Work with the extraordinary level 2 reader "The elephant man"

Speaking Activity (before reading and listening)

• Why is respect more important than appearances?

• Have you ever felt judged for something unfair?

In the past, many people with physical disabilities or unusual appearances were shown in circuses as "freaks." They were part of "freak shows," where people paid money to look at them. These people were often not treated well and had no other job options. They didn’t have rights or support and were used only to make money.

Today, things are better in many parts of the world. People with disabilities have more rights, and there are laws to protect them. But some still face discrimination or are treated unfairly in jobs, in public, or in the media. Many people and groups now work to include and support them, showing that all people deserve respect and chances in life.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjjpK-l8o54

After reading and listening to the first chapters (we'll finish the analysis in a new entrance) work with the questions below.

How do people react when they see Merrick for the first time? Why do they react that way?

What does Merrick’s life in the circus show us about how people with physical differences were treated?

How do you think Merrick feels when people only look at him like an animal?

Why do you think the doctor wanted to help Merrick?

If you met Merrick, what would you say or do to make him feel respected?

Writing activity

Choose one of these tasks:

1. Write a letter to Merrick, telling him how brave he is and how you see him as a person.

2. Write a short opinion paragraph about how society should treat people with physical differences.