Lesson Overview
In this C1–C2 ESL lesson titled “Why Do People Run Marathons?”, students will explore why people choose to run marathons and what motivates them to take on such a demanding challenge. Through discussion, ranking tasks, and speaking activities, learners will examine personal, social, and cultural reasons behind marathon participation, including fitness, charity, identity, and social media influence.
The lesson encourages critical thinking and advanced language development related to sport, motivation, health, and society. Students will also develop their speaking skills through debate, comparison, and structured discussion tasks.
This C1–C2 ESL lesson plan titled “Why Do People Run Marathons?" is designed for advanced learners and builds on our wider collection of high-quality general English lesson plans, all following a clear, step-by-step teaching structure.
Activities
- Picture and Questions.
- Marathons: Key Words.
- Marathons: Adjectives.
- Audio: Why I Run Marathons.
- Audio: Comprehension.
- Marathons: Discussion
- Debate
- Ranking: Motivation
- Game: This or That?
Homework
As with every adult lesson plan from ESL Pals, students get to practise at home with our innovative homework activities. In this advanced C1-C2 ESL lesson plan titled “Why Do People Run Marathons?”, they will read a short article and complete comprehension and vocabulary tasks.
- Article: Why Do People Run Marathons?
- Article: Questions.