 190 countries and territories that participate. There are thousands of cities around the world where landmarks go dark. The Eiffel Tower goes dark. Big Ben goes dark. The Sydney Opera House goes dark. It's really powerful to see.
Tom:
But does it actually make a difference? I mean, one hour of switching off lights — can that really help the environment?
Mia:
That's such a good question, and it's one I hear a lot. Honestly — in terms of the actual electricity saved? No, not really. The energy saving is quite small. But that's not really the point. The point is awareness. Earth Hour has raised awareness about climate change around the world. Because of events like this, people have changed their behaviour — they've started using renewable energy, they've reduced their carbon footprint, they've chosen to conserve water and electricity in their daily lives. Small actions, when millions of people do them, can make a real difference.
Tom:
Has our school done anything special for Earth Hour?
Mia:
Yes! Last year, we switched off all the lights in school between 8:30 and 9:30 in the evening. We organised a candlelight event in the main hall. Students, teachers and parents came. We talked about what we can do every day to protect the environment — not just for one hour. There is still a lot we can do as individuals. There are simple things: turn off devices when you don't use them, eat less meat, use public transport. Every action counts.
Tom:
That sounds brilliant. One last question — what do you say to people who think Earth Hour is just symbolic, that it doesn't really change anything?
Mia:
I say: yes, it is symbolic. But symbols are powerful. The environmental movement has achieved real things because millions of people have joined it. Governments have passed laws to protect habitats. Fossil fuel companies have been forced to change because of public pressure. Earth Hour is a reminder that we are all connected, and that what we do matters. One hour is the beginning — not the end.
All 6 structures in the listening:
· G1 PS: Earth Hour is a global event / It takes place on the last Saturday of March / It's organised by WWF / The idea is simple / Every action counts
· G2 PP: you've been organising for two years / Earth Hour has grown enormously / countries have participate / people have changed their behaviour / they've started using renewable energy / they've reduced their carbon footprint / Governments have passed laws / millions of people have joined it
· G3 Past: Earth Hour started in Sydney in 2007 / over two million people took part / we switched off all the lights / we organised a candlelight event / students, teachers and parents came
· G4 Can: Can you tell us what Earth Hour is? / can that really help the environment? / Small actions can make a real difference / what we can do every day
· G5 There is/are: there are more than 190 countries / There are thousands of cities / There is still a lot we can do / There are simple things
· G6 Passive: It's organised by WWF / Fossil fuel companies have been forced to change / laws to protect habitats
· G1 PS: Earth Hour is a global event / It takes place on the last Saturday of March / It's organised by WWF / The idea is simple / Every action counts
· G2 PP: you've been organising for two years / Earth Hour has grown enormously / countries have participate / people have changed their behaviour / they've started using renewable energy / they've reduced their carbon footprint / Governments have passed laws / millions of people have joined it
· G3 Past: Earth Hour started in Sydney in 2007 / over two million people took part / we switched off all the lights / we organised a candlelight event / students, teachers and parents came
· G4 Can: Can you tell us what Earth Hour is? / can that really help the environment? / Small actions can make a real difference / what we can do every day
· G5 There is/are: there are more than 190 countries / There are thousands of cities / There is still a lot we can do / There are simple things
· G6 Passive: It's organised by WWF / Fossil fuel companies have been forced to change / laws to protect habitats
Answer Key
Handout 1 — Vocabulary Part C
1. pollution 2. fossil fuels 3. renewable 4. electricity 5. carbon footprint 6. awareness 7. habitat 8. conserve 9. landmark 10. participate 11. campaign 12. symbolic
Handout 2 — Grammar
Ex 1 (PS or PP): 1. started (2007 = specific time → PS) 2. has grown (since then / no specific time → PP) 3. took part (in the first year → PS) 4. have reduced (recently → PP) 5. organised (last year → PS) 6. has become (over the years → PP) 7. switched off (last Saturday → PS) 8. have already joined (already → PP)
Ex 2 (Present Perfect): 1. has grown 2. have changed 3. have already switched 4. has started / has begun 5. have joined 6. has inspired
Ex 3 (Past Simple): 1. started / began 2. took part 3. went 4. switched off / turned off 5. organised 6. was / had 7. did not / didn't know
Ex 4 (Can): 1. can reduce 2. can make 3. can help 4. Can … do 5. can't / cannot change 6. can participate
Ex 5 (There is/are): 1. There are 2. There is 3. There are 4. There is 5. There are 6. There is
Ex 6 (Passive): 1. is organised 2. are switched off / are turned off 3. was held 4. is celebrated 5. were invited 6. has been raised
Ex 2 (Present Perfect): 1. has grown 2. have changed 3. have already switched 4. has started / has begun 5. have joined 6. has inspired
Ex 3 (Past Simple): 1. started / began 2. took part 3. went 4. switched off / turned off 5. organised 6. was / had 7. did not / didn't know
Ex 4 (Can): 1. can reduce 2. can make 3. can help 4. Can … do 5. can't / cannot change 6. can participate
Ex 5 (There is/are): 1. There are 2. There is 3. There are 4. There is 5. There are 6. There is
Ex 6 (Passive): 1. is organised 2. are switched off / are turned off 3. was held 4. is celebrated 5. were invited 6. has been raised
Reading + Listening
Reading T/F/NG: 1 T 2 F (it started in Sydney, Australia — not in the UK) 3 T 4 NG (the article does not say exactly how many landmarks participate) 5 T
Listening Task 1: 1-b 2-c 3-b
Task 2 notes: last Saturday of March / 8:30 pm / WWF / Sydney / 2007 / two million / 190 countries / 7,000 cities / Eiffel Tower / Big Ben / Sydney Opera House / small / awareness / behaviour / renewable energy / carbon footprint / conserve / switched off all lights / candlelight event / symbolic / powerful / habitats / fossil fuel / public pressure
Task 2 notes: last Saturday of March / 8:30 pm / WWF / Sydney / 2007 / two million / 190 countries / 7,000 cities / Eiffel Tower / Big Ben / Sydney Opera House / small / awareness / behaviour / renewable energy / carbon footprint / conserve / switched off all lights / candlelight event / symbolic / powerful / habitats / fossil fuel / public pressure
Earth Hour
One Hour for the Planet · Student Handouts · B1–B2
Handout 1
Vocabulary
VocabularyPart A — Key Words
Words are labelled B1 or B2. Make sure you understand all of them before you do the reading and listening.
Word
What it means / example
awarenessB1
knowing that something exists or is important — Earth Hour raises awareness about climate change. Before the event, many people didn't think about their energy use.
pollutionB1
harmful substances in the air, water or land — Air pollution from cars and factories is one of the biggest environmental problems in cities today.
renewableB2
describes energy from natural sources that can be replaced — for example wind, solar or water — Many countries have switched from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind farms.
fossil fuelsB2
coal, oil and natural gas — formed from ancient living things — they release CO₂ when burned — Burning fossil fuels is the main cause of the greenhouse gases that drive climate change.
carbon footprintB2
the total amount of CO₂ that a person, activity or organisation produces — You can reduce your carbon footprint by using public transport, eating less meat and turning off devices.
habitatB1
the natural environment where an animal or plant lives — Deforestation destroys the habitat of many species, including tigers, orangutans and thousands of insects.
campaignB1
an organised plan of activities to achieve a goal — Earth Hour began as a small campaign in Sydney and grew into the world's largest environmental movement.
electricityB1
the energy used to power lights, devices and machines — There is still a lot of electricity wasted in homes and offices every day — lights left on in empty rooms, devices on standby.
landmarkB1
a famous building or place that is easy to recognise — During Earth Hour, famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Big Ben go dark to show support for the event.
participateB2
to take part in an activity or event — More than 190 countries participate in Earth Hour every year. You can participate from your own home by switching off the lights.
conserveB2
to protect something and avoid wasting it — We need to conserve natural resources — water, forests and clean air — for future generations.
symbolicB2
representing an idea rather than having a direct practical effect — Earth Hour is symbolic — it doesn't save huge amounts of electricity. But it sends a powerful message to governments and businesses.
Part B — Earth Hour in Numbers
These are real facts about Earth Hour. Read them and discuss: are you surprised by any of them?
2007
Year Earth Hour started, in Sydney, Australia
190+
Countries and territories that now participate
7,000+
Cities that take part around the world
8:30 pm
The time when lights go off, on the last Saturday of March
2.2 million
Homes and businesses that joined the first Earth Hour in Sydney
1 hour
The duration of the event — but the message lasts all year
Part C — Fill in the Gaps
Use the words from Part A. Each word is used once.
1.Air and water __________________ are getting worse in many parts of the world. Factories, cars and plastic waste are the main causes.
2.Coal, oil and gas are called __________________ because they were formed millions of years ago from the remains of plants and animals.
3.Solar panels and wind turbines produce __________________ energy — energy that comes from natural sources that do not run out.
4.There is a lot of __________________ wasted every day. If everyone turned off lights when they leave a room, it would make a real difference.
5.Your __________________ is the total amount of CO₂ that you produce. You can reduce it by eating less meat, flying less and using public transport.
6.Earth Hour raises __________________ about climate change. Its goal is to make people think about their impact on the planet.
7.The Amazon rainforest is the __________________ of thousands of species of animals, birds and insects. When it is destroyed, they lose their home.
8.We need to __________________ our natural resources — water, clean air and forests — so that future generations can enjoy them too.
9.During Earth Hour, famous __________________ around the world go dark, including the Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum and Big Ben.
10.Every year, more than 190 countries __________________ in Earth Hour. You can take part from your own home, just by switching off the lights.
11.The environmental __________________ started small — just one city in Australia — but it has grown into a global movement with millions of supporters.
12.Some people say Earth Hour is only __________________ — it doesn't save enough energy to matter. But supporters say the message and the unity it creates are more important than the electricity saved.
Handout 2
Grammar
GrammarSix Grammar Structures — Earth, Environment and Action
G1 — PRESENT SIMPLE
For general facts, habits and things that are always true.
Earth Hour takes place on the last Saturday of March every year.
Many cities switch off their lights at 8:30 pm.
The event raises awareness about climate change.
Small actions make a difference when millions of people do them.
For general facts, habits and things that are always true.
Earth Hour takes place on the last Saturday of March every year.
Many cities switch off their lights at 8:30 pm.
The event raises awareness about climate change.
Small actions make a difference when millions of people do them.
G2 — PRESENT PERFECT
For past actions that are connected to the present — changes, achievements and experiences.
Earth Hour has grown to include more than 190 countries. (change up to now)
Scientists have found that awareness campaigns matter. (past research, still relevant)
The event has inspired millions of people to take action. (result we can see now)
Many countries have already passed new environmental laws. (completed, result now)
Use with: since / for / already / yet / ever / never / recently / so far / over the years
Do NOT use with: yesterday / last year / in 2007 / in March (specific times → Past Simple)
For past actions that are connected to the present — changes, achievements and experiences.
Earth Hour has grown to include more than 190 countries. (change up to now)
Scientists have found that awareness campaigns matter. (past research, still relevant)
The event has inspired millions of people to take action. (result we can see now)
Many countries have already passed new environmental laws. (completed, result now)
Use with: since / for / already / yet / ever / never / recently / so far / over the years
Do NOT use with: yesterday / last year / in 2007 / in March (specific times → Past Simple)
G3 — PAST SIMPLE
For finished actions at a specific time in the past.
Earth Hour started in Sydney, Australia in 2007.
WWF created the event to raise awareness about global warming.
Two million people took part in the first year.
Last year, our school switched off all its lights for Earth Hour.
Use with: in 2007 / last year / yesterday / in March / at 8:30 pm / in the first year / when it started
For finished actions at a specific time in the past.
Earth Hour started in Sydney, Australia in 2007.
WWF created the event to raise awareness about global warming.
Two million people took part in the first year.
Last year, our school switched off all its lights for Earth Hour.
Use with: in 2007 / last year / yesterday / in March / at 8:30 pm / in the first year / when it started
G4 — CAN
For ability and possibility — what people and actions are able to do.
You can participate in Earth Hour from your own home.
Small actions can have a big impact on the environment.
Switching off lights can save energy and reduce your carbon footprint.
We can't solve climate change alone — we need everyone to act together.
For ability and possibility — what people and actions are able to do.
You can participate in Earth Hour from your own home.
Small actions can have a big impact on the environment.
Switching off lights can save energy and reduce your carbon footprint.
We can't solve climate change alone — we need everyone to act together.
G5 — THERE IS / THERE ARE
For describing what exists — people, places, problems, solutions.
There is a growing problem with pollution in many cities. (singular)
There are more than 7,000 cities that participate in Earth Hour. (plural)
There is still a lot we can do to help the environment. (singular)
There are many simple actions you can take every day. (plural)
There is + singular noun · There are + plural noun
Questions: Is there…? / Are there…? · Negative: There isn't… / There aren't…
For describing what exists — people, places, problems, solutions.
There is a growing problem with pollution in many cities. (singular)
There are more than 7,000 cities that participate in Earth Hour. (plural)
There is still a lot we can do to help the environment. (singular)
There are many simple actions you can take every day. (plural)
There is + singular noun · There are + plural noun
Questions: Is there…? / Are there…? · Negative: There isn't… / There aren't…
G6 — PASSIVE VOICE
For saying how things are done — when the action is more important than who does it.
Earth Hour is organised by WWF. (present passive)
Lights are switched off at 8:30 pm around the world. (present passive)
The first event was held in Sydney in 2007. (past passive)
The event has been celebrated in more than 190 countries. (perfect passive)
Present: is/are + past participle · Past: was/were + past participle · Perfect: has/have been + past participle
For saying how things are done — when the action is more important than who does it.
Earth Hour is organised by WWF. (present passive)
Lights are switched off at 8:30 pm around the world. (present passive)
The first event was held in Sydney in 2007. (past passive)
The event has been celebrated in more than 190 countries. (perfect passive)
Present: is/are + past participle · Past: was/were + past participle · Perfect: has/have been + past participle
Exercise 1 — Past Simple or Present Perfect?
Choose the correct tense. Think about the time reference — is there a specific time? Or is this a change / result up to now?
1.Earth Hour __________________ (start) in Sydney in 2007.
2.Since then, Earth Hour __________________ (grow) to include more than 190 countries.
3.Over two million people __________________ (take part) in the very first Earth Hour event.
4.Recently, many people __________________ (reduce) their carbon footprint by switching to renewable energy.
5.Last year, our school __________________ (organise) a candlelight event for Earth Hour.
6.Over the years, Earth Hour __________________ (become) the world's largest environmental movement.
7.Last Saturday, the Eiffel Tower __________________ (switch off) its lights at 8:30 pm.
8.So far this year, more than 100 students at our school __________________ (already / join) the Environmental Action Group.
Exercise 2 — Present Perfect: Complete the Sentences
Use the Present Perfect form of the verb in brackets. Use the time expressions given.
1.Since 2007, Earth Hour __________________ (grow) from one city to over 190 countries.
2.Over the years, millions of people __________________ (change) their daily habits because of environmental campaigns.
3.We __________________ (already / switch off) our classroom lights — we're ready for Earth Hour!
4.Recently, our city __________________ (start) a new campaign to reduce plastic waste.
5.So far this year, 40 countries __________________ (join) the new international climate agreement.
6.Earth Hour __________________ (inspire) many governments to pass new laws protecting the environment.
Exercise 3 — Past Simple: Complete the Story
Complete each sentence with the Past Simple form of the verb in brackets.
1.Earth Hour __________________ (start) on 31 March 2007 in Sydney, Australia.
2.In the first event, over 2.2 million homes and businesses __________________ (take part) in Sydney alone.
3.The following year, Earth Hour __________________ (go) global for the first time.
4.Last Saturday, millions of people around the world __________________ (switch off) their lights at 8:30 pm.
5.Our school __________________ (organise) a candlelight evening in the main hall last year.
6.When I was young, our family __________________ (not know) much about climate change.
Exercise 4 — Can / Can't
Complete each sentence with can or can't and the correct form of the verb.
1.You __________________ (reduce) your carbon footprint by switching to public transport.
2.Small actions __________________ (make) a big difference when millions of people take part.
3.Turning off one light for one hour __________________ (help) the environment significantly on its own — but it is a powerful symbol.
4.__________________ you __________________ (do) anything to reduce your carbon footprint this week?
5.We __________________ (change) climate change overnight — it takes time and sustained effort from governments and individuals.
6.Anyone __________________ (participate) in Earth Hour — you just need to switch off your lights for one hour.
Exercise 5 — There Is / There Are
Complete each sentence with There is or There are.
1.__________________ more than 7,000 cities that take part in Earth Hour every year.
2.__________________ a lot of simple things you can do every day to help the environment.
3.__________________ many famous landmarks around the world that go dark during Earth Hour.
4.__________________ still a lot of work to do before we solve the problem of climate change.
5.__________________ several things students can do at school to reduce energy use: switch off lights, use less paper and turn off computers.
6.__________________ a growing amount of evidence that rising temperatures are affecting animal habitats around the world.
Exercise 6 — Passive Voice
Rewrite each sentence in the passive voice. You don't need to include the person who does the action.
1. "WWF organises Earth Hour every year."
Earth Hour ___________________________________________________________________
2. "People switch off their lights at 8:30 pm."
Lights ___________________________________________________________________
3. "WWF held the first Earth Hour event in Sydney in 2007."
The first Earth Hour event ___________________________________________________________________
4. "People celebrate Earth Hour in more than 190 countries."
Earth Hour ___________________________________________________________________
5. "The school invited all students and parents to the candlelight event."
All students and parents ___________________________________________________________________
6. "Environmental campaigns have raised a lot of money for wildlife protection."
A lot of money ___________________________________________________________________
Handout 3
Reading
ReadingGreen Planet Magazine · Environment
One Hour. One Planet. One Billion People.
Every year, on the last Saturday of March, billions of people around the world do something extraordinary — they sit in the dark, together, for exactly one hour. This is Earth Hour. And its story is more remarkable than you might think.
How it began
Earth Hour was created by WWF — the World Wide Fund for Nature — and it started in an unlikely place: not in a global capital, but in Sydney, Australia. On 31 March 2007, the city switched off its non-essential lights for one hour. There were no smartphones, no social media — just a simple idea and a powerful image: a great city, going dark. Over 2.2 million homes and businesses participated. The Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House went black against the night sky.
The following year, the event went global. In 2008, Earth Hour was celebrated in 35 countries and 400 cities. By 2023, those numbers had grown to over 190 countries and more than 7,000 cities. There is no other environmental event that reaches so many people, in so many places, at exactly the same moment.
What actually happens
At 8:30 pm on the last Saturday of March, lights are switched off around the world. Homes, schools, offices and businesses turn off their non-essential lights. Famous landmarks join the event: the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Big Ben in London, the Colosseum in Rome, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai and the Empire State Building in New York. For one hour, some of the most recognisable buildings on earth are dark.
"There is still a lot we can do. Earth Hour is not the end — it is the beginning."
Does it make a difference?
Critics have argued that Earth Hour is purely symbolic — the amount of electricity saved is tiny. They are right that the direct energy saving is small. But Earth Hour has achieved something that is harder to measure: it has raised awareness. Since the event began, it has grown into a movement. Governments around the world have been influenced by public demand for environmental action. Many have passed laws to promote renewable energy and conserve natural habitats. The campaign has shown that when people act together, change is possible.
How you can take part
Taking part in Earth Hour is simple. You don't need to travel anywhere. You just need to switch off your non-essential lights at 8:30 pm on the last Saturday of March. There are many other things you can do too: light candles, have a conversation, read a book by torchlight. You can participate as a family, as a school, or as a community. And there is one more thing you can do — tell others. Because Earth Hour works best when everyone knows about it.
Task 1 — True, False or Not Given?
1.Earth Hour started in Sydney, Australia, in 2007.[ T / F / NG ]
2.The first Earth Hour event took place in the United Kingdom.[ T / F / NG ]
3.By 2023, Earth Hour was celebrated in more than 190 countries.[ T / F / NG ]
4.The article says exactly how many landmarks go dark during Earth Hour every year.[ T / F / NG ]
5.According to the article, Earth Hour has influenced governments to pass laws on renewable energy.[ T / F / NG ]
Task 2 — Answer the Questions
Write complete sentences.
1.How many homes and businesses participated in the first Earth Hour in Sydney?
Answer: ___________________________________________________________________
2.What do critics say about Earth Hour? How does the article respond to their criticism?
Answer: ___________________________________________________________________
3.Name three famous landmarks mentioned in the article that take part in Earth Hour.
Answer: ___________________________________________________________________
4.What are two things you can do to take part in Earth Hour, according to the article?
Answer: ___________________________________________________________________
Task 3 — Find the Grammar
Go back to the article. Find one example of each grammar structure and write it here.
G1:Present Simple: ___________________________________________
G2:Present Perfect: ___________________________________________
G3:Past Simple: ___________________________________________
G4:Can: ___________________________________________
G5:There is / There are: ___________________________________________
G6:Passive Voice: ___________________________________________
Handout 4
Listening
ListeningTom is the presenter of his school's eco-podcast, The Green Wave. He is interviewing Mia from Year 10, who runs the school's Environmental Action Group. Your teacher will read the conversation twice.
Task 1 — Choose the Correct Answer
1. What is Earth Hour, according to Mia?
a. A global event where people don't use their cars for one hour every year.
b. A global event where people switch off their non-essential lights for one hour to show they care about the planet.
c. An event that only takes place in Australia and the United Kingdom.
2. What does Mia say about the direct energy savings from Earth Hour?
a. She says the energy savings are enormous and very important.
b. She says the energy saving is actually quite small — but that's not really the point.
c. She says nobody knows how much energy Earth Hour saves.
3. What did Mia's school do for Earth Hour last year?
a. Students planted trees in the school garden by candlelight.
b. The school organised a candlelight event in the main hall where people talked about environmental action.
c. The school switched off all its lights for the whole day.
Task 2 — Complete the Notes
The Green Wave Podcast — Notes
What it is:
switch off __________________ lights / every year / last Saturday of __________________ / at __________________ pm / organised by __________________
History:
started in __________________ in __________________ / first year: __________________ million people / now: __________________ countries + __________________ cities
Famous landmarks:
__________________ Tower / __________________ Ben / __________________ Opera House
Does it help?
direct energy saving is __________________ / real point is __________________ / people have changed their __________________ / started using __________________ energy / reduced __________________ footprint
At school:
__________________ off all lights / __________________ event in main hall / talked about __________________ action
Simple daily actions:
turn off __________________ / eat less __________________ / use public __________________
Task 3 — Grammar Hunt
Find one example of each grammar structure from the conversation. Write the exact words.
1.Present Perfect: ___________________________________________
2.Past Simple: ___________________________________________
3.Can: ___________________________________________
4.There is / There are: ___________________________________________
5.Passive Voice: ___________________________________________
Handout 5
Speaking
SpeakingTask A — Explain Earth Hour
Work in pairs. Student A: explain Earth Hour to Student B as if they have never heard of it. Use all six grammar structures at least once. Student B: listen and ask at least three questions.
Include: What is Earth Hour? (G1 Present Simple) · When and where did it start? (G3 Past Simple) · How has it grown? (G2 Present Perfect) · What can people do? (G4 Can) · What landmarks go dark? (G5 There is/are) · How is it organised? (G6 Passive)
Task B — Debate: Is Earth Hour Useful?
Work in groups of three or four. Two students argue FOR Earth Hour. Two students argue AGAINST it. Use the ideas below.
FOR Earth Hour ✓
· It raises awareness globally
· It has inspired millions of people
· It has influenced governments
· Symbols can be powerful
· It brings people together
· It has inspired millions of people
· It has influenced governments
· Symbols can be powerful
· It brings people together
AGAINST Earth Hour ✗
· The energy saving is very small
· It is only symbolic
· People forget after one hour
· Real change needs government action
· One hour a year is not enough
· It is only symbolic
· People forget after one hour
· Real change needs government action
· One hour a year is not enough
Useful language:
"Earth Hour has raised awareness because…" · "I think it can make a difference because…"
"There is evidence that… / There are many people who…"
"The problem is that the energy saved is very small…" · "Yes, but it has inspired…"
"Earth Hour has raised awareness because…" · "I think it can make a difference because…"
"There is evidence that… / There are many people who…"
"The problem is that the energy saved is very small…" · "Yes, but it has inspired…"
Task C — Personal Environmental Action
Discuss in groups. Use all six grammar structures.
1.Have you ever participated in Earth Hour? What did you do? If not, would you like to? Why?
2.What can you do every day to reduce your carbon footprint? List three things. Can you do any of them now?
3.Is there a famous landmark in your city or country? Has it ever participated in Earth Hour? Do you think it should?
4.Do you think environmental campaigns like Earth Hour are useful? Or do you think governments and businesses need to act — not individuals? Give reasons.
5.What environmental problems are there in your country? What has your government done about them so far? What can still be done?
Handout 6
Writing
WritingWriting Task
Choose one:
Option A: Write a short article for your school magazine about Earth Hour. Explain what it is, where it started and why you think it is (or isn't) important.
Option B: Write a post for your school's environmental blog. Describe what your school did for Earth Hour, or explain what your school could do for the next Earth Hour. Include at least two specific actions.
Option C: Write a short speech for a school debate: "Environmental campaigns like Earth Hour are a waste of time. What really matters is government action." Argue FOR or AGAINST this statement.
Word count: 100–120 words
Option A: Write a short article for your school magazine about Earth Hour. Explain what it is, where it started and why you think it is (or isn't) important.
Option B: Write a post for your school's environmental blog. Describe what your school did for Earth Hour, or explain what your school could do for the next Earth Hour. Include at least two specific actions.
Option C: Write a short speech for a school debate: "Environmental campaigns like Earth Hour are a waste of time. What really matters is government action." Argue FOR or AGAINST this statement.
Word count: 100–120 words
Include all six grammar structures (label them) and at least five vocabulary words from Handout 1:
G1 Pres Simple G2 Pres Perfect G3 Past Simple G4 Can G5 There is/are G6 Passive
G1 Pres Simple G2 Pres Perfect G3 Past Simple G4 Can G5 There is/are G6 Passive
Useful phrases:
"Earth Hour takes place… [G1] · It was started / It is organised… [G6]"
"It started in 2007… [G3] · Since then, it has grown… [G2]"
"There is a growing problem… / There are many things… [G5] · We can all… [G4]"
"Earth Hour takes place… [G1] · It was started / It is organised… [G6]"
"It started in 2007… [G3] · Since then, it has grown… [G2]"
"There is a growing problem… / There are many things… [G5] · We can all… [G4]"
Self-check: [ ] 100–120 words [ ] G1 Pres Simple [ ] G2 Pres Perfect [ ] G3 Past Simple [ ] G4 Can [ ] G5 There is/are [ ] G6 Passive [ ] 5 vocab words