OVERVIEW & OBJECTIVES

This ESL lesson plan on the Polar Night offers engaging activities, PDF worksheets, and digital materials designed for upper-intermediate B2/C1 students. In this lesson, students will:

• Discuss the polar night, darkness, and sunlight, and share their experiences of seasonal light changes.
• Expand their vocabulary with adjectives and phrases describing extreme climates and environmental conditions.
• Watch a video about the polar night in Svalbard and complete comprehension and prediction activities.
• Practice using phrases to describe challenges, appeals, and impacts of different climates in discussions.
• Participate in a communicative activity comparing and describing the climate and environment of different regions.

PREVIEW & DISCUSSION

Students start this lesson by observing an illustration of the polar night showing the Earth tilted on its axis, with sunlight and shadowed areas. They predict what the phenomenon is, why it occurs, and which regions experience it. Using vocabulary such as “the Winter solstice,” “the Arctic Circle,” “dark/darkness,” “the Earth’s axis,” “sunlight,” and “the horizon,” they discuss their ideas in pairs or small groups.

Next, students evaluate fact or fiction statements about the polar night, such as its duration, its relationship with winter, and the variety of light and color it produces. Students explain their reasoning, reinforcing comprehension and critical thinking.

Finally, students discuss guided questions about sunlight and darkness, reflecting on their geographical location, potential challenges of living in extended darkness, and benefits of experiencing regions with prolonged darkness. They also consider the aurora borealis, discussing why it is special and what natural environments captivate them the most.

VIEWING ACTIVITY

Students watch a short video exploring the polar night in Svalbard, where researchers describe life during months without sunlight. The video highlights the beauty, colors, light sources, and quiet of the polar night, as well as the unique social and reflective experiences it brings.

While watching, students answer comprehension questions. First, they discuss short-answer questions about what Jørgen appreciates, how he defines the polar night, Svalbard’s latitude, and the duration of darkness there. Then, students complete a true/false activity correcting misconceptions about the polar night and its relationship with winter and the coldest periods. Finally, they fill in missing words in statements summarizing the speakers’ descriptions of the polar night, such as its cozy, reflective nature, and the variety of light sources.

VIEWING FOLLOW-UP

After viewing, students discuss personal reactions to the polar night, such as their interest in experiencing it, coping with extended darkness, and the appeal of natural phenomena like the aurora. They compare these experiences with the opposite scenario of the polar day, considering both challenges and benefits.

Next, students analyze descriptions of different regions, replacing adjectives with suitable synonyms such as dense, frigid, relentless, muggy, unbearable, arid, gloomy, dreary, temperate, and gusty. They then predict where each person may live, encouraging discussion of climate impacts on daily life.

Finally, students use adjectives to describe climate conditions they have personally experienced in recent months, reflecting on how weather affected their day-to-day decisions.

YOUR REGION – HIGHLIGHTING THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY

In Option A, students choose a region, city, or country, either where they live or elsewhere. They consider appealing and challenging aspects, daily weather, seasonal extremes, impacts on people, and notable natural features. Students share their observations with a partner, imagining the partner is moving to that area, and use phrases such as “You’d better brace yourself for…”, “On the bright side…”, and “It can be tough to cope with…”.

In Option B, students discuss topics such as challenges and appealing aspects of living in their region, experiences in extreme climates, which types of weather are hardest to cope with, and memorable natural phenomena. These discussions allow students to use new vocabulary and descriptive phrases in a communicative, meaningful context.

BENEFITS OF USING THIS POLAR NIGHT ESL LESSON

• Strengthens students’ speaking confidence through discussions on climate and environmental topics.
• Improves listening comprehension with authentic video content and follow-up exercises.
• Expands vocabulary with adjectives and phrases to describe weather, light, and natural phenomena.
• Develops critical thinking through fact/fiction activities and predictions about the polar night.
• Encourages real-life communication skills by comparing regions and discussing climate challenges and appeals.