*For this lesson, stop the video at 1:31 during the viewing activity.*

OVERVIEW & OBJECTIVES

This ESL lesson plan on jobs and occupations offers engaging activities, PDF worksheets, and digital materials designed for A1–A2 students. In this lesson, students will:

• Discuss common jobs and occupations using images and guided questions.
• Learn and use key vocabulary related to work, tasks, and job roles.
• Watch a video about people sharing their daily work routines and hours.
• Practice auxiliary verbs and question forms while talking about jobs.
• Ask and answer questions about classmates’ and teachers’ jobs in interactive activities.

PREVIEW & DISCUSSION

Students begin this ESL lesson by matching images to seven common jobs and occupations, including a nurse, artist, barista, and venue manager. They then choose two jobs from the set and discuss where these people work or study, who they work with, and what their daily tasks are. Students also match questions about Tanya’s part-time job at a surf and skate shop to her answers, practicing comprehension and familiar job-related vocabulary. This section introduces key words such as “for a living,” “tasks,” “working hours,” and “colleagues,” helping students build a foundation for discussing work and studies.

VIEWING ACTIVITY

*For this lesson, stop the video at 1:31 during the viewing activity.*

In this section, students watch a video featuring locals talking about their jobs, daily routines, and weekly hours. The video includes interviews with people in a range of occupations, from nurses and baristas to artists and students. Students complete activities while watching, including ordering the jobs mentioned in the video, answering true or false questions, and filling in how many hours each person works per week. These tasks develop listening comprehension, vocabulary recognition, and understanding of simple numerical information related to jobs and working hours.

VIEWING FOLLOW-UP

Students describe the video content and compare it with their own work or study schedules. They read a short interview with a barista and practice choosing the correct auxiliary verbs in the present simple for questions such as “Do you like your job?” or “What are your main tasks at work?” Students also correct mistakes in given questions, reinforcing proper question forms and helping them produce accurate spoken and written English. This section emphasizes grammar, comprehension, and practical vocabulary for talking about jobs.

CASUAL CHAT Q&A: JOBS & STUDIES

Students write 3–4 questions about a classmate’s or teacher’s job or studies using question words such as “Who,” “What,” “Where,” “Is,” “Are,” and “Does.” They can choose questions from a suggested list or create their own using key vocabulary like “dream job,” “main tasks,” “working hours,” and “stressful.” In pairs, students take turns asking and answering their questions, practicing speaking, listening, and social interaction. Optionally, they can discuss topics such as favorite jobs, interesting tasks, and study or work schedules, promoting fluency and confidence in speaking about jobs and occupations.

BENEFITS OF USING THIS ESL LESSON & SPEAKING ACTIVITIES ON JOBS (A1–A2)

This lesson plan helps teachers engage students in meaningful conversation about jobs while reinforcing vocabulary and grammar. It encourages interactive speaking practice through guided discussions, video-based comprehension, and partner activities. Teachers can use the structured preview, viewing, and follow-up exercises to develop listening and writing skills alongside speaking. The lesson saves planning time by providing ready-made materials and clear instructions. It also motivates students by connecting English learning to real-life situations and their own experiences with work and studies.