Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Describe fears using both casual and professional language.
- Use idiomatic expressions naturally in conversation.
- Role-play a discussion about fear in different contexts (doctor–patient, friend–friend).
Warmer
Answer the question
- Make a list of fears that you know of.
- Rank the fears from not scary to terrifying in your opinion.
Pre-listening
Have you ever been stuck in an elevator or weird situation? What happened?
How do you stay calm when things get weird or out of control?
Pre-listening vocabulary
Read the sentences and guess the meaning of the words in bold.
- It never crossed my mind that I’d be too scared to jump.
- I was totally on board with the plan-Until the door opened.
- Talking to the instructor took my mind off my fear for a bit.
- I couldn’t help shaking when I saw the snake.
- I’ve been on edge ever since I was mugged.
- I felt down in the dumps after we broke up.
Matching exercise
Vocabulary Gap-fill
Listening
Listening for Gist
Comprehension Questions
Listen again and answer the questions.
Text
A (Sarah): You know, Doc, I was all set for my first skydive. Totally on board. I even told everyone about it.
B (Dr. Lee): That sounds exciting. What happened?
A: Well, when we got up there, it never crossed my mind I’d freeze up. But I looked out the door, saw how far down the ground was… and I couldn’t help shaking.
B: That’s a common reaction. The body tends to react to fear in this way.
A: Yeah, my brain just… shut down. I tried to take my mind off it by talking to the instructor, but nope. My feet were glued to the floor.
B: So you didn’t jump?
A: Nope. Felt down in the dumps for days. It sucks knowing everyone else had a blast, and there I was, hiding in the plane. I shouldn’t even mention it being a waste of money, too.
B: I understand. It sounds like you may have a form of acrophobia, a fear of heights.
A: I guess. But now, even standing on a step stool puts me on edge.
B: The good news is, fears can be managed. We can start with gradual exposure—small, safe situations where you’re slightly elevated.
A: Like, standing on a chair?
B: Exactly. Then slowly work up to higher places, pairing each step with calming techniques.
A: Calming techniques?
B: Yes—breathing exercises, mindfulness, and grounding techniques to take your mind off the fear.
A: I like that. Maybe I can work my way back up to… I don’t know… standing on a balcony?
B: That’s the spirit. We’ll set goals and review your progress.
A: Thanks, Doc. I feel a bit less… well, paralyzed just talking about it.
B: And remember—progress is progress, no matter how small.
Post-listening activity
Discussion Questions
 Answer the questionsÂ
- Have you ever been too scared to do something you planned?
- Do you think facing fears directly is the best way to overcome them?
- How do you usually calm yourself when you’re nervous?
- Are fears more mental or physical, in your opinion?
- Which fears are more common in your country?
Role Play 1 - Patient & Doctor
Role A: (Patient) You recently froze while doing an exciting activity (e.g., bungee jumping, rock climbing). Describe what happened, how you felt (use at least 4 idioms), and ask for advice.
- Describe the activity and why you were excited.
- Explain the exact moment you became afraid.
- Ask how to overcome the fear.
Role B:Â (Doctor) Ask questions to understand the situation, give calming and practical advice, and suggest a step-by-step plan.
Listen carefully and ask follow-up questions.
Offer at least two strategies to deal with the fear.
Encourage the patient to set small goals.
Role Play 2 - Friendly Advice
Role A: You have a fear that’s been holding you back (e.g., swimming, public speaking, flying). Talk about a time it stopped you from doing something fun.
Share your recent experience where fear stopped you.
Use at least 3 idioms in your story.
Ask your friend for suggestions.
Role B:Â Share your own similar experience, give advice, and try to cheer them up
- Show empathy and share your own example.
- Give two pieces of advice to help them cope.
- Suggest something fun to take their mind off it.
