Conspiracy theories
Starting Point. Discuss the questions below.
- Do you trust mainstream media? Why or why not?
- What is a conspiracy theory? How does it differ from an opinion?
- Why do people believe in conspiracy theories? Write down three possible reasons as a group.
- What is the difference between a conspiracy theory and an actual conspiracy? Â Â
- What is the danger of people taking conspiracy theories too seriously? Â
- What makes conspiracy theories appealing? Explain in your own words.
- Why can politicians and others get their conspiracy theories in front of a wider audience? Who benefits financially from these conspiracy theories?Â
Focus on Vocabulary. Explain the meaning of the following words.
Focus on Comprehension. Answer the questions below about the video.
Focus on Listening. Watch the video. Read the transcript below if necessary.
Focus on Speaking.Â
- In your opinion, what kind of people fall for conspiracy theories?
- What conspiracy theories do you know? Is there any evidence for them?
- What’s the most believable conspiracy theory that you’ve heard?
- Why do some people still think that some conspiracy theories are true, even though they’ve been debunked?
- How much can we trust the government? Do you think governments keep a lot of secrets and don’t reveal them to the public? Why/Why not?
Alternative video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88_C-fogY40
