Can Money Buy Happiness? – an ESL Lesson

Talking about money is always a great way to get ESL students talking, particularly in China. Money is probably more important here than anywhere in the world, and everyone has a strong opinion about it. It’s not taboo to talk about salaries or rents or anything to do with money, so it’s a great ESL topic.

For this lesson, I start off with the song, “Can’t Buy Me Love,” by the Beatles. It’s a fun song that gets the lesson going in a really positive way. I ask the following questions:

Which of the following best describes the singer?

a) He loves money

b) He needs more money

c) He doesn’t care about money

d) His girlfriend has spent all his money

Choose the Correct Lyric

I’ll buy you a wedding/diamond/dollar ring my friend,
If it makes you feel right/awkward/alright,
I’ll get you everything/anything/somethingmy friend,
If it makes you be/feel/see alright,
Cause I don’t have/care/carry too much for money,
Money can’t give/bring/buy me love.

I’ll give/leave/save you all I’ve got to give,
If you say you love me to/too/tow,
I say/day/may not have a lot to give,
But was/what/that I got I’ll give to you,
I don’t care too match/much/munchfor money.
Money can’t buy me/my/mine love.

After that, I push the students into a discussion. I’ll give them about ten minutes to talk over these questions: 

Discuss the Song

Watch the Video