Pizza – ESL Topic

Topic for ESL Learners

Pizza is one of the most popular foods in the world. The modern pizza, as we know it today, was first made in Naples, Italy. It is believed that baker Raffaele Esposito created the first modern pizza in the late 19th century. Interestingly, the word “pizza” comes from a Greek word pēktos, meaning “solid” or “clotted.”

Pizza has since spread across the globe, with countless styles, toppings, and flavors. From thin-crust Italian pizzas to deep-dish Chicago pizza, it has become a universal comfort food.

Topics For English Language Learners

History of Pizza for Students – Origins, Facts & ESL Activities

Here is a list of information for ESL students about the history of pizza:

History of Pizza for Students
History of Pizza for Students

1. History of Pizza – A Quick Overview

While flatbreads with toppings existed in many ancient cultures, modern pizza began in Naples. Originally sold as simple bread with tomatoes and cheese, it became a beloved street food for the working class. In 1889, the famous Pizza Margherita was created to honor Queen Margherita of Savoy, featuring the colors of the Italian flag: red (tomatoes), white (mozzarella), and green (basil).

Common ingredients include:

  • Dough – made from flour, water, yeast, and salt
  • Tomato sauce – seasoned with herbs
  • Cheese – usually mozzarella, but many varieties are used
  • Toppings – vegetables, meats, seafood, or even fruit like pineapple

3. Fun Facts About Pizza

  • The world’s first pizzeria, Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba, opened in Naples in 1830.
  • In the U.S., pepperoni is the most popular topping.
  • The largest pizza ever made measured over 120 meters across.

4. Activities for ESL Students

  • Research: Find out about the history of pizza in different countries.
  • Vocabulary Work: Learn words for ingredients, cooking methods, and kitchen tools.
  • Role-Play: Act out ordering pizza in a restaurant.
  • Discuss: Share opinions on unusual pizza toppings.
  • Writing Task: Describe your dream pizza recipe.
  • Compare: Explore differences between Italian, American, and other styles of pizza.
  • Math Practice: Calculate the cost of making or buying a pizza.

Pizza Speaking Lesson Plan

  • Lesson type: Speaking and reading practice
  • Warm-up: Discuss personal questions about favorite foods and talk about a related food quote
  • Reading: Students read a conversation about ordering pizza and answer brief comprehension questions
  • Language focus: Underline expressions used to talk about favorite pizza and typical responses
  • Practice: Complete a chart with questions and answers from the conversation; then, in pairs or groups, create additional questions and answers
  • Production: Prepare and perform original conversations using the new language

ESL Materials about Pizza

➡ More EFL and ESL Materials
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