Superheroes in English: Creating Your Own Hero

Prérequis

Before starting this course, students should have a basic understanding of English vocabulary related to physical descriptions, personality traits, and actions. They should be able to form simple sentences using the present simple and present continuous tenses. This course builds upon the vocabulary and grammar introduced in the first few units of a typical sixth-grade English textbook, focusing on descriptive language and creative writing. It fits within the broader theme of “Personal Identity and Imagination” often explored in the first semester.

Chapter 1: What Makes a Superhero?

Defining a Superhero

What is a superhero? Think about your favourite superheroes. What do they have in common? Superheroes are usually characters with extraordinary abilities who use those abilities to help others. They often fight against evil and protect innocent people. They are often brave, strong, and selfless.

Key Vocabulary: Superhero Attributes

Let's learn some words to describe superheroes:

Powerful: Having great strength or ability.

Brave: Showing courage in the face of danger.

Selfless: Concerned more with the needs and wishes of others than with one's own.

Villain: A wicked or evil person.

Ability: The power or skill to do something.

Costume: The clothes worn by an actor or performer, or by someone taking part in a fancy dress.

Example: Superman

Superman is a classic example of a superhero. He is powerful, brave, and selfless. He can fly, has super strength, and can see through walls. His enemy is Lex Luthor, a dangerous villain.

Chapter 2: Superpowers – What Can Your Hero Do?

Types of Superpowers

Superheroes have many different abilities. Here are some examples:

Flight: The ability to fly through the air.

Super Strength: Being much stronger than a normal person.

Invisibility: The ability to become unseen.

Telekinesis: The ability to move objects with your mind.

Healing: The ability to heal injuries quickly.

Elemental Control: Controlling elements like fire, water, earth, or air.

Describing Superpowers

We can use verbs like *can* and *is able to* to describe superpowers.

Superman can fly.

Wonder Woman is able to lift heavy objects.

Exercise 1: Matching

Match the superpower to its description:

Flight a) Moving objects with your mind

Invisibility b) Becoming unseen

Telekinesis c) Flying through the air

Answer Key: 1-c, 2-b, 3-a

Chapter 3: The Superhero’s Look – Physical Description

Describing Appearance

To create a believable superhero, we need to describe what they look like. We can use adjectives to describe their physical features.

Height: Tall, short, average height

Build: Muscular, slim, athletic

Hair: Long, short, blonde, brown, black, red

Eyes: Blue, green, brown, hazel

Other features: Scars, tattoos, birthmarks

Example: Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman is a tall and muscular superhero. She has long, dark hair and blue eyes. She often wears a golden tiara.

Exercise 2: Writing a Description

Write a short description of a superhero’s appearance. Include their height, build, hair colour, and eye colour.

Example Answer: My superhero is quite tall and very athletic. She has short, blonde hair and bright green eyes. She has a small scar above her left eyebrow.

Chapter 4: The Superhero’s Outfit – Costume and Accessories

The Importance of a Costume

A superhero’s costume is very important. It helps them to stand out and represents their identity. Costumes are often colourful and designed to be practical for fighting crime.

Accessories

Superheroes often have special accessories that help them use their powers.

Cape: A long piece of cloth worn over the shoulders.

Mask: Covers the face.

Belt: Often contains useful gadgets.

Gloves/Boots: Provide protection and sometimes enhance powers.

Example: Batman

Batman wears a dark, intimidating costume. He has a black cape and a mask that covers the top half of his face. He uses a utility belt filled with gadgets.

Chapter 5: Giving Your Hero a Name and Backstory

Choosing a Name

A superhero’s name should be memorable and reflect their powers or personality.

Captain America: Suggests leadership and patriotism.

Spider-Man: Relates to the spider’s abilities.

Iron Man: Highlights the use of technology.

Creating a Backstory

A backstory explains how the superhero got their powers and why they fight for good. Did they have a tragic past? Were they born with their powers?

Example: The Flash

The Flash, also known as Barry Allen, gained his super speed after being struck by lightning and exposed to chemicals. He uses his powers to protect Central City.

Chapter 6: Putting It All Together – Creating Your Own Superhero!

Brainstorming

Now it’s your turn to create your own superhero! Think about:

What are their superpowers?

What do they look like?

What is their costume like?

What is their name?

What is their backstory?

Writing a Superhero Profile

Write a short profile of your superhero, including all the information you brainstormed.

Example:

Name: Nova

Superpower: Elemental Control (specifically, controlling light)

Appearance: Nova is average height with a slim build. She has long, silver hair and bright purple eyes.

Costume: She wears a white and silver suit that glows in the dark. She has a mask that covers her eyes.

Backstory: Nova was born during a meteor shower and gained her powers from the energy of the stars. She uses her powers to protect the city from darkness.

Résumé

Superhero: A character with extraordinary abilities who uses them to help others.

Superpower: An extraordinary ability, such as flight, super strength, or invisibility.

Costume: The clothes worn by a superhero, often colourful and practical.

Accessory: An item used by a superhero to enhance their powers or protect themselves.

Villain: The enemy of a superhero.

Backstory: The history of a superhero, explaining how they got their powers.

Chapter 1 introduced the concept of a superhero and key vocabulary.

Chapter 2 explored different types of superpowers and how to describe them using *can* and *is able to*.

Chapter 3 focused on describing a superhero’s physical appearance using adjectives.

Chapter 4 discussed the importance of a costume and accessories.

Chapter 5 explained how to create a superhero’s name and backstory.

Chapter 6 guided students through the process of creating their own superhero profile.