CP: Eltz Castle in Germany: Would you like to live here?

Class Plans
Featured Image

Set the Scene:

Let’s start with some questions to connect your everyday life to the subject of the activity:

  • Have you ever visited a castle or a historic mansion? What was your experience like?
  • How do you think people lived in medieval castles? What kind of challenges do you think they faced?
  • Would you like to live in a castle like Burg Eltz? Why or why not?
  • What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of living in a remote, medieval castle?
  • How do you think the experience of living in a castle like Burg Eltz would be different from living in a modern city?

Featured Image Analysis & Prediction:

Look at the featured image of Burg Eltz castle and answer the following questions:

  • What do you see in the image? Describe the castle and its surroundings.
  • What do you think this activity will be about based on this image? Make some predictions.
  • How does the image make you feel? Does it evoke any emotions or curiosity?

Introduction:

Read the introduction to the activity and learn about Burg Eltz castle and its history.

Pay attention to the unique features of the castle, such as its design, location, and the fact that it has been inhabited by the same family for over 800 years.

Video Engagement:

Watch the video about Eltz Castle in Germany: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ezoCvDZDkU

Pause the video at the following points and discuss the questions:

  1. Pause at 2 minutes: What are your initial impressions of the castle? How does it compare to your expectations?
  2. Pause at 5 minutes: What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of living in a castle like Burg Eltz? How does the location affect the lifestyle?
  3. Pause at 8 minutes: How does the castle’s history and architecture contribute to its unique character? What features do you find most interesting?

For more information about the activity, visit the original post: https://maestrocursos.com.br/quizzed-esl-activities/eltz-castle-in-germany-would-you-like-to-live-here/

Vocabulary Focus:

Review the key vocabulary related to the activity:

Term Definition Example Usage
Medieval Relating to the Middle Ages, which lasted from the 5th to the 15th century. Burg Eltz is a medieval castle that has been inhabited by the same family for over 800 years.
Fairytale A story, typically for children, about magical or imaginary events. Living in Burg Eltz might seem like a fairytale, but it comes with its own set of challenges.
Fortress A strong building or structure used for defense. Despite its thick walls, Burg Eltz is more of a grand home than a medieval fortress.
Trade Route A route or path used for the exchange of goods and services. The Moselle River, near Burg Eltz, was a historically important trade route.
Renovation The act of repairing or restoring something, especially a building. Burg Eltz requires constant renovation and repair to maintain its structure.
Seclusion The state of being alone or isolated. The castle’s seclusion might make it difficult for some to imagine living there.
Tapestries Decorative hangings made of woven fabric, often depicting scenes or images. Burg Eltz features beautiful tapestries that add to its historic charm.
Idyllic Extremely happy, peaceful, or picturesque. Some visitors find life in Burg Eltz to be idyllic, despite its challenges.
Charm A pleasing or attractive quality. Burg Eltz has a certain charm that makes it a unique and special place to explore.

Grammar Focus:

Review the grammar focus on the use of the Present Perfect Continuous Tense:

The present perfect continuous tense is used to describe an action that started in the past and continues up to the present moment. It is formed using the present tense of the auxiliary verb “has/have” + “been” + the present participle of the main verb (e.g., “has been living”).

Complete the grammar quiz to practice your understanding of the present perfect continuous tense:

  1. By the time I arrived at the castle, the owners ____________________ it for over 20 years.
  2. The Eltz family ____________________ in Burg Eltz castle for over 800 years, making them the perfect people to ask about life in a medieval castle.
  3. By next year, the castle ____________________ its 900th anniversary of being inhabited by the same family.
  4. The constant need for renovation and repair ____________________ the castle reliant on tourist income and government support.
  5. Count Jakob von and zu Eltz ____________________ his experience of living in the castle, stating that it’s “special” but not necessarily luxurious.

Answer Key:

  1. d) had owned
  2. c) has been living
  3. a) will have celebrated
  4. d) has been making
  5. a) shares