Cambridge B2 First - Unit 5 warm-up activities (Work and Education)

For Unit 5 of the B2 First for Students book, we have to discuss the topic 'learning and earning'. Here are some warm-up or fun activities I have used to make our virtual classes a little more exciting.


Fake degrees

I have the students read about these British university degrees and guess which one I have invented.* They can use a dictionary to help with any unfamiliar language. Prior to reading, I explain what 'BA' and 'BSc' mean.

BSc Surf Science 
During the programme you will study: the sport of surfing as well as surfing businesses; business planning relating to the surfing industry; event management; environmental science; human exercise science; principles of psychology; design and manufacture of surf boards; the environment and human impacts on it; the development of surfing culture and history; sport-related media and politics; the geographical and climatic influences on surfing.

BA Fictional languages
M'athchomaroon. Did you know this is how to say ‘hello’ in Dothraki, the language of Game of Thrones? Analysing fictional languages can give us a deep insight into the mind of the author. This helps us gain a new perspective on modern and classic works of literature. With modules such as Introduction to Klingon, Understanding Elvish, and Fictional Language design, this course is perfect for aspiring writers and people interested in an academic profession.

BSc Ethical hacking
You will learn a practical and offensive approach, by deliberately breaking computer systems and building cybersecurity defences. The course combines computer networking, digital forensics and expert development as well as programming. You will learn how to protect data and information systems. An Ethical Hacking degree gives you a deep understanding of cybercrime so you have the skills to stop hackers.

BSc Competitive Golf
Are you ready to take your golf to the next level? Training and learning to compete as a golf professional is difficult. It requires drive, determination, application and most of all effort and commitment from you. This course will prepare you mentally, physically, tactically, technically, personally and academically for the challenges that lie ahead. Our philosophy is to enjoy the journey, to not just work hard, but work smart and become a disciplined, solution-based thinker: a key attribute for all top players.

BA Viking Studies
Students will be able to critically evaluate key historical, economic, and social developments in the Viking world and analyse the significance and legacy of the cultural history of the Vikings. You will look at Viking iconography in text and film, the role of women, and the significance of runes among other fascinating topics.

After asking the students why they believe some degrees to be fake, I have them create their own 'fake' courses in groups. We then vote on which one we would most like to study together. 

*The fake degree here is 'fictional languages'

Fictional Skills and Training 

For a quick warm-up, I show students these pictures of fictional characters and have them speculate about skills or training the jobs may require.

They can then create a job advert for a fictional job, e.g. detective, spy, superhero, Jedi.

University brochure

I start class by opening a local university brochure online. We go through the different parts of it and see what kind of information we can find. I then explain that in groups they are going to create a university brochure for an unusual course. I usually give them the following instructions.

  1. Create an imaginary university (e.g. ‘Wizard University’, ‘Jedi University’, ‘Space University’, ‘Superhero/Supervillain University’, ‘Monster University’, ‘Spy College’, ‘Detective College’).
  2. Think of a course that this university could offer (e.g. ‘Bachelor’s of Magic’/’Masters of Space Navigation’/’Bachelors of World Domination.’)
  3. Create a brochure to advertise this course to prospective (potential) students. Include:
    • The name, address, and contact details of the university
    • University motto/slogan
    • Course content/Curriculum
    • Teaching methods
    • Transferable skills
    • Career opportunities
    • Admissions procedure (how to apply)
    To make your brochure in pairs:
  • Sign up to the website ‘Canva’ here: https://www.canva.com/
  • Create a design. Here, you can choose the ‘brochure’ option.
  • You can either share with your group with emails or one person can share their screen and write the information.
After 20 minutes or so, we share our brochures with the class and check that all the information is included.


University interviews

Here, we build on our previously created brochures to make a roleplay situation and practise speaking.

First, students must choose one of the class universities in pairs (For my most recent class, the choices were Spy University, Animal University, and the Intergalactic University of Andromeda).

There are two roles: 
  • University staff
  • Prospective (potential) student
They must complete an interview for the student who wants to start the university course. 
I usually give some sample questions, e.g.
  • Why do you want to study this subject?
  • Why did you choose this university?
  • What did you enjoy about high school?
  • How would you describe yourself?
  • What are your main interests?
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  • What achievement are you most proud of?
  • What are your career plans?
  • Why should we offer you a place?
  • Do you have any questions for us?

At the end – the staff should decide whether to offer the student a place or not. The student should decide if they would like to attend this university.

Career search


Have students find a job they have never heard of.

Research:
• What they do
• The skills you need for the job
• The training/qualifications you need
• The salary (the money you earn) 

In pairs, students pretend to have the job they researched. They must find out what their partners’ ‘job’ is and ask them questions about it.



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