Stealth wealth

This engaging B2-C1 ESL lesson plan introduces students to the concept of stealth wealth, or the practice of not showing off one’s wealth. Perfect for both general English classes and business English lessons, this lesson explores attitudes toward wealth, teaches useful vocabulary and idioms, and features a video-based activity on the benefits of practising stealth wealth. You may also like the video-based lessons “Can money buy happiness?“, “Faberge eggs”, “Are you a collector or a hoarder?“, “Stereotypes”, and “Can you retire in your 30s? The FIRE movement”, as well as the worksheets “Phrasal verbs: money”, and “Idioms: financial trouble”.

Speaking: The lesson begins with sentences about being rich or poor, prompting students to reflect on and discuss their attitudes toward wealth. Students debate whether they agree with the statements and answer 6 engaging conversation questions.

Vocabulary: Students expand their vocabulary with expressions related to wealth and frugality (e.g. maintain a low profile, keep up appearances, keep up with the Joneses, flaunt your wealth, lavish, frugal). Students match the expressions to definitions, complete 5 sentences using the correct terms, and practice with 7 conversation questions that incorporate the new vocabulary.

Listening: Students watch a video called  “Stealth wealth & financial independence”. The video is divided into 3 parts, and students complete three listening comprehension activities that focus on understanding the video’s key points about modest living, financial independence, and the benefits of avoiding flashy displays of wealth.

Vocabulary: In this activity, students categorize 18 adjectives based on whether they describe a flashy lifestyle or a stealth wealth lifestyle. Adjectives include:

• Previously introduced words (lavish, frugal, discreet)
• New terms (over-the-top, opulent, boastful, modest, humble)

This exercise reinforces the lesson’s focus on adjectives for describing wealth and behavior while encouraging students to reflect on different lifestyles.

The lesson concludes with a discussion activity where students answer 8 conversation questions about their personal attitudes and societal views on wealth, frugality, and modesty. For additional practice, use the conversation cards to review vocabulary and extend speaking practice.

This lesson is perfect for:

• Groups where students enjoy conversation-based ESL lessons, sharing opinions, and engaging in debates about social and cultural perspectives on wealth and lifestyle trends.
• Learners who want to deepen their understanding of nuanced topics like wealth, financial independence, and lifestyle choices while expanding their vocabulary and idiomatic expressions.
• Professionals or students in business English classes who want to discuss topics like finance, frugality, wealth management, and personal branding in the workplace.