This lesson explores books, libraries, and cultural life through the story The City That Reads, focusing on Copenhagen’s libraries as community hubs. Students practice Reported Speech while debating censorship, digital literacy, and the value of cultural heritage.

GRAMMAR PRACTICE

Learners study Reported Speech with different tenses and reporting verbs. They transform direct quotes into reported sentences, complete controlled practice, and use the structure in discussions and debates.

VOCABULARY BUILDING

Key words and phrases include page-turner, heavy-going, thought-provoking, escapism, banned book, literary canon, marginalia, archive, civic engagement, inclusive space, public funding. Students expand vocabulary related to reading, libraries, and culture.

SKILLS & ACTIVITIES

Students read and listen to a text about Copenhagen’s Black Diamond Library, complete comprehension and summary tasks, and analyze quotes. They engage in debates, group discussions, and role-play while practicing reported speech. Homework includes listening, grammar transformation, and writing tasks.

This ready-to-use ESL lesson plan is designed for adults, combining grammar, vocabulary, and communication tasks to build both accuracy and fluency.