The Second-Hand Status Symbol
A three-page C1 longer-reading lesson about the second-hand status symbol. Includes vocabulary matching, a numbered article, comprehension questions, discussion and an opinion-writing task.
What’s in the worksheet?
- Vocabulary matching before reading
- Numbered reading text with key vocabulary in bold
- Comprehension, discussion and homework writing
- Teacher answer key on page 3
Read and evaluate second-hand goods, status and the limits of sustainable consumption. This C1 lesson develops text-based comprehension before a qualified argument of the learner's own.
Worksheet preview
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Page 1 of 3 · A4 printable PDF
Page 2 of 3 · A4 printable PDF
Page 3 of 3 · Answer key · A4 printable PDF
A simple way to teach it
Before the lesson
Use pages 1–2 and reserve page 3 for feedback. Begin with the printed warm-up and six vocabulary matches, focusing on stigma, curate and displace.
- Compare vocabulary answers, then read for the central claim and reread the numbered paragraphs for supporting reasons and qualifications.
- Trace the shift from necessity to desirability. Explain why replacing a new purchase differs from adding unnecessary purchases.
- Discuss affordability and buying less, then plan the 180–220-word response on resale as a solution to overconsumption with examples and a limitation.
Support and extension
Support with an image / environmental effect / social cost chart. Accept accurate comprehension paraphrases; discussion and writing need reasoned individual responses. Extend by asking learners to compare two buying scenarios that have different implications for consumption.
Suggested approach. Adjust the pace and number of questions to suit your class.
