April Fool’s – A History and English Lesson

April Fool’s Day is an informal holiday that occurs every year on April 1st. On that day, it is common for people to pull pranks (jokes that make other people look silly). Have you ever wondered how that tradition started?

Watch this video to find out the history of April Fool’s Day. As you watch it, see if you can answer the comprehension questions below. This video would work best with an advanced ESL learner, because the speaker talks very quickly. I hope you enjoy this ESL listening activity!

Questions

1. In what time period did the first mention of April Fool’s Day occur?
2. For how many days did New Year’s used to be celebrated?
3. In what months did people used to celebrate the new year?
4. When did England finally switch calendar systems?
5. What prank is common in France?
6.  In 1992, who did NPR “report” would be running for president again?
7. What shape did the Guardian say that a new island in the Indian Ocean was?

Answers

1. the 1500’s
2. 8
3. March and April
4. 1752
5. Taping a fish to someone’s back without them noticing
6. Richard Nixon
7. a semi-colon

After you’ve finished this ESL listening activity, comment below with the best prank you have ever pulled on someone.