ESL-plans

Freaks

Level	Category	Format	Duration
B1-C1	General English	Video & Audio	60-120 min

What's the "Freaks" ESL Lesson About?

B1-C1 · General English

Main Objectives

• Define and challenge the concept of a "freak" by examining socially atypical behaviors, appearances, and subcultures;
• Analyze personal narratives and media representations of extreme lifestyles through targeted listening and video comprehension;
• Explore the historical context and psychological reasons behind society's deep fascination with the unusual.

About This Lesson

In this lesson, students begin by examining the definition of a "freak" and looking at a wide variety of images depicting atypical behaviors (e.g., extreme bodybuilders, furries, eco-activists, Apple fanatics, and people with extensive body modifications). They discuss what makes these behaviors "freakish" and why people choose to express themselves outside societal norms. A listening task features four individuals — Thomas, Anna, Bertha, and Stefan — who share their unconventional lives, ranging from winning vaping competitions and making a living on OnlyFans to raising eleven children and being extreme workaholics. Students then watch three video clips: Claire and her giant Great Dane Freddy, Tere Lynn's family with over 50 feet of hair combined, and Justin Jedlica and Pixee Fox (the "real-life Ken and Barbie"). The class debates whether social media serves as a modern freak show. Finally, students read about the history of late 19th century freak shows and analyze four psychological reasons why humans are fascinated by the unusual: curiosity, desire for entertainment, inspiration from bravery, and social comparison.

This lesson runs 60-120 min and can be split across two shorter sessions if needed. Both audio and video components are included, which also works well for homework-based or asynchronous practice.

Watch the Video

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