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 team meeting a new employee and a slogan "tips for an effective onboarding process"

Vocabulary: expressions to talk about job and responsibilities, company policies
Writing: a welcome email
Video: onboarding new employees

3:09

a person doing skydiving, and a slogan "good stress vs bad stress"

Vocabulary: collocations and expressions with “stress” (chronic stress, stress-induced, stress-free, stress management, stress out)
Confising words: distress vs de-stress
Speaking: stressful situations, stress managements techniques, refaming your perspective

4:37

people analysing graphs, and a slogan "dealing with the off-season slump"

Vocabulary: describing graphs and charts
Vocabulary: to diversify, existing assets, overheads, staffing
Speaking: seasonal businesses, diversification, off-season marketing

7:00

a person crossing his fingers and a slogan "are you a superstitious person?"

Vocabulary: words and expressions related to superstitions (e.g. omen, jinx, misfortune, unlucky, toss a coin, knock on wood, cross your fingers)
Video: The craziest superstitions in the world
Speaking: superstitions in students’ culture

5:15

a photo of a dog and a slogan - "How do pets improve our mental health?"

Vocabulary: pet care, having fun with your pet, mental health benefits of having a pet
Video: “7 ways having a pet can improve your mental health”
Speaking: animals in our lives, responsibilities of having a pet, how to have contact with animals if you can’t have a pet

5:30

a person throwing away a computer, and a slogan "how can we combat throwaway culture?"

Vocabulary: verbs related to repairing things and tools
Speaking: consumerism, recycling, alternatives to throwaway culture
Videos: Repair cafés – what they are and why we need them

2:59

UPDATED

a person preparing a vaccine and a slogan - viruses and vaccines

Vocabulary: symptoms (rash, swollen glands, fever)
Vocabulary: viruses (spread, outbreak, strain)
Video: Why is mpox a global health emergency?

3:07

an image saying "yeas, I can", and a slogan "How cna you boost your self-confidence?

Vocabulary: self-confidence (empowered, self-esteem, face challenges head-on, pep talk)
Functional language: expressions to motivate and encourage someone
Vocabulary: words starting with self (self-care, self-defense, self-respect, self-awareness, self-control, self-doubt)

4:17

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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.