What does the acronym ESA stand for in Harmer's framework?

• A. Engage, Study, Activate
• B. Engage, Activate, Study
• C. Engage, Explore, Apply
• D. Evaluate, See, Act

Answer: (A)

In Harmer's lesson framework, the sequence Engage, Study, Activate is the structure that guides how a lesson develops. It starts by capturing learners' interest and setting a purpose to learn the language (Engage). Then students focus on language form and meaning—observing, analyzing, and clarifying how the target language works (Study). Finally, they put what they've learned into use through meaningful communication and production tasks (Activate). This order matters because motivation and context come first, language features are then clarified, and finally learners apply the language in real or realistic contexts.

The other sequences don’t align with this model: moving Activate before Study rushes into use without understanding the language features first, and using different terms like Explore or Apply changes the emphasis away from the explicit Study phase Harmer emphasizes.