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.