ADAPTED VERSION · dyslexia and neurodiverse students · B1

Session 6: Rumours online today

Question: Is a pile-on on social media a modern witch hunt?
Step 1

Goals

Step 2

Warm-up

A video goes viral. Do you share it? Yes / No / I check first.

Class rule: we talk about public figures, fictional characters and documented cases only. Nobody shares a personal story, a name or a screenshot about themselves or anyone they know.
Step 3

Read

Short text. A pile-on is when many people attack one person online. Often, the video is cut or false. What can you do? Check, do not share, report, support the person. In France, you can call 3018 against online harassment.
Step 4

Tasks

Task a. Match the words and the definitions.
Task b. Mini debate: "Social media is like Salem." Yes or no?
Task c. Plan of the final task.
Step 5

Sentence starters

  • In my opinion,...
  • Like in Salem,...
  • Before sharing, I...
  • We should...
Step 6

Role play

Pairs: two friends see a viral video about a fictional singer, Sam Lee. One wants to share; the other says: check first.

Step 7

Gap-fill worksheet

QR code to this worksheet
Word bank: viral · share · check · report · false · support
  1. The video goes .
  2. Don't it.
  3. Always first.
  4. You can the post.
  5. The video can be .
  6. the person.
Answer key
  1. viral
  2. share
  3. check
  4. report
  5. false
  6. Support
Step 8

Homework

Choose your final task and write the plan.

Watch the film at home

The Crucible (1996), directed by Nicholas Hytner. In France, the film is called La Chasse aux sorcières.

  1. Where to watch: see the list of streaming and rental options on JustWatch France.
  2. DVD: ask at your local library or médiathèque.
  3. Official trailer: on the Apple TV page of the film.
  4. Scenes to watch: Act I: the girls dance in the forest at night (the opening of the film). Act II: the officers arrest Elizabeth at home. Act III: in court, the girls turn against Mary Warren. Act IV: Proctor tears his confession and walks to the gallows.

Watch with English subtitles if you can.

Step 9

Assessment grid

CriteriaLevel 1Level 2Level 3Level 4
OpinionNoneSimpleClearClear with reason
InteractionSilentAnswersReactsReacts and argues

Links reminder