Product development: The MVP Way

This 8-page ESL lesson introduces students to product development, startup terminology, and the concept of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). Learners practice key business English vocabulary, discuss real-world examples of companies that started with MVPs, and engage in interactive exercises designed to develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Other lessons you might like are: “Business models“, “Understanding the business life cycle“, “The riches are in the niches“, and “Would your business survive Dragons’ Den?“.

Activities Overview:
Speaking: Students begin by discussing personal experiences with new apps, digital tools, or online services. Guided questions explore how users discover products, track changes, and provide feedback. This activity activates prior knowledge and introduces key vocabulary.

Product Startup Stories: Students read brief descriptions of how major companies like Airbnb, Amazon, Dropbox, Facebook, and Uber got started. They guess the company, discuss the challenges founders faced, and identify the MVP approach used.

Vocabulary: Learners match terms such as core features, value proposition, pivot, iterate, and launch with their definitions. Students complete sentences using vocabulary from previous activities and choose correct options in multiple-choice exercises. This reinforces word usage in context and builds confidence in applying new terms.

Listening: The lesson includes a three-part video called “How to create a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)“. Students answer comprehension questions, fill in missing words, and explore real-life examples from Instagram, fitness apps, and food delivery platforms.

Reading – Types of MVP: Learners explore different MVP types, including Landing Page MVP, Explainer Video MVP, Crowdfunding MVP, “Wizard of Oz” MVP, Piecemeal MVP, Pre-Order MVP, and Single-Feature MVP. Each type is explained with examples and goals, helping students understand practical applications in startups.

Speaking – MVP Brainstorming: Students discuss which type of MVP fits various products, such as subscription boxes, modular travel backpacks, habit-tracking apps, and desktop productivity tools. They justify their choices and practice using business vocabulary in conversation.

Creating Your Own MVP: In pairs or small groups, learners design their own MVP for a chosen business idea. They define target customers, core features, pain points, and feedback strategies. This hands-on activity combines critical thinking, teamwork, and English communication skills.

For more speaking practice, you can use the printable conversation cards.