economy

Video-based lesson plans

Whether your lessons are online or in-person, The English Flows’ lesson plans are the ultimate time-saver for ESL teachers working with adult and Business English students. Cut down on prep work and free up your time for what truly matters – guiding, coaching, and meeting your students' unique needs. Our current and highly relatable topics will keep your students engaged before, during, and after the class. We add 7-8 new video-based ESL lesson plans each month. Ignite their curiosity and inspire them to explore the English language further!

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a photo of money under a mattress, and a slogan "how big is the shadow economy?"

Tackling the shadow economy

This B2–C1 English lesson on the shadow economy explores why people and businesses operate outside the formal economy and what consequences this can have for workers, businesses, consumers, and governments. Students learn key vocabulary related to taxes, employment, compliance, and workers’ rights, and develop the language needed to discuss the causes of the informal economy, as well as possible ways to reduce it.

B2 / C1

Business ESL lesson plans

4:56

oil pump jack extracting petroleum and a slogan "how to escape teh resource curse

Natural resources: a blessing for some, a curse for others

This ESL worksheet explores the resource curse and examines how natural resources can drive economic growth in some countries while contributing to corruption, inequality, conflict, and economic instability in others.

B2 / C1

Social issues ESL lesson plans

2:53

an mage representing the 2026 world cup, and a slogan "will the promised economic boost materialize?"

World Cup 2026: Economic Promise vs. Economic Reality

This B2-level ESL worksheet focuses mainly on the 2026 World Cup and more generally on the economic impact of large-scale international events. It is ideal for professionals interested in economics, tourism, and global events. Students build and practice key vocabulary related to economics, travel, and event management.

B2 / C1

Business ESL lesson plans, Sports & Action ESL lesson plans

2:30

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tractors on the road and a slogan "why are farmers protesting in Europe?"

Farmers’ protests in Europe

Vocabulary: food production and climate (yield, harvest, crop diversity, drought, flood, pests)
Vocabulary: regulations (subsidies, red tape, tariffs, tax breaks, environmental regulations)
Vocabulary: protests (to take to the streets, go on strike, a march, to boycott)

B2 / C1

Environment ESL lesson plans, Social issues ESL lesson plans

1:45

Fair trade

This ESL worksheet is most suitable for B2-level students. It helps learners explore global trade, sustainability, and consumer ethics. By the end of this lesson, students will be able to use topic-specific vocabulary accurately in context and understand and discuss ethical trade concepts, including Fairtrade certification, worker conditions, and consumer responsibility.

B1 / B2

Business ESL lesson plans, Social issues ESL lesson plans

4:30

a person about to burst a bubble, and a slogan "It the AI bubbble going to burst soon?"

Is the AI boom a bubble?

With this ESL lesson plan, students will explore artificial intelligence (AI), market bubbles, and disruptive innovations. They will analyze historical economic bubbles and practice using business and investing terminology.

B2 / C1

Business ESL lesson plans, Technology ESL lesson plans

4:53

a magnifying glass with the word "government" and a slogan "how to improve public services"

Should the government be run like a business?

This ESL lesson explores whether governments should be run like businesses, encouraging learners to think critically about public services, bureaucracy, and the differences between public and private sector values.

Throughout the lesson, students build vocabulary related to governance, efficiency, and economic systems, analyze real-world examples, and reflect on the role of government in serving the public good.

B2 / C1

Business ESL lesson plans, Social issues ESL lesson plans

4:23

a photo of a product that has less quantity and a slogan "why are products getting smaller?"

Shrinkflation

This Business English lesson introduces the concepts of shrinkflation and skimpflation, helping students understand how companies respond to rising costs without increasing prices outright.
Students will explore useful economic and consumer-related vocabulary, watch an informative video, and discuss inflation, pricing strategies, and tricks companies use to hide shrinkflation.

B2 / C1

Business ESL lesson plans, Social issues ESL lesson plans

5:56