INTERMEDIATE AND UPPER-INTERMEDIATE (B1 / B2) ESL LESSON PLANS

Discover a diverse collection of video-based ESL lesson plans for students at intermediate and upper-intermediate (B1-B2) level. Our goal is to empower educators with a wealth of engaging resources that foster effective language learning. Each lesson in this category features a short video, useful vocabulary, and a diverse range of communicative activities.

Intermediate and Upper-intermediate ESL lesson plans

a notepad with "gig economy" written on it, and a slogan - pros and cons of the gig economy

Vocabulary: the gig economy (side hustle, income stream, nine-to-five job)
Vocabulary: job security and benefits (paid holiday leave, work-life balance, redundancy package)
Idioms: take a cut, up for grabs, comes at a cost)

3:06

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Woman with back pain Working on Laptop, and a slogan - do you have good posture

Vocabulary: the human body (wrists, ankles, joints, hips) and posture (slouched, hunched, slumped)
Video: The benefits of good posture
Speaking: discussion questions; brainstorm solutions

4:26

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a person with a notepad and a laptop and a slogan - how to set smart goals

Collocations: verb + goal
Video: How to set SMART language learning goals
Speaking: conversation questions about languages and language learning, set language-learning goals

4:23

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a photo of the globe with a post-in english on it, and a slogan - how did english become a lingua franca?

Vocabulary: collocations (language barrier, mother tongue, lingua franca)
Functional language: talking about language ability
Speaking: questions, improve your English checklist

6:11

an track athlete and a slogan - money managing tips

Vocabulary: money in sport (endorsements, broadcasting rights, sponsorships)
Vocabulary: salaries (make a living, make ends meet, under/overpaid)
Video: 3 money tips for athletes

2:14

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a person at the beach holding a stone with "gapyear "written on it and a slogan - the benefits of gap years

Vocabulary: gap year experiences (volunteering, backpacking, internship)
Expressions: it’s up to you, swim against the stream, take a breather
Phrasal verbs: end up, figure out, let sb. down

5:27

shopping cards with coins in them, illustrating inflation and a slogan - ho do you deal with high inflation?

Vocabulary: economic terms (purchasing power, economic growth, youth unemployment)
Video: Inflation and young people
Speaking: how inflation affects you, ways to spend less

2:14

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What our B1 / B2 lesson plans offer:

  • Online Pre-class Activities: For ESL teachers who wish to embrace the blended learning approach, there are online pre-class activities provided for every lesson. By giving students resources before the actual class session, educators can enhance comprehension, and prepare students for meaningful in-class discussions, promoting flexibility and a deeper, more interactive learning experience.
  • Current and Relevant Topics: We carefully select the topics for our video-based ESL lesson plans, making sure they are current and relevant, including breaking news, business trends, and other contemporary subjects. When students engage with material they can relate to, their learning experience becomes more effective and meaningful. These topics aim not only to engage but also to be informative about the world around us, providing students with a broader perspective and deeper understanding, and sparking their curiosity.
  • Engaging Video Content: Immerse students in real-life language use through short YouTube videos that enhance listening and comprehension skills. These videos allow students to explore various accents, contexts, and communication styles, making the learning experience more interactive and entertaining. By exposing students to authentic conversations and expressions, they can develop their ability to understand and use the language in real-world situations, which is essential for positive learning outcomes.
  • Communicative Activities: The lesson plans include a variety of practical activities designed to actively involve students in conversations, helping them to develop their speaking and listening skills. These activities go beyond passive learning and encourage students to interact, express their thoughts, and participate in discussions, debates, role-plays, and more. Through these exercises, students not only practise the language but also gain confidence in their ability to communicate effectively in both social and professional contexts.

The video-based ESL lesson plans in this category are a valuable asset for ESL instructors working with intermediate (B1-B2) adult learners. These materials offer a balanced approach, promoting active engagement, developing speaking proficiency, and enhancing comprehension in both General and Business English.