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Academic English

“Student Excuses”

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Level: Topic: Speakers: Length:
intermediate school man -woman 02:12

Pre-Listening Exercise

What are some common excuses that students come up with for missing class or not doing homework?

Agree or Disagree? Let’s Spark Some Conversation!

These statements are designed to get everyone thinking, moving, and talking! The goal is to explore ideas, share opinions, and get ready for the next part of the lesson.

  • In a face-to-face classroom: Read each statement aloud. If you agree, move to one side of the room; if you disagree, move to the other. Talk with your group—why do you feel that way? Then, pair students with members of the other group and have students explain their reasons. Rotate partners for more practice.

  • In an online classroom: Use polls, emojis, or the chat box in your online platform to show your opinion. Then, join the conversation as a group or in breakout rooms. What do others think? Do you agree or disagree with them?

  • For independent learners: Read each statement and think about your opinion. Then say your answer out loud and explain your reason, as if you’re talking to a classmate. This helps you get ready to speak and join real conversations in English. Consider recording your ideas and check your progress.

  1. Some school excuses should be accepted without any questions.
  2. Being tired is not a good excuse for missing class.
  3. Students often use fake excuses to avoid homework.
  4. Family emergencies should always be accepted as valid excuses.
  5. Teachers are too strict about student excuses.
  6. Technology problems (like a dead battery or no Wi-Fi) are real excuses.
  7. Forgetting to bring homework is worse than not doing it at all.
  8. Students should be allowed to make up work if they miss class.
  9. School rules about absences and excuses are fair.
  10. Mental health should be an acceptable reason to miss school.

Idioms

“have bad blood between people” = have bad or unfriendly feelings
“Oh, don’t invite Sarah and Amber to the party. There is a lot of bad blood between them, and I don’t want there to be problems.”

“be too rich for my blood” = something that is too expensive for you
“I really like that car, but it is way too rich for my blood.”

Listening Exercise

A. Listen to the recording and answer the questions.

Post-Listening Exercise

Talk about people you know that have used similar excuses as the student in the conversation. What are the underlying causes of making poor choices? What are the short-term and long-term consequences of such behavior?

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