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 photo of taylor swift, and a slogan "what is Swiftonomics?"

The impact of Taylor Swift

In this lesson, students explore the global phenomenon of Taylor Swift, examining her impact on music, culture, and the economy. Learners expand their vocabulary and analyze Swift’s career, her business decisions, and the economic effects of her tours.

B1 / B2

Lifestyle ESL lesson plans

6:24

an empty desk chair and a slogan "attengance policies to reduce absenteeism"

Attendance, time off, and absenteeism

In this Business English lesson, students explore the workplace topics of attendance, punctuality, absenteeism, and time-off policies.

By the end of the class, they will be able to confidently use workplace vocabulary and apply functional expressions for reporting absences, requesting leave, and explaining lateness.

B1 / B2

Business ESL lesson plans

5:11

a person at a warehouse and a slogan "learn logistics vocabulary"

Inside Amazon’s fulfillment center

By the end of this ESL lesson, students will be able to describe the key processes inside a fulfillment center, use business and logistics vocabulary with accuracy, and critically discuss the impact of technology, robotics, and workplace safety in modern warehouses.

B1 / B2

Business ESL lesson plans

4:04

a photo of a "welcome back" note "tips for a smooth transition back to work"

Back to work after a vacation

This Business English lesson on returning to work after a vacation is designed for intermediate (B1–B2) learners.

It is an ideal lesson to teach after summer, and will encourage students to discuss productivity, stress management, and transitioning smoothly back to work.

For higher-level students, try this lesson: “Returning to work after a vacation“.

B1 / B2

Business ESL lesson plans

4:33

a tray with frieds insects, and a slogan "would you dare to try these foods?"

Weird foods from around the world

This ESL worksheet on unusual foods from around the world is most suitable for B2-level English learners who are curious about global cuisine, cultural traditions, and adventurous eating.

The lesson combines vocabulary to describe the texture, smell, and taste of food, functional language to express your opinion about food, and a variety of speaking activities to encourage students to explore cultural diversity and culinary traditions.

B1 / B2

Lifestyle ESL lesson plans

4:28

2 sticky notes - leadr and manager, and a slogan "the difference between leaders and managers"

Leadership vs management

This ESL worksheet on leadership and management is designed for high B1 and B2-level English learners.
The lesson combines leadership and management vocabulary, personality adjectives used to describe managers and leaders, and speaking activities encouraging learners to think critically about influence, authority, and effective team management.

B1 / B2

Business ESL lesson plans

5:33

an image saying "find a niche", and a slogan "niche vs mass market businesses

The riches are in the niches

This ESL worksheet on niche businesses and specialized markets is based on examples of businesses that focus on unique products, services, or customer segments

It is ideal for high B1 and B2-level English learners who are interested in entrepreneurship, business strategy, and consumer trends, as well as professionals who would like to find their niche.

B1 / B2

Business ESL lesson plans

3:39

A photo of a rhino, and a slogan "innovative measure aims to deter poachers"

Can poaching ever be stopped?

This ESL worksheet on poaching and wildlife conservation is based on a news report about an innovative measure to protect endangered rhinos. It is ideal for high B1 and B2-level English learners who are interested in environmental issues, animal protection, and global challenges.

B1 / B2

Environment ESL lesson plans

1:40

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.