PROJECT NO: 2024-1-TR01-KA220-SCH-000245616
"EcoLingua Curriculum: Digitally Enhanced Pedagogy for Integrating Environmental Issues into Language Teaching"
🌿 Digital Activity designed by the EcoLingua Project Team  ·  Partner Institution: University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy
CEFR B2 B2 Level Activity 4 🌍 SDG 7 · SDG 13 🇮🇹 Italy
☀️
☀️ Renewable Energy: Powering the Future
University of Rome Tor Vergata · B2 Level Activity 4 · 90-Minute Lesson · National Geographic + UN Materials
B2 Vocabulary · Video · Pitch · Debate · FCE Essay 90 min 🌍 SDG 7
⬆ CEFR B2 — CLIL · TBL · Inquiry-Based · FCE Essay Writing
☀️ Renewable Energy:
Powering the Future
Vocabulary · National Geographic Video · Group Fact Sheet Pitches · Debate · FCE Essay
☀️ Solar 🌬 Wind 💧 Hydro 🌋 Geothermal 🌿 Biomass
🎮 How to Apply the Activity — Teacher Guide
1
Set up: 90-minute lesson from University of Rome Tor Vergata. Five stages: Vocabulary → Video → Group Fact Sheet Pitches → Debate → FCE Essay. Display on projector. Italian national curriculum alignment: Indicazioni Nazionali per i Licei.
2
Vocabulary (12 min): In the Vocabulary tab, 8 key terms from the student worksheet are loaded as a click-to-match game. Each term links to a modal with a B2-level definition and example. Students then use each term in an oral sentence.
3
Video Task (20 min): Open the National Geographic Renewable Energy 101 link. First viewing: gist question ("What is renewable energy?"). Second viewing: complete the 7 comprehension questions (5 MCQ + 2 gap-fill) directly in the portal. Auto-scoring included.
4
Group Fact Sheet Pitches (20 min): Divide into 5 groups (Solar / Wind / Hydro / Geothermal / Biomass). Each group clicks their energy source tab, reads the fact sheet, prepares a 2-minute pitch using the pitch checklist. Use the live 2-minute timer. Vote for the most convincing pitch!
5
Debate (20 min): Motion: "Renewable energy should completely replace fossil fuels within 20 years." Groups build For/Against arguments using the Argument Builder. Live scoreboard. Refer to the Useful Phrases cards for B2 debate language support.
6
Wrap-up + FCE Essay (10 min): Summarise key arguments. In the Essay tab, display the FCE essay scaffold (140–190 words, three-point plan). Show model essay and review FCE assessment criteria before students write at home.
90-minute full lesson · University of Rome Tor Vergata · B2 Level Activity 4. This is the richest portal in the B2 series — it covers all four skills across six distinct stages. Key sources: National Geographic Renewable Energy 101 and UN SDG 7 materials. FCE essay assessed on four criteria: Content · Communicative Achievement · Organisation · Language. The three body-paragraph plan (Cost / Availability / Own Idea) maps directly onto FCE Part 1 essay structure.
8:00
STAGE
B2 · Italy 90 min CLIL + TBL FCE Essay SDG 7 · National Geographic Video · 5 Energy Source Pitches · Debate · FCE Writing
🗣 Language Objectives
Renewable energy vocabulary · Modals of obligation · Persuasive pitching · FCE essay structure
🌍 Eco Objectives
Identify 5 renewable sources · Evaluate pros/cons · Link energy to SDG 7 · Analyse climate-energy relationship
🎯 Skills
Listening · Speaking · Reading · Writing — full 90-min lesson coverage
📚 Vocabulary — Match the Term to Its Definition (12 min)
Method: CLIL · ScaffoldingB2: Technical renewable energy vocabulary

Click a term, then click its definition. After matching, create an oral example sentence using the term in context!

Click a term, then click its matching definition!
📖 Renewable Energy Term
💡 Definition
👩‍🏫 Teacher
After students complete the matching, choose 3 terms and ask the class to make oral example sentences: "Can you use 'carbon footprint' in a sentence about transport?" Stronger students should use the term in a complex B2 sentence with a subordinate clause or modal.
🎬 National Geographic — Renewable Energy 101 (20 min)
Method: Task-based listening👂 ListeningB2: Gist → Detail → Analysis

First viewing: Gist — "What is renewable energy? Name as many sources as you can." Second viewing: Complete the comprehension questions below. Compare answers with a partner, then class discussion.

🎬 Renewable Energy 101 — National Geographic
Watch twice. First: general understanding. Second: detailed answers to the questions below.
▶ Renewable Energy 101 — National Geographic 🌍 UN — Renewable Energy Fact Sheet
Open the video in a new tab and display on your projector. Students complete questions below during second viewing.
📝 Video Comprehension — 7 Questions (from Student Worksheet)
5 MCQ + 2 Gap-fillAuto-scored
Score: 0 / 5 MCQ
💬 Post-Video Discussion
☀️
"What surprised you most in the video?"
✅ B2: "I was surprised to learn that renewable energy sources are not only cleaner but increasingly cheaper than fossil fuels. I strongly believe that this economic argument will accelerate the transition more effectively than environmental campaigns alone."
🌍
"Which renewable source is most relevant for Italy? Why?"
✅ "Solar energy is arguably the most relevant for Italy, given that the country has approximately 2,700 hours of sunshine per year — far above the European average. In my opinion, governments should invest more in rooftop solar panels for both domestic and commercial buildings."
🎤 Group Fact Sheet Pitches (20 min)
Method: PBL · Cooperative work5 groups · 2-min pitch each🗣 Speaking

Each group clicks their energy source tab, reads the fact sheet, prepares a 2-min pitch, then presents to the class. Use the pitch timer! The class votes for the most convincing pitch.

🏆 CLASS VOTE — Most Convincing Energy Source Pitch
Listen to all pitches, then vote!
⚔️ Mini-Debate: "Renewable energy should replace fossil fuels in 20 years." (20 min)
Method: Debate PedagogyB2: Modals · Persuasion · Concession

Step 1: Build For and Against arguments. Step 2: Use the Useful Phrases cards for B2 language. Step 3: Debate! Score points for argument quality and modal verb use.

⚔️ ARGUMENT BUILDER — Debate Prep
① Persuasive opening phrase:
② Core argument:
③ Modal + evidence:
Select your position, then build your argument…
✅ Arguments FOR (Renewables should replace fossil fuels)❌ Arguments AGAINST (Not within 20 years)
Build and add FOR arguments above…
Build and add AGAINST arguments above…
🗣 Useful Debate Phrases — Click to Expand
🏆 LIVE DEBATE SCORE
✅ FOR — Renewables
0
points
VS
❌ AGAINST — Not yet
0
points
Start debating and award points!
✏️ FCE-Style Essay Homework
FCE FORMAT: 140–190 WORDS · 4 PARAGRAPHS · ASSESSED: Content · Organisation · Language
Do you think renewable energy is the key to solving climate change?
📋 Your Notes — Address All Three Points
1. Cost2. Availability3. Your own idea
Introduction — Present the question and your position
Renewable energy is widely regarded as one of the most promising solutions to climate change. In my opinion, , although it is important to consider both and .
Body Paragraph 1 — Cost
One key argument in favour of renewable energy is its . Firstly, solar and wind costs have fallen by approximately over the past decade. However, initial investment remains high, which means .
Body Paragraph 2 — Availability
Furthermore, the availability of renewable energy . For example, solar works best in , while wind is most effective in . This means that a single energy source may not be sufficient everywhere, and is needed.
Body Paragraph 3 — Your Own Idea
In my opinion, the most important factor is . If governments were to , the transition to clean energy would be significantly faster. I strongly believe that .
Conclusion — Summarise and give your final opinion
To conclude, renewable energy is undoubtedly a crucial part of solving climate change, although it is not a complete solution on its own. We must if we want to .
I strongly believe / In my opinion / I strongly agree Firstly / Furthermore / However / To conclude must / should / ought to / may not government support / technology investment / individual choices
📊 FCE ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
Content
All 3 notes addressed? Task completed?
Comm. Achievement
Convincing? Appropriate register?
Organisation
Clear paragraphs? Connectors used?
Language
Range of vocabulary? Modals correct?
Renewable Energy and Climate Change

Renewable energy is widely regarded as one of the most promising solutions to climate change. In my opinion, it is a crucial part of the answer, although it is important to consider both its advantages and its limitations carefully.

One key argument in favour of renewable energy is its falling cost. Firstly, solar and wind costs have fallen by approximately 90% over the past decade, making them increasingly affordable. However, initial infrastructure investment remains high, which means many developing countries still struggle to adopt them without financial support.

Furthermore, the availability of renewable energy varies significantly by region. For example, solar works best in sunny southern countries like Italy and Spain, while wind is most effective in northern coastal areas. This means that a single energy source may not be sufficient everywhere, and a mix of renewables is needed.

In my opinion, the most important factor is government support and investment. If governments were to redirect fossil fuel subsidies towards clean energy, the transition would be significantly faster. I strongly believe that international cooperation is essential.

To conclude, renewable energy is undoubtedly a crucial part of solving climate change, although it requires policy change, technological innovation, and international cooperation to reach its full potential. We must act now if we want to leave a liveable planet for future generations.
📋 Assessment Notes
👩‍🏫 Teacher
✅ Vocabulary: 8 terms matched correctly? Used naturally in oral sentences?
✅ Video: 5 MCQ + 2 gap-fill answered? Discussion following second viewing?
✅ Pitch: 3 advantages + 1 limitation covered? Persuasive phrases used? 2 minutes?
✅ Debate: modals used (must/should/ought to)? Arguments supported with evidence?
✅ FCE Essay: 140–190 words? All 3 notes addressed? 4 paragraphs? Connectors + modals?
📊 Design school energy footprint project🌍 Partner school energy exchange