The usefulness of useless knowledge: why study for its own sake
An opinion piece defending subjects with no obvious career value; students analyze the argument, then write their own opinion paragraph.
C2Adults55 minOpinion piece
About this lesson
A C2 reading lesson (opinion piece). Graded texts with key words, comprehension questions and printable versions.
- Level
- C2
- Skill
- Reading
- Type
- Opinion piece
- Students
- Adults
- Time
- About 55 minutes
- Topic
- Education & studying
- Activities
- Key words, Speaking / writing task, Reading text, Multiple choice, True / False, Matching
- Key words
- by-product, inquiry, vocational, indulgence, utility, rigorous, cryptography
- Access
- Premium
By the end, students can
- Follow a nuanced argument, including concessions and counter-arguments
- Understand precise evaluative vocabulary in an opinion piece
- Write a balanced opinion paragraph on the purpose of education