Set the Scene:
Let’s start with some thought-provoking questions to connect your everyday life to the subject of this activity. Please consider the following:
- What does the term “progressive paradise” mean to you, and have you ever experienced or heard of a place that embodies this concept?
- How do you think a society with minimal income inequality and universal healthcare would function, and what potential benefits or drawbacks can you envision?
- Have you ever encountered a situation where something seemed ideal or perfect at first but turned out to be flawed or problematic upon closer inspection? If so, what did you learn from this experience?
Featured Image Analysis & Prediction:
Take a closer look at the featured image provided. What do you see in the image, and what do you think this activity will be about based on this visual representation? Consider the following questions:
- What are the main elements or themes present in the image, and how do they relate to the concept of a “progressive paradise”?
- Do you think the image is meant to be literal or metaphorical, and what message do you believe it is trying to convey?
Introduction:
Please read the introduction to the activity, which describes a personal account of growing up in a “progressive paradise” that turned out to be a “living hell.” Consider the following questions:
- What were your initial impressions of the author’s description of their childhood, and how did your understanding of the situation evolve as you read on?
- What do you think the author means by “progressive paradise,” and how does this relate to their personal experience?
Video Engagement:
Watch the video associated with this activity, available at https://maestrocursos.com.br/quizzed-esl-activities/why-i-left-utopia-5-minute-videos/. Pause the video at the following strategic points and consider the accompanying questions:
- Pause at 1:00 – What are your initial thoughts on the concept of a “utopian society,” and do you think it is achievable in reality?
- Pause at 2:30 – How do you think the author’s experience in the Soviet Union relates to the idea of a “progressive paradise,” and what lessons can be learned from this example?
- Pause at 4:00 – What do you think is the main message or warning that the author is trying to convey through their story, and how can this be applied to real-life situations?
After watching the video and considering the questions, reflect on what you have learned and how you can apply these insights to your own life and understanding of the world.
