The World's English Mania - Grammar and Vocabulary Lesson

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Sample Lesson: Jay Walker’s “The World’s English Mania”

Grammar and Vocabulary
2018
This lesson is designed as an extension to

the main lesson on “The World’s English
Mania,” a TED Talk by Jay Walker. One of
our goals at LYE is to use one text - either
via reading or listening - for multiple
purposes over multiple lessons. This
lesson asks students to use their
language awareness and knowledge of
pattern grammar to complete tasks.
Language awareness tasks include
reformulation, using affixes, and
concordances using language from the
talk. The grammar tasks ask students to
study patterns from examples and replicate them in their own examples. The overarching aim of
this lesson is to use the talk for more purposes and highlight language that is both functional
and meaningful.
Traditionally, languages have been described as being two separate entities: grammar and lexis.
However, new research in the area of pattern grammar (Hunston, Francis and Manning, 1997;
Lewis, 1993; Willis, 1990) has suggested that they can be combined and that meaning can be
conveyed through patterns which words have. In addition, all words have patterns and words
that share the same pattern usually share the same meaning. A good example of this can be
found in the patterns ‘V + by + -ing’ and ‘V + as + n’. This approach to language teaching and
learning emphasizes a different way of teaching and dealing with grammar. By focusing on
patterns, teachers are providing learners with a more thorough and practical way of looking at
language as well as emphasizing the connection between grammar and lexis rather than its
distinction.
Heightened language awareness also empowers students to autotomize their learning. With
skills and strategies, learners can apply these on their own and be more confident in their
accuracy. This lesson also uses corpus examples of the key words to display multiple usages and
meanings to the target language. Helping learners navigate online corpus tools - and how to
seek features like collocations, colligations, phrasing, etc. with certain words - has proven
extremely effective for their independent learning.
Property of Learn YOUR English, 2018 1

Grammar & Vocabulary Lesson Plan: “The World’s English Mania” by Jay Walker
Learn YOUR English
2018
“The World’s English Mania”: Grammar and Vocabulary
1. hysterical teenagers
1.1 Read the following three sentences and determine the meaning and part of speech of the
word “hysterical.”
a) Fortunately for the Giants themselves, they are not as hysterical as their fans.
b) After she found she had won the lottery, Janet became hysterical and began screaming.
c) Hundreds of hysterical people crowded the street in front of the radio station.
Study tip: The word “hysterical” comes from the noun “hysteria.” Many adjectives are formed by
adding “-ic” or “-ical” to a noun. These adjectives mean “having the nature of/cause by.” So
“hysterical” means “caused by hysteria/excitement.”
1.2. Change the following nouns into adjectives:
1. Politic →
2. Class →
3. Romance →
4. Hero →
5. History →
6. Practice →
7. Artist →
8. Drama →
9. Critic →
10. Topic →
2. Manias can be alarming.
Study tip: Look at the sentences below. The word “alarm” is used as a noun.
● Her alarm woke her up.

● The fire set off the alarm.
2.1. Now look at the following sentences using “alarming.” How does the meaning of the
word change?
a) Conflicts like these are playing out with alarming frequency around the country.
b) Both drugs measured far below a human dose, but the results were still alarming.
c) Our kids are obtaining prescription drugs over the Internet at an alarming rate.

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Study Tip: The word “alarm” is a root word, and it is a noun. We can change the form of a word
by adding a suffix (-ing).
● Manias can be alarming

● The prevalence of disease has been increasing at an alarming rate worldwide.
● I heard some alarming news yesterday.
3. deafening crowd
Deaf (adj) + en (verb) + ing (adj)
3.1. The word deafening contains more than one suffix. Notice how the suffixes change the
part of the speech in the sentences below.
a) The deaf child could not hear the train arriving at the station. (root adjective, i.e. to be
deaf)
b) Extremely loud noises can deafen you. (-en verb, i.e. to make someone deaf)
c) The explosion produced a deafening sound. (-ing adjective, i.e. a type of sound that
makes people deaf)
3.2. Look at the sample sentences for the five words below. In the space provided, write the
part of speech for the word in bold.
1. strength
a. He used his strength to lift the car. __________________
b. Exercise strengthens your muscles. __________________
c. You need more back strengthening exercises. ___________________
2. hard
a. When you put ice cream in the freezer it hardens. __________________
b. This material is very hard. __________________
c. This hardening chemical caused liquids to become solid. ___________________
3. bright
a. The mirrors in the room had a brightening effect.__________________
b. Using white paint can brighten a room. __________________
c. The bright light hurt his eyes. ___________________
4. length
a. The length of the lesson is the same for each subject. __________________

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b. You should lengthen the amount of time you spend studying. __________________
c. It is a muscle lengthening stretch. ___________________
5. sad
a. It was saddening to hear that terrible news about the earthquake. _________________
b. She was saddened by her poor test results. __________________
c. She was sad when he left. ___________________
4. Chinese students have already taken this grueling test.
4.1. The word “Connotation” refers to the feeling a word gives. This can be negative or
positive. Look at the following examples of the word grueling. Do they have a negative or
positive connotation?
a) They were given a list of gruelling weekend activities that they were expected to finish.
b) They faced many gruelling challenges.
c) Despite these gruelling hours, he was described by many as being full of energy.
d) She was wearing a headscarf after losing her hair through gruelling chemotherapy.
e) Sticking to the gruelling skating regime had a dramatic effect, and she lost 17lbs.
4.2. What else can be gruelling? How would you describe a gruelling trip? A gruelling event?
5. Our manias can be deadly.
5.1. Study the sentences below with the word “deadly.”
a) Ankara says the rebels use bases in Iraq to launch deadly attacks inside Turkey.
b) At the time, California health officials were bracing for a deadly flu outbreak.
c) Working outdoors can be dangerous and even deadly if you don't take precautions.
d) Supporters said texting is a dangerous and often deadly distraction for drivers.
e) He pleaded not guilty to a charge of second-degree assault with a deadly weapon.
f) Judgments often must be made quickly, and mistakes can have deadly consequences.
5.2. Answer the following questions about the word “deadly.”

● What part of speech is the word “deadly”?
● What nouns collocate with “deadly”?
● What connotation does the word “deadly” have? Positive or negative?

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2018
6. Chinese students practice their English by screaming it.
6.1. The word “practice” can be a noun or a verb. Study the concordance lines and mark each
line with either a V for verb or N for noun.
a) Majerus has missed practice the past two days as he's recovering from the injury.
b) The Red Rocks Amphitheatre was the perfect place to practice and to be inspired.
c) Individuals who want a better planet practice conservation, reuse, and recycling.
d) She claims the school system violated the teen's right to practice her religion.
e) Every Thursday evening Metropolitan Ballroom will be hosting a practice session.
f) Coach Joel Quenneville will wear a live microphone during the practice sessions.
g) A small proportion of those who complete their training do not practice as doctors.
h) The school had everyone practice from home earlier in the week to work out bugs.
6.2. Study the concordance lines for “practice.”
a) The course will give you a chance to practice your language skills.
b) He was practicing his golf swing.
c) Everybody wants to practice their English on me.
d) You need to practice regularly if you're going to be a good piano player.
e) The interview points out that Steve Jobs practiced management by walking around.
f) In today’s lesson we will practice parking.
g) Justin Stevens wrote down a move as he practiced for the national tournament.
h) They moved the furniture back to practice their dance routine.
i) Hobbies are practiced for interest and enjoyment, rather than financial reward.
6.3. Now categorize the grammar patterns with the word “practice” in the chart below.
practice + NP/-ing practice + NP + on + NP practice + for + NP practice + NP + by + NP

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7. You start learning English in the third grade, by law. That's why this year China will become
the world's largest English speaking country.
7.1. In the sentence above, the linking expression “that’s why” is used to express a relation of
cause and result. Study some other patterns below.
Original sentence: “I started learning English in grade 3 because it was part of the school
curriculum.”
a) English was part of the school curriculum, so I started learning it in grade 3.

b) Because English was part of the school curriculum, I started learning it in grade 3.
c) I started learning English in grade 3. This is because it was part of the school curriculum.
d) English was part of the school curriculum. This is why I started learning it in grade 3.
7.2. Rewrite the following sentences choosing at least three different patterns from above:
a. My roommate doesn’t speak English much. She is very shy.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
b. English is becoming the language of problem-solving. The world is pulling it.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
c. I’m studying English now. It represents hope for a better future.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

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2018
d. She is studying hard for the Gaokao. She wants to pass it.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
8. Opportunity for a better life
8.1. The word “opportunity” means “a chance to do something” or “an occasion when it is
easy for you to do something.” Read the following sentences and use the correct form of the
verbs below to form “verb + opportunity” collocations.
Have miss take get deny
a) I would have liked to have learnt another language other than English in school, but I
was ........... the opportunity. Only English and Mandarin were taught.
b) My friends invited me to go on a Euro trip. I decided to go, as I might never …….. this
opportunity again.
c) My father told me that when he was young and single, he was lucky enough to ……….
the opportunity to travel around the world.
d) Thank you all for coming! I would like to ……… this opportunity to thank you all for
coming.
e) I feel glad that the Bolivian President did not ………. the opportunity to shake hands
with our president. We may never see anything like this happen again!
8.2. The word “opportunity” is commonly used with adjectives to describe the different kinds
of opportunities. Complete the sentences below using the adjectives below to form “adjective
+ opportunity” collocations.
Ideal rare once-in-a-lifetime ample golden great
a) I know you’re in a hurry, but don’t worry. You will have …….... opportunity for shopping
in Canada’s biggest underground mall.
b) The weather has been bad lately and I’ve been wanting to try sailing, and this seems like
the ………… opportunity.
c) For many, watching him play his last World Cup is a …….. opportunity. He is likely to
retire afterwards.
d) I honestly think this is the right job for you. It’s a ………… opportunity. Who else gets
the chance to live in Paris for two years, all expenses included?

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e) The Olympics takes place every four years. That’s why this is a ……………………
opportunity for many athletes.
f) I know it’s only a three-month contract, but this is a ………….. opportunity to be hired
on long term to earn extra income.
9. Mathematics is the language of science.
9.1. The preposition “of” is one of the most common words in English and it is used to
connects nouns. Study the examples below.
a) Can I have a cup of coffee?

b) There is a risk of fire.
c) Two of the guests are vegetarian.
d) He is in the back of the house.
e) I once saw the Queen of England.
9.2. Read the following text. The word “of” has been taken out of it. Can you put it back?
There are 10 examples.
Water is transparent, tasteless, odorless, and it is the main component Earth’s lakes, oceans and
the fluids most living organisms. Water covers 71% the Earth’s surface. It is crucial for all known
forms life. Water on Earth moves mainly through the water cycle evaporation, transpiration, and
precipitation. Water is essential to humans and other lifeforms. Safe drinking water has
improved in almost every part the world, but in some developing regions the world, water is still
not safe to drink. Fishing in salt and fresh water is a major source food for many parts the world.
Water is also important in sports and other forms entertainment, such as swimming, surfing,
and diving.
*(adapted from the Central Intelligence Agency)
9.3. The possessive “s” in English is every useful but can also be confusing. Read the rule
below.
Study tip: When we talk about “belonging,” we can use the possessive “s.” We use it when the
first noun is a person, country, organization, or animal.
● Mike’s underwear needs to be washed.

● I’ve never visited Paris’ Eiffel Tower.
● The dog’s breakfast is ready.
● Apple’s employees do not use social media.

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2018
Study tip: We can use the possessive “s” with time words and periods of time. Otherwise, we
normally use the structure “noun + “of” + noun.”
● Stop reading that. It’s last week’s paper.

● I was impressed by the size of the building.
● I don’t like the smell of unwashed clothes.
9.4. Read the following sentences. Write “C” for the correct ones and “I” for the incorrect
ones. Correct the ones that are incorrect.
a) Mark Zuckerberg is famous for Facebook’s creation.

b) She couldn’t remember the street’s name.
c) Daniel went into his sister’s room without permission.
d) I love the colour of the sky.
e) She’s reading a book about Canada’s maple syrup.
f) We all have to thank Mary’s generosity.
g) I didn’t really enjoy the movie’s last scene.
h) Next week’s meeting has been cancelled.
i) She said she wanted to meet at the house’s back.
j) She was surprised by the scenery’s beauty.
10. English mania is a turning point.
10.1. Study the expression “turning point” in the lines below.
a) Hemingway later referred to this as the turning point for his career in America.
b) The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel in 2006 was the turning point for her.
c) Fear Of A Black Planet by Public Enemy defines a time and place for me, but also a
turning point.
d) Less than two minutes later, the Jets benefited from an emotional turning point.
e) The accidental death of his only son in 1970 marked a turning point in his life.
10.2. Answer the following questions about the term “turning point” based on the above
examples.
● What does the expression “turning point” mean?

● Notice the articles used with “turning point.” What’s the difference between “the
turning point” and “a turning point”?
● Which verbs are commonly used with “turning point”?

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10.3. Study how the expression “turning point” is used below. Write your own responses.
Example: The fall of the Berlin Wall marked a turning point in East-West relations.
i) __________________________ marked a turning point in _________________.
ii) The __________ of ___________ marked a turning point in ________________.
Example: Meeting former US President Barack Obama was the turning point in my life.
i) _________________________ ________ the turning point for ________.
ii) ________________________ ________ the turning point in ____________.
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Teacher Copy, “The World’s English Mania”: Grammar and Vocabulary
1. hysterical teenagers
1.1. Read the following three sentences and determine the meaning and part of speech of the
word “hysterical.”
a) Fortunately for the Giants themselves, they are not as hysterical as their fans.
b) After she found she had won the lottery, Janet became hysterical and began screaming.
c) Hundreds of hysterical people crowded the street in front of the radio station.
Study tip: The word “hysterical” comes from the noun “hysteria.” Many adjectives are formed by
adding “-ic” or “-ical” to a noun. These adjectives mean “having the nature of/cause by.” So
“hysterical” means “caused by hysteria/excitement.”
1.2. Change the following nouns into adjectives.
1. Politic → political
2. Class → classical
3. Romance → romantic
4. Hero → heroic
5. History → historic
6. Practice → practical
7. Artist → artistic
8. Drama → dramatic
9. Critic → critical
10. Topic → topical
Teacher Notes:
1.1: Students read through the task. Answers: hysterical (adj.)
1.2: Answers provided.
2. Manias can be alarming
Study Tip: Look at the sentences below. The word “alarm” is used as a noun.
● Her alarm woke her up.
● The fire set off the alarm.
2.1. Now look at the following sentences using “alarming”. How does the meaning of the
word change?
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a) Conflicts like these are playing out with alarming frequency around the country.
b) Both drugs measured far below a human dose, but the results were still alarming.
c) Our kids are obtaining prescription drugs over the Internet at an alarming rate.
Study Tip: The word “alarm” is a root word, and it is a noun. We can change the form of a word
by adding a suffix (-ing).
● Manias can be alarming

● The prevalence of disease has been increasing at an alarming rate worldwide.
● I heard some alarming news yesterday.
Teacher Notes
2.1: Adding the suffix -ing changes the part of speech from noun to an adjective.
Study Tips: Read through the examples with the students.
3. deafening crowd.
Deaf (adj) + en (verb) + ing (adj)
3.1. The word deafening contains more than one suffix. Notice how the suffixes change the
part of the speech in the sentences below.
a) The deaf child could not hear the train arriving at the station. (root adjective, i.e. to be
deaf)
b) Extremely loud noises can deafen you. (-en verb, i.e. to make someone deaf)
c) The explosion produced a deafening sound. (-ing adjective, i.e. a type of sound that
makes people deaf)
3.2. Look at the sample sentences for the five words below. Write the part of speech for the
word in bold.
1. strength
a. He used his strength to lift the car. noun
b. Exercise strengthens your muscles. verb
c. You need more back strengthening exercises. adjective
2. hard
a. When you put ice cream in the freezer it hardens. verb

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b. This material is very hard. adjective

c. This hardening chemical caused liquids to become solid. adjective
3. bright
a. The mirrors in the room had a brightening effect.adjective
b. Using white paint can brighten a room. verb
c. The bright light hurt his eyes. adjective
4. length
a. The length of the lesson is the same for each subject. noun
b. You should lengthen the amount of time you spend studying. verb
c. It is a muscle lengthening stretch. adjective
5. sad
a. It was saddening to hear that terrible news about the earthquake. adjective
b. She was saddened by her poor test results. verb
c. She was sad when he left. adjective
Teacher Notes
3.1: Read through the examples with the students.
3.2: Answers provided. If students struggle to answer the questions, remind them to look at the
position of the word in each sentence. Ask them “What word forms come before and/or after
each word?”
4. Chinese students have already taken this grueling test
4.1. “Connotation” refers to the feeling a word gives. This can be negative or positive. Look at
the following examples of the word grueling. Do they have a negative or positive
connotation?
a. They were given a list of gruelling weekend activities that they were expected to finish.
b. They faced many gruelling challenges.
c. Despite these gruelling hours, he was described by many as being full of energy.
d. She was wearing a headscarf after losing her hair through gruelling chemotherapy.
e. Sticking to the gruelling skating regime had a dramatic effect, and she lost 17lbs.
4.2. What else can be gruelling? tests, exercise, practice, homework

How would you describe a gruelling trip? Walking through the jungle in a rainstorm.
A gruelling event? a difficult competition/ sporting event
Teacher Notes
4.1: Gruelling has negative connotation. It refers to a task that requires tiring effort.
4.2: Students create a list of answers/words for each prompt.
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5. Our manias can be deadly.
5.1. Study the sentences below with the word “deadly.”
a. Ankara says the rebels use bases in Iraq to launch deadly attacks inside Turkey.
b. At the time, California health officials were bracing for a deadly flu outbreak.
c. Working outdoors can be dangerous and even deadly if you don't take precautions.
d. Supporters said texting is a dangerous and often deadly distraction for drivers.
e. He pleaded not guilty to a charge of second-degree assault with a deadly weapon.
f. Judgments often must be made quickly, and mistakes can have deadly consequences.
5.2 Answer the following questions about the word “deadly.”

● What part of speech is the word “deadly”? adjective
● What nouns collocate with “deadly”?attack,flu, distraction, weapon, consequences,
● What connotation does the word “deadly” have? Positive or negative? negative
Teacher Notes
5.2: Answers will vary. Some possible suggestions provided.
6. Chinese students practice their English by screaming it.
6.1. The word “practice” can be a noun or a verb. Study the concordance lines and mark each
line with either a V for verb or N for noun.
a. Majerus has missed practice the past two days as he's recovered from the injury. noun
b. The Red Rocks Amphitheatre was the perfect place to practice and to be inspired. verb
c. Individuals who want a better planet practice conservation, reuse, and recycling.verb
d. She claims the school system violated the teen's right to practice her religion. verb
e. Every Thursday evening Metropolitan Ballroom will be hosting a practice session.noun
f. Coach Joel Quenneville will wear a live microphone during the practice sessions.noun
g. A small proportion of those who complete their training do not practice as doctors.verb
h. The school had everyone practice from home earlier in the week to work out bugs. verb
6.2. Study the concordance lines for “practice.”
a. The course will give you a chance to practice your language skills.

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b. He was practicing his golf swing.

c. Everybody wants to practice their English on me.
d. You need to practice regularly if you're going to be a good piano player.
e. The interview points out that Steve Jobs practiced management by walking around.
f. In today’s lesson we will practice parking.
g. Justin Stevens wrote down a move as he practiced for the national tournament.
h. They moved the furniture back to practice their dance routine.
i. Hobbies are practiced for interest and enjoyment, rather than financial reward.
6.3. Now categorize the grammar patterns with the word “practice” in the chart below.
practice + NP/-ing practice + NP + on + NP practice + for + NP practice + NP + by + NP
-practise your -practice their English -practiced for the -practiced

language skills. on me. national management by
-practising his golf tournament walking around
swing. -practiced for
-practice parking. interest and
-their dance
enjoyment
routine.
Teacher Notes
6.2: Have students try to notice patterns with “practice.” For now, accept anything reasonable.
6.3. Answers provided.
7. You start learning English in the third grade, by law. That's why this year China will become
the world's largest English speaking country.
7.1. In the sentence above, the linking expression “that’s why” is used to express a relation of
cause and result. Study some other patterns.

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Original sentence: “I started learning English in grade 3 because I will need it in my future job.”
a) I will need English in my future job, so I started learning it in grade 3.

b) Because I will need English in my future job, I started learning in grade 3.
c) I started learning English in grade 3. This is because I will need it in my future job.
d) I will need English in my future job. This is why I started learning it in grade 3.
7.2. Rewrite the following sentences choosing at least three different patterns from above:
a. My roommate doesn’t speak English much. She is very shy.

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
b. English is becoming the language of problem-solving. The world is pulling it.

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
c. I’m studying English now. It represents hope for a better future.

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
d. She is studying hard for the Gaokao. She wants to pass it.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Teacher Notes
7.1: The purpose of the sentences is to show the meaning and usage of “This is / That is
why/because.
7.2: Students write their own sentences. Answers will vary.
Example:
My roommate doesn’t speak English much. She is very shy.
My roommate doesn’t speak English much because she is very shy.
She is very shy. This is why she doesn’t speak English much.
She doesn’t speak English much. This is because she is very shy.
8. Opportunity for a better life

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8.1. The word “opportunity” means “a chance to do something” or “an occasion when it is
easy for you to do something.” Read the following sentences and use the correct form of the
verbs below to form “verb + opportunity” collocations.
Have miss take get deny
a. I would have liked to learnt another language other than English in school, but I was
denied the opportunity. Only English and Mandarin were taught.
b. My friends invited me to go on an Euro trip. I decided to go, as I might never get this
opportunity again.
c. My father told me that when he was young and single, he was lucky enough to have. the
opportunity to travel around the world.
d. Thank you all for coming! I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for
coming.
e. I feel glad that Bolivian President did not miss the opportunity to shake hands with our
President. We may never see anything like this happen again!
8.2. The word “opportunity” is commonly used with adjectives to describe the different kinds
of opportunities. Complete the sentences below using the adjectives below to form “adjective
+ opportunity” collocations.
Ideal rare once-in-a-lifetime ample golden great
a. I know you’re in a hurry, but don’t worry. You will have ample opportunity for shopping
in Canada’s biggest underground mall.
b. The weather has been bad lately and I’ve been wanting to try sailing, and this seems like
the ideal opportunity.
c. For many, watching him play his last World Cup is a golden opportunity. He is likely to
retire after.
d. I honestly think this is the right job for you. It’s a rare opportunity. Who else gets the
chance to live in Paris for two years all expenses included?
e. The Olympics takes place every four years. That’s why this is a once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity for many athletes.
f. I know it’s only a three-month contract, but this is a great. opportunity to be hired on
long term to earn extra income.
Teacher Notes
8.1: Have the students complete the task. You can also ask them to write sentences about their
lives using each pattern.
8.2: Have the students complete the task. You can also ask them to write sentences about their
lives using each pattern.

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9. Mathematics is the language of science
9.1. The preposition “of” is one of the most common words in English and it is used to
connects nouns. Study the examples below.
a) Can I have a cup of coffee?

b) There is a risk of fire.
c) Two of the guests are vegetarian.
d) He is in the back of the house.
e) I once saw the Queen of England.
9.2 Read the following text. The word ‘of’ has been taken out of it. Can you put it back? There
are 10 examples.
Water is transparent, tasteless, odorless, and it is the main component of Earth’s lakes, oceans
and the fluids of most living organisms. Water covers 71% of the Earth’s surface. It is crucial for
all known forms of life. Water on Earth moves mainly through the water cycle of evaporation,
transpiration, and precipitation. Water is essential to humans and other lifeforms. Safe drinking
water has improved in almost every part of the world, but in some developing regions of the
world, water is still not safe to drink. Fishing in salt and fresh water is a major source of food for
many parts of the world. Water is also important in sports and other forms of entertainment,
such as swimming, surfing, and diving.
*(adapted from the Central Intelligence Agency)
9.3. The possessive “s” in English is every useful but can also be confusing. Read the rule
below.
Study tip: When we talk about “belonging,” we can use the possessive “s.” We use it when the
first noun is a person, country, organization, or animal.
● Mike’s underwear needs to be washed.

● I’ve never visited Paris’ Eiffel Tower.
● The dog’s breakfast is ready.
● Apple’s employees do not use social media.
Study tip: We can use the possessive “s” with time words and periods of time. Otherwise, we
normally use the structure “noun + “of” + noun.”
● Stop reading that. It’s last week’s paper.

● I was impressed by the size of the building.
● I don’t like the smell of unwashed clothes.

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9.4. Read the following sentences. Write “C” for the correct ones and “I” for the incorrect
ones. Correct the ones that are incorrect.
a. Mark Zuckerberg is famous for Facebook’s creation. (I) Mark Zuckerberg is famous for
the creation of Facebook.
b. She couldn’t remember the street’s name. C
c. Daniel went into his sister’s room without permission. C
d. I love the colour of the sky. C
e. She’s reading a book about Canada’s maple syrup. C
f. We all have to thank Mary’s generosity. C
g. I didn’t really enjoy the movie’s last scene. (I) the last scene of the movie
h. Next week’s meeting has been cancelled. C
i. She said she wanted to meet at the house’s back. (I) at the back of the house
j. She was surprised by the scenery’s beauty. (I) the beauty of the scenery
Teacher Notes
9.1: Student complete the text by adding of (10 in total).
9.2: Read the rule as a class. Students then decide if sentences a-j are correct or incorrect.
Answers provided.
Study tips: go through with students.
10. English mania is a turning point.
10.1. Study the expression “turning point” in the lines below.
a. Hemingway later referred to this as the turning point for his career in America.
b. The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel in 2006 was the turning point for her.
c. Fear Of A Black Planet by Public Enemy defines a time and place for me, but also a
turning point.
d. Less than two minutes later, the Jets benefited from an emotional turning point.
e. The accidental death of his only son in 1970 marked a turning point in his life.
10.2. Answer the following questions about the term “turning point” based on the above
examples.
● What does the expression “turning point” mean? A turning point is a time at which a
major change in a situation happens.
● Notice the articles used with “turning point.” What’s the difference between “the
turning point” and “a turning point”? “The '' is usually followed by the colligation
the+turning point+for+ someone/possess. “A” is usually followed by the colligation
a+turning point+in+ NP or a(n) + adj.+turning point.
● Which verbs are commonly used with “turning point” (mark(ed) and ‘to be’)

19
Learn YOUR English
2018
10.3. Study how the expression “turning point” is used below. Write your own responses.
Example: The fall of the Berlin Wall marked a turning point in East-West relations.
1. __________________________ marked a turning point in _________________.
2. The __________ of ___________ marked a turning point in ________________.
Example: Meeting former US President Barack Obama was the turning point in my life.
1. _________________________ ________ the turning point for ________.
________________________ ________ the turning point in ____________.
Teacher Notes
10.1. Have students go through. Elicit possible meanings and observations but don’t confirm.
10.2 : Answers provided
10.3: Answers will vary.
Example: The discovery of North America marked a turning point in world history.
Jay Walker: The World’s English Mania
Legend
Bold words = key words to be studied and analyzed

Highlights = Chunks and phrases to be studied and analyzed

20
Learn YOUR English
2018
1 Let's talk about manias. Let's start with Beatle mania: hysterical teenagers, crying, screaming,
2 pandemonium. Sports mania: deafening crowds, all for one idea -- get the ball in the net. Okay, religious
3 mania: there's rapture, there's weeping, there's visions. Manias can be good. Manias can be alarming. Or
4 manias can be deadly.
5 The world has a new mania. A mania for learning English. Listen as Chinese students practice their
6 English by screaming it.
7 Teacher: ... change my life!
8 Students: I will change my life.
9 T: I don't want to let my parents down.
10 S: I don't want to let my parents down.
11 T: I don't ever want to let my country down.
12 S: I don't ever want to let my country down.
13 T: Most importantly ... S: Most importantly ...
14 T: I don't want to let myself down.
15 S: I don't want to let myself down.
16 Jay Walker: How many people are trying to learn English worldwide? Two billion of them.
17 Students: A t-shirt. A dress.
18 JW: In Latin America, in India, in Southeast Asia, and most of all in China. If you are a Chinese student
19 you start learning English in the third grade, by law. That's why this year China will become the world's
20 largest English-speaking country. (Laughter) Why English? In a single word: Opportunity. Opportunity for

21
Learn YOUR English
2018
21 a better life, a job, to be able to pay for school, or put better food on the table. Imagine a student taking a
22 giant test for three full days. Her score on this one test literally determines her future. She studies 12
23 hours a day for three years to prepare. 25 percent of her grade is based on English. It's called the Gaokao,
and 80 million high school Chinese students have already taken this grueling test. The intensity to learn
24 English is almost unimaginable, unless you witness it.
25
26 Teacher: Perfect! Students: Perfect!
27 T: Perfect! S: Perfect!
28 T: I want to speak perfect English.
29 S: I want to speak perfect English.
30 T: I want to speak -- S: I want to speak --
31 T: perfect English. S: perfect English.
32 T: I want to change my life!
33 S: I want to change my life!
34 JW: So is English mania good or bad? Is English a tsunami, washing away other languages? Not likely.
35 English is the world's second language. Your native language is your life. But with English you can become
36 part of a wider conversation: a global conversation about global problems, like climate change or poverty,
37 or hunger or disease. The world has other universal languages. Mathematics is the language of science.
38 Music is the language of emotions. And now English is becoming the language of problem-solving. Not
39 because America is pushing it, but because the world is pulling it. So English mania is a turning point. Like
40

22
Learn YOUR English
2018
the harnessing of electricity in our cities or the fall of the Berlin Wall, English represents hope for a better
future -- a future where the world has a common language to solve its common problems.
Thank you very much. (Applause)

23

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Learn YOUR English

Sample Lesson: Jay Walker’s “The World’s English Mania”

This lesson is designed as an extension to

Property of Learn YOUR English, 2018 1

“The World’s English Mania”: Grammar and Vocabulary

1.2. Change the following nouns into adjectives:

2. Manias can be alarming.

● Her alarm woke her up.

Property of Learn YOUR English, 2018 2

● Manias can be alarming

Deaf (adj) + en (verb) + ing (adj)

Property of Learn YOUR English, 2018 3

4. Chinese students have already taken this grueling test.

5. Our manias can be deadly.

5.1. Study the sentences below with the word “deadly.”

5.2. Answer the following questions about the word “deadly.”

Property of Learn YOUR English, 2018 4

6. Chinese students practice their English by screaming it.

6.2. Study the concordance lines for “practice.”

practice + NP/-ing practice + NP + on + NP practice + for + NP practice + NP + by + NP

Property of Learn YOUR English, 2018 5

a) English was part of the school curriculum, so I started learning it in grade 3.

a. My roommate doesn’t speak English much. She is very shy.

b. English is becoming the language of problem-solving. The world is pulling it.

c. I’m studying English now. It represents hope for a better future.

Property of Learn YOUR English, 2018 6

8. Opportunity for a better life

Have miss take get deny

Ideal rare once-in-a-lifetime ample golden great

Property of Learn YOUR English, 2018 7

9. Mathematics is the language of science.

a) Can I have a cup of coffee?

● Mike’s underwear needs to be washed.

Property of Learn YOUR English, 2018 8

● Stop reading that. It’s last week’s paper.

a) Mark Zuckerberg is famous for Facebook’s creation.

10. English mania is a turning point.

10.1. Study the expression “turning point” in the lines below.

● What does the expression “turning point” mean?

Property of Learn YOUR English, 2018 9

i) __________________________ marked a turning point in _________________.

ii) The __________ of ___________ marked a turning point in ________________.

i) _________________________ ________ the turning point for ________.

ii) ________________________ ________ the turning point in ____________.

Property of Learn YOUR English, 2018

Teacher Copy, “The World’s English Mania”: Grammar and Vocabulary

1.2. Change the following nouns into adjectives.

2. Manias can be alarming

● Manias can be alarming

Deaf (adj) + en (verb) + ing (adj)

Property of Learn YOUR English, 2018

b. This material is very hard. adjective

4. Chinese students have already taken this grueling test

4.2. What else can be gruelling? tests, exercise, practice, homework

5. Our manias can be deadly.

5.1. Study the sentences below with the word “deadly.”

5.2 Answer the following questions about the word “deadly.”

6. Chinese students practice their English by screaming it.

6.2. Study the concordance lines for “practice.”

Property of Learn YOUR English, 2018

b. He was practicing his golf swing.

-practise your -practice their English -practiced for the -practiced

Property of Learn YOUR English, 2018

i) __________ marked a turning point in _.

ii) The ____ of _ marked a turning point in ____________.

i) _________________ the turning point for .

ii) ____________ the turning point in .