Animals & Ecosystems
mammal
reptile
insect
gills
scales
wildlife
ecosystem
soil
Vocabulary lesson plan & materials
Nature and Environment — Sustainability
B1–B2 · Reading, vocabulary, speaking and writing about animals, the Earth, natural resources, pollution and environmental action.
Language Focus
Vocabulary & Grammar in Context
The grammar examples are taken from structures already present in the source material; no separate invented grammar syllabus has been added.
Earth & Landscapes
continent
climate
forest
desert
river
ocean
erosion
landscape
Environmental Problems
pollution
air quality
flood
landslide
waste
carbon emissions
water pollution
climate change
Protection & Action
preserve
protect
conserve
recycle
reduce waste
public transport
environmentally friendly
take action
Present Simple — facts & routines
B1Animals live in different environments. / Plants grow in soil.
Modal verbs — advice & obligation
B1We should take care of wildlife. / We must protect our planet.
Present Perfect — experience
B1Have you ever gone fishing before? / I have gone many times.
First Conditional — consequence
B1–B2If we do not take care of the soil, it can become dry and hard.
Could / can — suggestions & possibility
B1–B2We could use public transport more often. / Pollution can cause health problems.
Nature
Animals & Wildlife
Text 1
Animals
Foundation · A2–B1Animals are everywhere, and there are many different types of animals.
Some animals have fur, like dogs and cats. They are mammals. Other animals have feathers, like birds. Many birds can fly and produce a wide range of sounds. Fish live in water and breathe through their gills. Insects have six legs and many species have wings. They can be very small, while some species are much larger than others. Reptiles have scales, and many reptiles lay eggs. Snakes and lizards are reptiles. Earthworms live in the ground and help keep soil healthy.
All of these animals have an important place in ecosystems. We should take care of wildlife and respect the natural world.
Task 1 — Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with words from the text.
Word bank: animals (2), fur, mammals, feathers, birds, fish, gills, reptiles, lizards, earthworms, ground, soil, respect
_____(1) are everywhere, and there are many different types of _____(2).
Some animals have _____(3), like dogs and cats. They are _____(4). Other animals have _____(5), like birds. Many _____(6) can fly and produce a wide range of sounds. _____(7) live in water and breathe through their _____(8). Insects have six legs and many species have wings. _____(9) have scales, and many reptiles lay eggs. Snakes and _____(10) are reptiles. _____(11) live in the _____(12) and help keep _____(13) healthy.
We should take care of wildlife and _____(14) the natural world.
1
animals
2
animals
3
fur
4
mammals
5
feathers
6
birds
7
fish
8
gills
9
reptiles
10
lizards
11
earthworms
12
ground
13
soil
14
respect
Task 2 — Multiple Choice
Choose the correct answer.
1
What is the main topic of the text?
2
Which animals are given as examples of mammals?
3
Which animals have feathers?
4
Which statement about insects matches the text?
5
What do fish use to breathe?
6
What do reptiles have?
7
How do earthworms help the environment?
8
Why should we care for wildlife?
9
What does the text say about many birds?
10
Which animals are examples of reptiles?
1
A
2
B
3
C
4
C
5
A
6
C
7
A
8
B
9
B
10
C
Task 3 — True or False
Decide whether each statement is True or False.
1
All animals have fur.
TrueFalse
2
The text says that many birds can fly.
TrueFalse
3
Fish breathe through their gills.
TrueFalse
4
Insects have four legs.
TrueFalse
5
Insect species can differ greatly in size.
TrueFalse
6
The text says that many reptiles lay eggs.
TrueFalse
7
Snakes and lizards are mammals.
TrueFalse
8
Earthworms live in the ground.
TrueFalse
9
Animals have no important role in ecosystems.
TrueFalse
10
We should respect the natural world.
TrueFalse
1
False — only some animals have fur.
2
True.
3
True.
4
False — insects have six legs.
5
True.
6
True.
7
False — they are reptiles.
8
True.
9
False — the text says they have an important place in ecosystems.
10
True.
Speaking Stimulus
Sara and John Talk about Animals
B1Sara
I love animals! Did you see any interesting ones on your walk yesterday?
John
Yes. I saw a bird in the park. It was very pretty with its red feathers.
Sara
I love birds! What other animals did you see?
John
I saw some squirrels taking food from a bird feeder and an earthworm moving across the pavement.
Sara
That's interesting. Do you have a favourite animal?
John
I like all kinds of animals, but I especially enjoy big cats like lions and tigers. I also enjoy fishing.
Sara
Have you ever gone fishing before?
John
Yes, many times. I find fishing relaxing. Would you like to go together sometime?
Planet
The Earth
Text 3
The Earth
B1The Earth is a diverse planet with many unique features to explore.
The seven continents have their own climates and environments, from forests to deserts. Rivers flow through countries, bringing life to the land. The oceans support millions of creatures.
However, natural processes can also be dangerous. Earthquakes can damage buildings, volcanoes erupt, and erosion changes landscapes over time.
Despite these dangers, the Earth is an amazing place to live. We must protect our planet by respecting nature and preserving the environment.
Task 1 — Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with words from the text.
Word bank: unique, diverse, landscapes, creatures, protect, oceans, erosion, erupt, environment, dangerous, amazing, nature, deserts, climates, flow
The Earth is a _____(1) planet with many _____(2) features to explore. The seven continents have their own _____(3) and environments, from forests to _____(4). Rivers _____(5) through countries, bringing life to the land. The _____(6) support millions of _____(7).
However, natural processes can also be _____(8). Earthquakes can damage buildings, volcanoes _____(9), and _____(10) changes _____(11) over time.
Despite these dangers, the Earth is an _____(12) place to live. We must _____(13) our planet by respecting _____(14) and preserving the _____(15).
1
diverse
2
unique
3
climates
4
deserts
5
flow
6
oceans
7
creatures
8
dangerous
9
erupt
10
erosion
11
landscapes
12
amazing
13
protect
14
nature
15
environment
Task 2 — Multiple Choice
Choose the correct answer.
1
What is the main topic of the text?
2
Which environments are directly mentioned?
3
What do rivers bring to the land according to the text?
4
What do the oceans support?
5
Which natural processes are mentioned as potentially dangerous?
6
What should people do to protect the planet?
7
How many continents does the text mention?
8
What can damage buildings?
9
What changes landscapes over time?
10
What is the overall message of the final paragraph?
1
B
2
A
3
A
4
A
5
A
6
B
7
C
8
A
9
A
10
A
Environment
Air, Soil & Water
Text 4
The Environment
B1The air we breathe is very important. We need clean air to stay healthy. Unfortunately, air pollution remains a serious problem. Cars and factories can make the air dirtier, and polluted air can cause health problems for people and animals. We need to reduce this pollution.
Rain and snow are also important parts of the environment. They help plants grow and provide water, but extreme rainfall or heavy snow can also contribute to floods and landslides. Soil needs protection too. Plants grow in soil, and healthy soil is essential for food production. If soil is badly damaged, it can become dry, hard, and less productive.
Water is essential for drinking, washing, and growing food. However, some people still do not have reliable access to clean water. Communities and governments need to work together to protect water resources and improve access to safe water.
Task 1 — Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with words from the text.
Word bank: air, pollution (2), health, rain, environment, plants, water (2), snow, landslides, soil (3), grow, dry, wash, food, clean, need
The _____(1) we breathe is very important. We need clean air to stay healthy. Unfortunately, there is a lot of _____(2) in the air. This can cause _____(3) problems for people and animals. We need to reduce this _____(4).
_____(5) and snow are important parts of the _____(6). They help _____(7) grow and provide _____(8), but heavy rain and _____(9) can contribute to floods and _____(10). We also need to take care of our _____(11). Plants _____(12) in _____(13), and damaged _____(14) can become _____(15) and hard.
Finally, _____(16) is essential for drinking, washing, and growing _____(17). Some people do not have reliable access to _____(18) water. We _____(19) to work together to protect water resources.
1
air
2
pollution
3
health
4
pollution
5
rain
6
environment
7
plants
8
water
9
snow
10
landslides
11
soil
12
grow
13
soil
14
soil
15
dry
16
water
17
food
18
clean
19
need
Task 2 — Multiple Choice
Choose the correct answer.
1
Why is clean air important?
2
Which sources of air pollution are mentioned?
3
What can polluted air cause?
4
Why is healthy soil important?
5
What do rain and snow help to provide?
6
What can happen when soil is badly damaged?
7
Which uses of water are mentioned in the text?
8
What problem with clean water is mentioned?
9
Who needs to work together to improve water protection and access?
10
What is the main message of the text?
1
A
2
A
3
A
4
A
5
A
6
A
7
A
8
A
9
A
10
A
Task 3 — True or False
Decide whether each statement is True or False.
1
Clean air is important for our health.
TrueFalse
2
Air pollution can cause health problems for people and animals.
TrueFalse
3
Cars and factories are mentioned as possible sources of air pollution.
TrueFalse
4
Rain and snow have no useful role in the environment.
TrueFalse
5
Heavy rain and snow can contribute to floods and landslides.
TrueFalse
6
Healthy soil is important for plants and food production.
TrueFalse
7
Damaged soil always becomes wetter and softer.
TrueFalse
8
Water is used for drinking, washing, and growing food.
TrueFalse
9
Everyone has reliable access to clean water.
TrueFalse
10
Protecting environmental resources requires cooperation.
TrueFalse
1
True.
2
True.
3
True.
4
False — they help plants grow and provide water.
5
True.
6
True.
7
False — it can become dry and hard.
8
True.
9
False — the text says some people do not.
10
True.
Dialogue
Talking about the Environment
B1–B2Tom
Did you hear that the city council is introducing new rules to reduce air pollution?
Kate
Yes. It's about time. The air quality has been terrible lately.
Tom
Did you see the news report about the effects of pollution on our health?
Kate
No, I missed it. What did they say?
Tom
They explained that pollution can contribute to respiratory problems and heart disease.
Kate
That's worrying. But what are we supposed to do about it?
Tom
We could use public transport more often or ride bikes instead of driving.
Kate
Good idea. We could also plant more trees.
Tom
Definitely. Have you noticed how fresh everything looks after a rain shower?
Kate
Yes, although pollution can also affect rainwater and water quality.
Tom
True. Our actions are harming the environment in many ways.
Kate
And it is not just air pollution. We need to think about how we treat soil and water too.
Tom
Right. Small actions matter, such as using more environmentally friendly products and reducing waste.
Kate
Let's hope more people become aware of these issues and take action.
Tom
Agreed. We need to take care of our planet.
Comprehension Questions
Answer the questions using the conversation.
1
What new action by the city council do Tom and Kate discuss?
2
Which health problems does Tom say pollution can contribute to?
3
What alternatives to driving does Tom suggest?
4
What additional idea does Kate suggest for improving the environment?
5
Which other environmental resources do Tom and Kate mention besides air?
6
What examples of individual action does Tom give?
7
What does Kate hope more people will do?
8
What conclusion do Tom and Kate reach at the end of the conversation?
1
They discuss new rules intended to reduce air pollution.
2
He mentions respiratory problems and heart disease.
3
He suggests using public transport more often or riding bikes.
4
She suggests planting more trees.
5
They mention soil and water.
6
He mentions using more environmentally friendly products and reducing waste.
7
She hopes more people will become aware of environmental issues and take action.
8
They agree that people need to take care of the planet.
Language Production
Discussion & Role-Play
Discussion Questions
1
Which natural resource is most important for human survival, and why?
2
How does air pollution affect human health and ecosystems?
3
What can governments and individuals do to improve air quality?
4
Do you prefer snow or rain? How can each affect the environment?
5
Why is soil conservation important for agriculture and food security?
6
What are practical ways to conserve water at home?
7
What are common sources of water pollution?
8
How can cities reduce carbon emissions from transport?
9
What effects of climate change can already be seen in different parts of the world?
10
Have you ever taken part in a clean-up, tree-planting, recycling, or other environmental activity?
Role Play — Protecting the Environment
Characters: Emma, David and Lisa
Use the outline as a guide. Develop the conversation in your own words and agree on a realistic action plan.
1
Emma expresses concern about pollution and excessive waste.
2
David suggests recycling and explains why it could help.
3
Lisa adds ideas such as saving energy and using public transport.
4
The group agrees on several realistic actions they can take together.
Language Production
Creative Writing
1
My favourite outdoor activity and why I enjoy it.
2
How I take care of plants at home or in a garden.
3
The most beautiful natural place I know.
4
An animal I admire and why.
5
Five realistic ways I can help protect the environment.
6
Climate change is a serious problem facing our planet. What should be done?
7
Pollution is one of the biggest threats to the environment. Do you agree?
8
How effective is recycling as an environmental solution?
9
Why is deforestation harmful, and how can it be reduced?
10
Should governments do more to protect endangered species? Give reasons.