OBJECTIVE & OVERVIEW

This ESL lesson plan on making plans and excuses contains activities, PDF worksheets, and digital materials for B1 intermediate and B2 upper intermediate students.  By the end of the lesson, students will be able to understand and discuss the nuances of invitations, recognise lame and genuine excuses, and navigate the challenges of accepting or declining invites in English.

PREVIEW & DISCUSSION

For this ESL lesson on making plans and excuses, students are introduced to the topic by comparing different social gatherings. They engage in a lively discussion about a man inviting his colleagues to his birthday party, addressing the formality of the invitation and analysing specific phrases such as "my place" and "booze". This sets the stage for the subsequent video viewing.

VIDEO & LISTENING COMPREHENSION

Students then delve into a short comedy skit where the birthday man faces a blend of lame excuses and brutally honest responses from his colleagues about attending his party. Viewing activities include answering short questions, making predictions, and doing a true/false activity. They'll hone in on the difference between lame excuses and honest explanations.

DISCUSSION & VOCABULARY

In the post-viewing stage, students enhance their vocabulary by reading and discussing excuses presented in the video. They also differentiate between formal and informal expressions for accepting invitations. Phrases on excuses and accepting invites are explored in detail.

ACTIVATION & COMMUNICATIVE TASK

To solidify your students’ understanding, they’ll engage in role play tasks, simulating real-life scenarios of giving and responding to invitations. They're challenged to craft both lame excuses and brutally honest reasons in these role play exercises. Additionally, a lesson reflection component encourages them to introspect and share their thoughts about the topic.

We hope you have an insightful experience with this ESL lesson plan on making plans and excuses for B1-B2 level students. This lesson is brimming with intriguing activities that not only keep students entertained but also empower them to navigate social situations in English more confidently. Download the lesson o today and watch your students master the art of making and responding to plans!

Why should you teach your ESL students this lesson about making plans and excuses?

• Familiarises students with cultural norms and etiquette around invitations in English-speaking contexts.


• Enhances their vocabulary related to social gatherings, aiding them in real-life interactions.


• Boosts their confidence in handling awkward or tricky social situations where they might have to decline an invitation.


• Encourages introspection and self-expression as they reflect on their own behaviours and preferences in social scenarios.