Have you ever wondered what happens when someone tries to stay awake for more than eight days? In this thought-provoking lesson, your students explore the true story of Peter Tripp, a radio host who took on a dramatic challenge in 1959: staying awake for 201 hours! This lesson set comes in two levels — A2+/B1 and B2 — and gives learners the chance to build vocabulary, practise reading skills, and discuss big questions about sleep, health, and ethics.

The warm-ups get students talking right from the start, with simple prompts like “How long can you live without…?” or short ranking tasks about what humans really need. Then, each level moves into key vocabulary, followed by natural questions to help learners actively use the new language.

You’ll also find two engaging readings adapted to level:
🌙 A2+/B1 version — simplified, clear, and perfect for curious learners
🌙 B2 version — richer, more detailed, great for confident readers

Both articles explore why Peter Tripp did the experiment, how his mind and body reacted during the long days awake, and what happened afterwards, including rumours about long-term changes in his behaviour.

Students then move on to comprehension checks, including True/False questions, before finishing with a lively discussion section on sleep, extreme challenges, and the ethics of risky experiments. It’s a lesson that invites opinions, sparks curiosity, and fits beautifully into topics such as science, wellness, and mental health.

If your learners enjoy unusual stories, science mysteries, and “How far can humans go?” discussions, this lesson will be a hit!

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