“Conversation Starter Lesson Series: Intermediate” is designed for intermediate-level ESL learners who want to improve their fluency and confidence in speaking English.
Each lesson includes an engaging reading material with audio, vocabulary and expressions, comprehension questions, and discussion questions to be used for one to one class, group class, or self-study for both online and offline classes.
Unit 2: Home and Neighborhood
Story 03: Museums
Key Lesson Vocabulary & Expressions: Look over and review before proceeding.
- Vast
- Exhibits
- Evolution
- Ancestors
- Mind-blowing
- DNA
- Iconic
- Pivotal
- Feats
- Engineering
Read or Listen to the following passage:
I recently had the chance to visit the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C., and it was an incredible experience. The museum is so vast and full of fascinating exhibits that it’s impossible to see everything in just one visit.
I started my tour in the Hall of Human Origins, where I learned about the evolution of humans and our ancestors. It was mind-blowing to see the physical evidence of how humans have evolved over time and how we are all connected through our DNA.
Next, I headed to the National Museum of American History, where I saw iconic artifacts such as the original Star-Spangled Banner and the First Ladies’ Inaugural Gowns. I also learned about some of the pivotal moments in American history, such as the Civil Rights Movement and the Apollo 11 moon landing.
Finally, I ended my visit at the National Air and Space Museum, where I saw historic airplanes and spacecraft, including the Wright Brothers’ plane and the Apollo 11 Command Module. It was amazing to see these objects up close and to imagine the incredible feats of engineering that made flight and space travel possible.
Overall, visiting the Smithsonian Museum was an unforgettable experience that deepened my understanding of the world around me and the history that has shaped it.
Comprehension Questions:
- Where is the Smithsonian Museum located?
- What is the Hall of Human Origins about?
- What are some iconic artifacts at the National Museum of American History?
- What are some pivotal moments in American history?
- What did the speaker see at the National Air and Space Museum?joys in their neighborhood?
Conversations Starters:
- Do you enjoy visiting museums? Why or why not?
- What is your favorite type of museum to visit? Art, history, science, etc.?
- Have you visited any museums in your neighborhood or city? Which ones and what did you think of them?
- How important do you think museums are in preserving history and culture?
- Have you ever been to a museum that was underwhelming or disappointing? What happened?
- What are some ways that museums can make exhibits more interactive and engaging for visitors?
- Do you think museums should be free to the public or should there be an admission fee? Why?
- How do museums contribute to education and learning? Can you give any specific examples?
- Have you ever been to a museum that made a lasting impression on you? What was it and why was it memorable?
- Do you think museums will continue to be important in the future, or will technology replace the need for physical exhibits?
