Desert Island

Warm-up · 5 min

Island Alphabet

A quick word game to get talking before we set sail.

Ready?

How to play: I spin a letter. You have 10 seconds to name something you'd take to a desert island starting with that letter, and say why in one full sentence.

Too easy? Play the harder version: the item must be totally useless on an island, and you have to justify it anyway.

Useful phrases & idioms

off the top of my head — without stopping to think carefully
I'd go for... — a natural way to say "I would choose..."
it does the trick — it works well enough for the job
a must-have — something you absolutely need
think outside the box — be creative, avoid the obvious answer

Classic questions · 15 min

The Big Questions

You're stranded. Time to decide what matters.

If you could take one book to read forever, what would it be? Would you want a story, or something practical? Why that one?

You can watch one film on repeat. Which do you choose? Wouldn't you get sick of it? How do you decide?

You may bring exactly three possessions. What are they? Practical, sentimental, or fun? Defend each one.

One luxury item that has no survival use at all. What is it? Why would comfort matter more than usefulness here?

What's the one food you couldn't live without? And what would you miss most that you can't bring?

Useful phrases & idioms

can't live without it — something you feel you truly need
it means the world to me — it is deeply important to me
a home comfort — a small thing that makes you feel at ease
it grows on you — you like it more and more over time
narrow it down — reduce your choices to just a few

The dilemma · 10 min

Choose Your Companion

You won't be alone. But you must choose who joins you... and you can only pick one.

The Beautiful Athlete Gorgeous, active and physically fit. Full of energy for swimming, exploring and long walks along the shore. But conversation? Painfully dull.

The Brilliant Bore Not much to look at, and no use with their hands. But sharp, well-read and endlessly fascinating to talk to for years.

— who do you choose, and why? —

Does your answer change if it's one week versus ten years? What matters more over time: survival, or company?

What if you could bring one real person from your life? Who, and why not someone else?

Would you rather be stranded completely alone than with the wrong person?

Useful phrases & idioms

looks aren't everything — appearance is not the most important thing
the grass is always greener — other options always seem better than yours
get on like a house on fire — become friends very quickly and easily
drive someone up the wall — annoy someone a great deal
in the long run — over a long period of time

The encounter · 15 min

You Are Not Alone

One morning, you wake to find the island is inhabited. A group of islanders who have lived here for generations approach you. They are curious, wary, and full of questions about the strange world you come from.

"We have lived here since before memory. We know every tide, every fruit, every star. But you... you come from the loud world beyond the water. Sit. We wish to understand you."

They begin to ask...

"In your world, people carry small glowing rectangles everywhere. What are they for? Are you their master, or are they yours?"

"You measure your days with numbers and rush from place to place. Why? What are you all running toward?"

"We share everything on this island. In your world, some have vast riches and others have nothing. How do you allow this? Does it not trouble you?"

"You say you were 'stranded' here, as if it were a misfortune. Is your world truly so much better than this? Convince us."

"Teach us one thing from your world that would make our lives better. Only one. Choose wisely."

"We could show you how to live here forever, in peace. Or we could help you build a signal to be rescued. Which do you ask us for?"

Useful phrases & idioms

the rat race — the exhausting, competitive routine of modern working life
the be-all and end-all — the most important thing of all
glued to a screen — unable to stop looking at a phone or device
the gap between rich and poor — the difference in wealth across society
to put it simply — a way to introduce a clear, short explanation

Thought experiment · 10 min

The Final Choice

Before we leave the island, one last question to sit with.

"After years here, a ship finally appears on the horizon. It can take you home tonight. But the islanders offer you a choice: leave forever, or stay forever. There is no 'visit again.' Which do you choose?"

What would you miss most about your old life if you stayed?

What has the island given you that you never had before?

If you go home, how do you think the island will have changed you? Will anyone even believe your story?

Useful phrases & idioms

a fresh start — a chance to begin your life again
home is where the heart is — home is wherever the people you love are
it changed me for good — it changed me permanently (or: for the better)
have second thoughts — begin to doubt a decision you've made
no turning back — the decision is final and cannot be undone

Grammar · Modals

Modals

The little words that let you offer, advise, reassure and predict. Perfect for calming a panicking passenger.

Modal	Use	Example
CAN	Ability Permission Probability	I can speak Spanish. Can I go to the bathroom? It can't be Mark. He's in London.
COULD	Past ability Past permission Probability (40%) Request	He could swim when he was 6. He could go to the theater. It could get hotter in July. I could lend you my notebook.
MAY	Probability (50%) Permission	It may snow tomorrow. May I come in?
MIGHT	Probability (35% or less)	It might rain today.
MUST	Prohibition Probability (100%)	You mustn't speak loudly here! It's dark, it must be after 8.
SHOULD	Advice	You shouldn't smoke. It's unhealthy.
WILL	Prediction Spontaneous decision	I think he will study harder. It's hot. I'll open the window.

Modals Exercise

Fill the gap with a suitable modal. Some have more than one right answer.

You look pale. You _____ be feeling sick.
We _____ need to land early if her condition gets worse.
The crew _____ help you find your inhaler if you ask.
You _____ not eat peanuts if you have a nut allergy.
The doctor _____ arrive soon - just stay calm.
He's coughing a lot. He _____ have COVID.
You _____ speak to the pharmacist about your symptoms.
Passengers _____ remain seated until the seatbelt sign is off.
You _____ take this medicine with food.
I _____ call an ambulance if you don't feel better soon.
The pharmacy _____ not have that medication in stock.
_____ I lie down for a minute? I feel dizzy.

Speaking prompt: You're sitting next to someone who is panicking. Calm them down using modals. "Don't worry, the doctor will be here soon... you should take a deep breath... it might just be nerves..."

Useful phrases & idioms

it's bound to be fine — it is almost certain to be okay (strong prediction)
you'd better sit down — strong advice, short for "you had better"
there's no need to panic — a calming phrase to reassure someone
chances are... — it is likely that... (a way to express probability)
take it easy — relax, stay calm, don't rush