Smarter Than You Think
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
ESL Lesson Plan Animal Intelligence B1
Did you know a chimpanzee can beat a university student in a memory test? This B1 lesson explores the surprising world of animal intelligence through key vocabulary, engaging reading, and creative speaking tasks — including a memory game where students try to beat Ayumu the chimp! Plus a role-play, writing task, and video extension activity to round things off.
📄B1 ⏱️120 min 📁22 slides
Skills and Outcomes
Learn and use key vocabulary related to animal behaviour and intelligence.
Understand how different animals demonstrate unique kinds of intelligence.
Develop critical thinking by comparing animal and human abilities.
Vocabulary
communication
researchers
complex
surprising
impressive
develop
survive
react
realise
Lesson Plan
Lead-in
Discussion Students discuss six questions about animal intelligence, memory, and communication — a great way to activate prior knowledge and spark curiosity.
Discussion Task
Learners look at eight animals and discuss what each one is good at, using speaking frames like "I know that… can…" and "Did you know that…?"
Brainstorm
Students build a mind map around the concept of intelligence, adding their own ideas alongside the examples provided.
Vocabulary Matching
Students match each word to its definition and take notes for reference throughout the lesson.
Vocabulary Game
Students describe a word using synonyms and examples without saying the word — great for building fluency and retention.
Reading
Animal Intelligence Learners read an article covering four fascinating animals: Ayumu the chimpanzee, honeybees, elephants, and dolphins.
Comprehension Questions
Six questions pushing students to show real understanding of the article, mixing factual recall and personal opinion.
Can You Beat Ayumu?
Students test their own memory in a three-level game inspired by the reading — easy, medium, and hard. A guaranteed highlight of the lesson!
Vocabulary Practice
Students complete sentences using all nine target words, checking accurate use in context.
If Animals Had Jobs
A creative speaking task where students match animals to ten different jobs and explain their reasoning.
Interview Role-Play One
student plays a scientist, the other a journalist. Six guided questions help structure a natural and engaging conversation.
Writing Task
Students complete eight sentence starters to reflect on the lesson and express their own ideas creatively.
Additional Video
Students watch BBC Earth's "Are Humans Smarter Than Animals?" to extend their understanding of the topic.