In this lesson we are using a text arguing the existence of aliens. The text gives different arguments and students must read it and answer some comprehension questions about it.

Afterwards, students analyze some of the grammar used in the text. In this case the grammar topic is reported speech. Students are then guided through the lesson and complete a series of activities throughout. So fun!

The worksheet mentions different UFO related phenomena which can easily be found online.

Introduction

Ask students a few questions about ET’s:

1. Do you believe there is life in other planets?
2. If life exists, what does it look like?
3. Are we alone in the universe?
4. Is there any evidence showing life in other planets?

1st Activity

Before students read the text, ask them if they are familiar with:

After clearing up the meaning, ask students to read the text and tell you
what the text is about. Afterwards, students answer the comprehension
questions in pairs. Feedback the answers when they are done.

Do Aliens exist?

Many people nowadays take it for granted that, because the universe is infinite then somewhere in the universe there must be life. But how can we know? Well, one way to confirm or deny that life in the universe exists is to look for witnesses. Witnesses are people who claim to have seen a UFO. Here is a list of the most interesting witnesses:

• In 74 BC, two armies were about to fight when the general Plutarch reported seeing a flying object land between the two armies and fly away again. The object was said to be shaped like a wine bottle and silver in color. Both armies reported seeing the same thing.
• There are numerous paintings that show UFOs in the background. The most famous being ‘The Madonna with Saint Giovannino’, otherwise known as the “UFO painting”. The picture shows a woman and two children, but in the background a man and his dog can be seen looking at a UFO flying in the sky. People argue that aliens have been visiting us for millennia.
• Most recently, the Pentagon which is the USA’s department of defense has admitted filming UFOs in the sky. In the past, the Pentagon famously denied having any knowledge of UFOs, but now it has released videos filmed by the military showing UFOs and soldiers completely stunned at objects flying at incredible speeds through the sky.

These are just a few examples of UFO sightings but are there enough sightings to prove the existence of extraterrestrial life? Scientists have reminded us of the possibilities for years. In the end, it all depends on your perspective.

2nd Activity

Grammar practice: Tell students to look at the underlined words in the text. Students need to fill in the Grammar Box with the underlined sentences in the text:

Reporting verbs:
In the text you can see examples of reporting verbs underlined. Fill in the rules with examples from the text:

1. Verb + gerund: ______________________________________.
2. Verb + infinitive: ____________________________________.
3. Verb + subject + verb: ______________________________.

3rd Activity

Ask students to report these sentences using the words in parenthesis:

1. Peter: Do you want to come star watching with me tomorrow night? (invite)
   _____________________________________________________________

2. Amanda: Yes, I can definitely come star watching! (agree)
   _____________________________________________________________

3. Jennifer: In my opinion, I think you should study Astronomy. (advised)
   _____________________________________________________________

4. Michael: No way aliens are real! (deny)
   _____________________________________________________________

5. Isaac: I think you photoshopped those photos! (accused)
   _____________________________________________________________

6. Tim: I’m so sorry, it’s true! I photoshopped those pictures… (apologize)
   _____________________________________________________________

7. Hugo: I’ll never do it again. (promise)
   _____________________________________________________________

8. Jenny: I’m going to be an Astronaut when I grow up! (decide)
   _____________________________________________________________

4th Activity

Ask the students to complete the sentences so that some of the sentences are true and some are false.

• People have said that __________________________.
• My teacher recommends _____________________________.
• Scientists have reported ______________________________.
• Doctors have advised _________________________________.
• Politicians have claimed _______________________________.
• I have decided _________________________________________.
• __________has refused __________________________________.
• __________has admitted _________________________________.

Afterwards they should tell their classmates their sentences and ask them if they think they are true or not.

Final Discussion

If there is time, you can ask your students some discussion questions:

1. If you could travel to space, would you?
2. Would you like to meet an alien?
3. Do you think aliens are peaceful or dangerous?
4. Do you think aliens are more advanced than us?

If you enjoyed this lesson, click here for more grammar worksheets and lesson plans!