Ariana Grande – Twilight Zone: Listening Song Activity (Now BEAT+ Aligned & Even Better!)

A Little Note From Márcia Bonfim: Why This Classic is Getting a Glow-Up!

Hello, my amazing music-loving teachers!

Can you believe our journey together started all the way back in 2018? WOW! If you’ve been with me since then, you know my heart, my SOUL, has always been poured into one thing: making our song-based lessons as powerful and as JOYFUL as they can possibly be. For you AND for your students.

For years, I’ve shared countless activities here, but behind the scenes, I’ve been on my own journey. A journey of listening, reflecting, and refining my personal method for teaching English with the incredible ENERGY of music.

And now… I am SO ready and SO excited to share this with you! That methodology, that soul-work, finally has a name and a crystal-clear framework: The BEAT+ Method! !

What does that mean for YOU?

My mission is, and ALWAYS has been, to empower you. To give you creative, time-saving, and deeply engaging lessons that build REAL English skills with less effort and SO MUCH more impact. So, I’m revisiting some of our most-loved activities on the blog and giving them a special BEAT+ glow-up!

Why? To make them even better for you. More structured, more flexible, and overflowing with new strategies to make learning truly sparkle and stick!

Think of it like your favorite classic song, now with a secret new harmony that makes it absolutely unforgettable!

This revamped “Twilight Zone” GrammaClip Challenge is one of the very first to receive this special treatment. All the fun and energy you loved is still there, but now it’s SUPERCHARGED with deeper learning principles and more integrated skill practice.

So, are you ready? Let’s dive in and see how we’ve brought new life to this popular Ariana Grande activity!

⭐ Supercharged Lesson Overview: ⭐

This revamped activity helps students review grammar (Modal verbs, Simple Present, Present Continuous, colors, adjectives, etc.) and really get the lyrics, all within a fun, game-like structure. The challenges are still divided by difficulty, so you can pick the perfect fit for your students. Get ready to ENJOY and HAPPY TEACHING!

ESL Lesson Details

Language level: Adaptable for A1-C1
Learner type: Teens and adults
Skills: Listening, speaking, critical thinking, teamwork
Grammar focus: Modal verbs, Simple Present, Present Continuous
Vocabulary focus: Colors, adjectives, emotions
Materials: YouTube video clips, projector/screen
Duration: 45 – 70 min
Downloadable materials: Resource Kit GrammarClip Ariana zip file: (it contains: GrammaClip Challenge Worksheet.pdf, Self-Check Confidence Tracker.pdf, Teacher Observation Checklist.pdf & Answer Key)

Objectives

Grammar Identification: Identify and recognize various grammatical structures within the context of a contemporary song.
Collaborative Learning: Enhance teamwork and communication skills by working in assigned roles to complete a series of challenges.
Listening for Detail: Develop active listening skills by focusing on specific linguistic targets in short audio/video clips.
Skill Integration and Application: Bridge receptive listening skills with productive speaking and writing skills through post-challenge creative tasks.

How To Rock The Enhanced GrammaClip Challenge:

We’re taking the awesome GrammaClip Challenge and wrapping it in a full BEAT+ experience! Here’s the new flow:

PART 1 – Pre-Listening / Challenge Setup (10-15 min)

Step 1: Warm-up & Tune In

Write “Twilight Zone” on the board and ask: “What does this phrase make you think of? What feelings come to mind?” Pre-teach: “twilight zone” – an unusual, dreamlike situation that seems surreal (if students aren’t familiar with it)

Tell students they’ll be working with grammar from Ariana Grande’s song “Twilight Zone” today. Since modal verbs appear in the challenges, do a quick diagnostic: “Who can give me an example of a modal verb we’ve studied recently?

Pro Tip: Use student responses to gauge existing knowledge and adjust your approach.

Step 2: Predict & Prepare

Show video thumbnail or play 5-10 seconds of music (no lyrics). Ask students to predict the song’s topic and mood based on the title and music snippet.

Pre-teach this additional key vocabulary item: “masquerade” – a false show or pretense; hiding one’s true feelings

Vocabulary Tip: These words are central to understanding the song’s theme of confusion and false appearances.

Step 3: Launch the GRAMMACLIP CHALLENGE!

Explain the activity structure: Students will watch/listen to short clips and identify specific language elements. Organize students into pairs/trios with roles: Scribe (writes answers), Lead Listener (main target hunter), Support Listener (backup ears).

Establish clear rules: points system, difficulty levels (Basic, Intermediate, Advanced), and 3 listening chances per clip.

Engagement Tip: Rotating roles between challenges ensures everyone stays actively involved.

PART 2 – While-Listening / The GrammaClip Challenge (20-30 min)

Step 4: Set the Mission

Before playing each clip, clearly state the listening objective for the chosen level: “For this first clip, Basic level teams, find ONE adjective and ONE color!” Quick comprehension check: “Give me an example of what you’re listening for so I know you’re ready.

Clarity Tip: This confirmation ensures all students understand the task before the listening begins.

Step 5: Listen Up & Team Up!

Play each clip three times to allow for careful listening. Teams discuss what they heard and record their answers.

Circulate to observe discussions, provide support, and note common challenges.

Assessment Opportunity: Use the Teacher Observation Checklist to track participation and identify students who may need additional support.

Step 6: Answers & High Fives!

Review answers as a class after the third listen.

Award points to successful teams and celebrate their achievements.

Address common mistakes before moving to the next clip, using lyrics as evidence.

Learning Moment: Ask students to explain why certain answers are correct to deepen understanding.

Step 7: Pronunciation Pop! (Optional)

After reviewing a clip, select a short line with interesting pronunciation features. Model the line, emphasizing natural rhythm and connected speech. Have students repeat it, following the rhythm of the music.

Skill Integration: This brief activity improves pronunciation without disrupting the challenge flow.

🎯 The GrammaClip Challenges: 🎯

GrammaClip Challenge 01

ATTENTION! Choose the most appropriate game level for your students: Basic, intermediate or advanced!

Basic (easy):

WATCH THE CLIP BELOW AND IDENTIFY at least 1 adjective + IDENTIFY at least 1 color.

Intermediate (medium):

WATCH THE CLIP BELOW AND IDENTIFY at least 1 question + IDENTIFY 1 superlative adjective.

Advanced (hard):

WATCH THE CLIP BELOW AND IDENTIFY 3 questions.

(ANSWERS and lyrics key in the Resource Kit zip file – see downloadable materials)

Teacher’s Tips (Now Supercharged!):

Be Flexible! Fewer challenges for limited time; extend activities when students are engaged.
Prep Your Tools: Have assessment materials ready before class.
Feedback is Fuel: Keep feedback positive and constructive.
Focus on the Journey: Celebrate effort and “aha!” moments, not just scores.
Online Class? Use chat for private answers, breakout rooms for team discussions.

GrammaClip Challenge 02

ATTENTION! Choose the most appropriate game level for your students: Basic, intermediate or advanced!

Basic (easy):

WATCH THE CLIP BELOW AND IDENTIFY at least one frequency adverb + IDENTIFY a negative auxiliary verb

Intermediate (medium):

WATCH THE CLIP BELOW AND IDENTIFY 1 question in the simple present tense + IDENTIFY at least 1 modal verb

Advanced (hard):

WATCH THE CLIP BELOW AND Answer the question Use lyrics to support your answer:

What does Ariana’s message reveal about her feelings?

A) She doesn’t care anymore.
B) She’s still confused and emotional.
C) She wants the person back.

(ANSWERS and lyrics key in the Resource Kit zip file – see downloadable materials)

GrammaClip Challenge 03

ATTENTION! Choose the most appropriate game level for your students: Basic, intermediate or advanced!

Basic (easy):

WATCH THE CLIP BELOW AND IDENTIFY 1 adjective AND IDENTIFY a question word + IDENTIFY at least 1 plural word.

Intermediate (medium):

WATCH THE CLIP BELOW AND IDENTIFY 2 words in their plural form + IDENTIFY 1 present continuous verb.

Advanced (hard):

WATCH THE CLIP BELOW AND ANSWER the question: Justify your answer with words from the lyrics.

What does the Ariana suggest about the relationship?

A) It was honest and clear.
B) It ended on good terms.
C) It was fake and confusing.

(ANSWERS and lyrics key in the Resource Kit zip file – see downloadable materials)

PART 3 – Post-Listening / Challenge Wrap-up & Extensions (15-25 min)

Step 8: And the Winner Is… & Full Video Premiere!

Tally points and celebrate winning teams with appropriate recognition.

Play the complete music video as a reward for everyone’s participation.

Motivation Strategy: This celebration maintains the positive energy while transitioning to deeper analysis.

Here’s the official Music Video

Step 9: Making Sense of It All

Guide a brief discussion about how the grammar elements function in the song’s context.

Have students create 1-2 new sentences using the grammar points they identified. For advanced groups, prompt deeper analysis: “What’s Ariana really feeling? Which specific lyrics support your interpretation?”

Language Application: This step bridges receptive skills (listening) with productive skills (speaking/writing).

Step 10: Your Turn! Skills Extension

Offer students a choice of creative tasks:

Chat & Act: Write and perform a dialogue using 3 grammar points from the challenges.
Sum It Up: Write a paragraph explaining the song’s message.
Lyric Remix: Create alternative lyrics for part of the song.

Differentiation Benefit: Choice-based activities allow students to engage according to their strengths and interests.

Step 11: How Did It Go?

Distribute a Self-Check Confidence Tracker featuring the key grammar and vocabulary from the lesson. Students rate their confidence with each item (using green/yellow/red indicators or a simple scale). This self-assessment promotes learner autonomy and metacognitive awareness.

As an Exit Ticket, have students briefly respond to a reflective prompt such as: “What’s one new thing you mastered today?” or “Which part of the GrammaClip Challenge helped you connect with English grammar or lyrics?” These reflections provide valuable feedback on the activity’s effectiveness while reinforcing learning through metacognition.

Assessment Value: This non-threatening evaluation gives you crucial insights into student progress without creating test anxiety, allowing you to plan targeted follow-up activities.

🎉 That’s a wrap for today’s supercharged activity! I truly hope this BEAT+ aligned lesson brings even more energy, deep engagement, and that special sparkle to your English classes. Let the music guide the learning, and you enjoy the amazing journey with your students.

Author Bio:

About the Author:Márcia Bonfim is an ESL/EFL teacher and creator of the Song Activity Factory. She helps educators create engaging lessons using her signature BEAT+ Method, which features the MUSIC+ Framework. You can discover her complete methodology summary here.