Cognitive dissonance — Video based ESL lesson

This ESL lesson is based on a video about cognitive dissonance. It is suitable for intermediate to advanced learners (B1–C1).

The lesson focuses on understanding the psychological concept, building vocabulary, improving listening/reading comprehension, and encouraging personal reflection through discussion and writing.

Lesson objectives

• Understand the main ideas of cognitive dissonance and integrity.
• Learn and use 20 key vocabulary items related to the topic.
• Practice speaking and writing about personal values and behaviors.
• Develop critical thinking by discussing ways to resolve inner conflicts.

Target level: Intermediate–Advanced
Time: 90–120 minutes VocabularyCore vocabulary (10 words from the transcript)

• Cognitive dissonance – A feeling of discomfort when a person’s beliefs and actions do not match.
  Example: She experiences cognitive dissonance because she values honesty but told a lie.
• Dissonance – The uncomfortable feeling caused by conflicting beliefs and actions.
  Example: The dissonance between his environmental values and his daily driving made him feel guilty.
• Integrity – The state of having actions that match one’s values and beliefs.
  Example: Living with integrity brings peace of mind and self-respect.
• Unsettled – Feeling anxious or not calm because of inner conflict.
  Example: He felt unsettled after breaking his promise to a friend.
• Sluggish – Moving or feeling slow and without energy.
  Example: After weeks without exercise, her body felt sluggish and tired.
• Tinge – A small amount of a feeling, usually negative.
  Example: Each missed workout brought a tinge of guilt.
• Justification – Making excuses to avoid feeling bad about a wrong action.
  Example: His justification for cheating was that “everyone does it.”
• Rationalization – Creating logical-sounding reasons to defend bad behavior.
  Example: Rationalization helps people avoid facing their mistakes.
• Perfectionism – The belief that everything must be perfect, often causing stress.
  Example: Her perfectionism stopped her from starting new projects.
• Congruence – The state of being in agreement or harmony (actions matching values).
  Example: Living in congruence with your beliefs leads to greater happiness.

Vocabulary for expansion

• Hypocrisy – Pretending to have beliefs or values that one does not really have.
  Example: People dislike hypocrisy when politicians say one thing but do another.
• Guilt – A bad feeling about doing something wrong.
  Example: He felt deep guilt after forgetting his mother’s birthday.
• Regret – Sadness about a past action or choice.
  Example: She lived with regret for not studying harder in school.
• Self-worth – How much a person values themselves.
  Example: Building healthy habits can improve your self-worth.
• Motivation – The reason or drive to do something.
  Example: Discomfort can provide motivation to change bad habits.
• Obstacle – Something that blocks or makes progress difficult.
  Example: Lack of time is a common obstacle to exercising regularly.
• Introspection – Looking inside oneself to examine thoughts and feelings.
  Example: Daily introspection helps people understand their emotions better.
• Moderation – Avoiding extremes; doing things in a balanced way.
  Example: Eating in moderation is healthier than strict diets.
• Inadequacy – The feeling of not being good enough.
  Example: Constant comparison can lead to feelings of inadequacy.
• Alignment – Bringing things into agreement or harmony.
  Example: Alignment between goals and daily actions leads to success.

Warm-up

Activity: Discussion in pairs or small groups (10 minutes)
Ask students:

• Do you ever feel bad when you know you should do something but don’t? Give an example (e.g., eating healthy, studying, helping others).
• Why do you think this feeling happens?

Encourage simple answers to activate prior knowledge.

Pre-reading/listening vocabulary

Present the 10 core vocabulary words with definitions and example sentences (from the Vocabulary section above).

Activity (10 minutes)

• Students match words to definitions.
• Discuss example sentences and create one personal sentence for 3–5 words.

Comprehension

Activity 1: Reading the transcript (or watching the video if available) (15–20 minutes)
Provide a simplified version or the full transcript. Students read and answer:

1. What is cognitive dissonance?
2. Give one example from the transcript.
3. What are the three ways to resolve dissonance? Which is the best?
4. Why is justification the worst way?

Activity 2: True/False questions (10 minutes)

1. Dissonance always feels good. (False)
2. Integrity means actions match values. (True)
3. Changing behavior is usually the best solution. (True)
4. Justification solves the problem completely. (False)

Vocabulary practice

Activity 1: Gap-fill (10 minutes)

Provide sentences from the transcript with blanks for core vocabulary.
Example: The feeling of ________ (dissonance) comes when beliefs and actions do not match.

Activity 2: Expansion vocabulary introduction (10 minutes)

Present the 10 expansion words with definitions and examples.
Students choose 5 words and write personal sentences.

Activity 3: Word partnership matching

Match words to common collocations (e.g., feel guilt, resolve dissonance, lack integrity).

Discussion

Activity: Small group or whole class (15–20 minutes)

Discuss these questions (encourage use of new vocabulary):

1. Describe a time you felt cognitive dissonance. How did you resolve it?
2. Why do people often choose justification instead of changing behavior?
3. How important is integrity for happiness and self-worth?
4. Do you agree that discomfort from dissonance can be useful motivation? Why/why not?

Writing/speaking extension

Activity: Reflective journal (15–20 minutes, can be homework)

Write 150–200 words answering:

• Think of one area in your life where your actions do not fully align with your values (e.g., health, kindness, environment).
• Describe the dissonance you feel.
• Choose one way to resolve it (change behavior, change thinking, or avoid justification).
• Use at least 8 vocabulary words from the lesson.

Students can share their writing in pairs for feedback.

Wrap-up

• Review key ideas: Cognitive dissonance is uncomfortable but can lead to growth when resolved with integrity.
• Quick quiz: Students define 3–5 vocabulary words orally.
• Assign watching similar short videos on psychology for the next class.