Teacher Studio / B2

Allocate scarce study spaces

Compare fairness principles and defend a practical allocation process.

B2 · Critical thinking · English · 25 minutes

Open student viewOriginal practice / Homework

Language focus

On the one hand; a drawback; although; could disadvantage.

Your lesson sequence

  1. 1. Warm-up

    3 min

    Ask: Which allocation method would you choose for the study spaces, and why?

  2. 2. Read for purpose

    5 min

    Read the text once for its main idea. Ask for a one-sentence summary before showing the comprehension questions.

  3. 3. Notice and check

    5 min

    Map lottery, need and contribution to benefits and drawbacks. Ask what evidence each method requires and whose circumstances may be overlooked.

  4. 4. Communicate

    8 min

    Allocate twelve study places among eighteen fictional applicants. Choose a principle, identify a person it might disadvantage and design a transparent appeal route. Respond to one objection before revising the plan.

  5. 5. Reflect and extend

    4 min

    Ask the learner to state one useful expression and one change they made to their answer. Set the specific homework below.

Adapt to your class

1:1: the teacher takes the second role. First model one useful question; then repeat the task with less support and a changed detail.

Answer guidance and teaching notes

  1. To make competing ideas of fairness concrete

    The shortage provides a shared example for testing different principles. Evidence: paragraph 1.

  2. Equal chances overlook unequal alternatives.

    People without other study space lose more when they miss out. Evidence: paragraph 2.

  3. Intrusive or inconsistent assessment

    Evidence requirements can affect privacy and consistency. Evidence: paragraph 3.

  4. People have unequal amounts of available time.

    The criticism concerns ability to participate, not the value of volunteering. Evidence: paragraph 4.

  5. Explanation and a way to challenge errors

    Complexity makes clear explanations and accessible review important. Evidence: paragraph 5.

  6. Fairness requires examining both reasons and procedures.

    The conclusion considers relevant differences, decision processes and challenges. Evidence: paragraph 6.

Homework

Write 160–200 words proposing an allocation system. Include an objection, response and appeals process.

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