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

devastation and collapsed buildings n an aftermath after an earthquake

Vocabulary: earthquakes (tremor aftershock, collapse, warning signs, to be prone to, magnitude, death toll, devastating)
Video: Why Morocco’s earthquake was so deadly
Speaking: conversation questions, brainstorming

6:07

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a man taking notes while learning online with a slogan - do you know how to learn effectively?

Vocabulary: retention, engagement, to track progress, feedback, cramming
Vocabulary: expressions with “learn” (learn by heart, learn the hard way, learn by doing, learn the basics, learn your lesson)
Video: Spaced repetition: the most powerful study technique

2:32

a girl standing next to a light bulb exploding with colours and a slogan - are you a creative person?

Video: How can limits boost creativity
Expressions: creative block, eureka moment, a flash of inspiration
Speaking: coming up with different uses for everyday objects

4:35

positive friendly young woman showing her kindness - being kind is good for you!

Word formation: nouns to adjectives (care, politeness, compassion, respect, support, tolerance, help, consideration)
Confusing words: careless/uncaring; helpless/unhelpful
Funcional language: expressing gratitude

2:15

a team during a brainstorming session generating ideas woth a slogan - lets brainstorm some ideas!

Ford formation: the suffix -ity (novelty, originality, feasibility, creativity, practicality)
Functional language: useful phrases for idea generation (introducing ideas, building on someone else’s idea, introducing alternatives, expressing caution, encouraging participation)
Speaking: games, brainstorming, conversation questions, survey

2:00

seen from behind woman using text to image AI generator with a slogan - how can AI make you more productive?

Reading: Productivity techniques
Vocabulary: productivity and time management (optimize your workflow, effective task prioritization, overcome procrastination, a state of flow)
Idioms: a game-changer, to do the heavy-lifting, to save the day, at your fingertips

3:11

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a person leaving a tip in a tipping jar and a slogan - Has tipping culture in the Us gone too far?

Vocabulary: expressions with “tip” (tipping etiquette, tip jar, to tip upfront, a guilt tip, pre-set tipping options)
Vocabulary: tipping (to round up, minimum wage, customary, service charge)
Video: “Has tipping reached a tipping point? Whom to tip and whom to skip”

3:25

England's women National football team at the FIFA Women's World Cup

Reading: Short history of the Women’s World Cup tournament
Vocabulary: reigning champions, contenders, underdogs, to make history, a three-peat, debut, breakout stars
Video: What you need to know about the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023

5:00

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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.