How to find your passion (likes and dislikes)

This intermediate ESL lesson plan is about finding your passion. Students will learn useful vocabulary to talk about likes and dislikes, watch a short video outlining the differences between consumption and creation and have plenty of opportunities to discuss their hobbies and interests. Good lessons to combine this lesson with are: “The healing power of art”, “Can limits boost creativity?”, “Self-care” and “Idioms: art and creativity”. If you want to teach it in a business setting, you can also take a look at “Changing careers” and “Start and grow your side hustle”.
Speaking: The lesson starts with a few conversation questions which students discuss in pairs or small groups.
Vocabulary: students learn expressions to talk about likes and dislikes. This activity is divided into 3 parts. First, students complete the expressions about things they like (keen on, fond of, have a soft spot for, can’t get enough of). Then they complete the phrases about dislikes (it’s not my thing, it’s not my cup of tea, I can’t work up any enthusiasm for). Lastly, they work on expressions used to talk about things we start liking over time (it’s growing on me, I’ve grown to like it, it’s an acquired taste). Students complete the phrases and then talk about the things they like and dislike.
Video: Students watch a video “How to find your passion” and write down examples of “consumption” and “creation” activities as well as the 2 steps you need to take to find your passion. After watching the video, students give their opinion and discuss it further.
Speaking: The last 2 activities are focused on speaking. First, students complete a few sentences given with activities they enjoy and then they brainstorm different “creation” activities.
You can use the conversation cards to further practise the target vocabulary from this lesson.