This lesson dives into the legend of the Mary Celeste, a ship discovered abandoned in 1872 with its cargo intact and crew mysteriously missing. Students practice Reported Speech (statements in all tenses) to transform direct quotes into indirect narration while exploring one of the sea’s greatest mysteries.

GRAMMAR PRACTICE

Learners review rules for Reported Speech in all tenses. Activities include transforming direct quotes into indirect speech, gap-fills, and contextual practice using statements about the Mary Celeste case.

VOCABULARY BUILDING

Students expand maritime and mystery-related vocabulary such as vessel, crew, captain, voyage, vanish, abandoned, cargo, rumor, evidence, discovery, legend.

SKILLS & ACTIVITIES

Learners read and listen to short texts about the Mary Celeste, then role-play in an “Investigation” activity, reporting statements and rumors. Speaking tasks include retelling stories and debating possible explanations for the ship’s disappearance.
This ready-to-use ESL lesson plan is designed for adults, combining grammar, vocabulary, and communication tasks to build both accuracy and fluency.