What is this lesson about?

This B2-C1 speaking lesson takes a close, amused look at the ick — that sudden, often irrational loss of attraction over something tiny. Students check their own icks privately before comparing with a partner, invent ridiculous explanations for vague breakup stories, negotiate a group ranking of classic icks, and debate whether the whole phenomenon is a real signal or mostly nonsense.  

How do students practise?

Learners build fluency through a varied, high-energy sequence:

• Reacting to specific, recognisable ick examples

• Privately checking their own icks, then comparing with a partner

• Comparing attitudes in a forced-choice warm-up

• Inventing creative explanations for vague breakup stories

• Negotiating a group ranking of classic icks, with no ties allowed

• Responding to realistic dating scenarios

• Agreeing or disagreeing with statements about the ick

• Debating whether the ick is a real signal or mostly irrational

• Telling a personal story using the target language  

Why is this lesson useful?

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

• Discuss attraction and instinct with nuance and humour

• Negotiate and justify an opinion within a group

• Take part in a genuine two-sided debate with a clear personal position

• Tell an extended personal story with confidence

Who is it for?

This lesson is designed for adult ESL learners at B2-C1 level who want a genuinely entertaining, high-relevance speaking lesson that builds fluency through humour, negotiation and debate.