Social issues ESL lesson plans

For ESL teachers wishing to address social issues, our video-based lesson plans offer a comprehensive approach to exploring a range of critical topics. Each lesson focuses on key social issues such as poverty, homelessness, climate change, overpopulation, immigration, civil rights, discrimination, gender inequality, health care availability, and bullying. These lessons are designed to keep students engaged while encouraging them to discuss and debate these important topics.

Try out The English Flows’ lesson plans about social issues if you are an ESL teacher whose students are:

• Students with a strong interest in current events and social issues who wish to improve their language skills while discussing relevant and impactful topics.
• Activists and Advocates: Individuals involved in social justice, human rights, or community activism who need to discuss and raise awareness about social issues in English.
• Community Leaders: Leaders and organisers working in local communities who need to address social issues, mobilise support, and communicate effectively with diverse groups.
• Policy Makers and Researchers: Professionals involved in creating or studying social policies who need to engage in discussions and write about social issues in English.
• Nonprofit and NGO Workers: Employees of nonprofit organisations or NGOs who work on social issues and need to communicate effectively in English with stakeholders and supporters.
• Media and Communication Professionals: Journalists, bloggers, and media professionals covering social issues who need to improve their English for writing, reporting, and broadcasting.

Each lesson includes 5-8 pages of in-class material designed to explore social issues in depth. These topics are broad and pertinent, sparking discussion and engaging ESL learners. They encourage critical thinking, promote awareness of social challenges, and provide a rich context for vocabulary expansion. Topics such as poverty, discrimination, climate change, and immigration offer numerous opportunities for meaningful language practice and interaction.