Linking Words ESL Lesson Plan

OVERVIEW & OBJECTIVES

This ESL lesson plan on linking words offers engaging activities, PDF worksheets, and digital resources designed for intermediate B1-B2 students. In this lesson, students will:

• Learn how to use linking words for reasoning and contrast effectively in different contexts.
• Explore the "Sunday scaries" and "Bare Minimum Mondays" trend through a news video.
• Practice using linking words and expressions in written and spoken formats.
• Improve their listening and comprehension skills with a video about workplace anxiety.
• Engage in a role play to propose and negotiate a new workplace policy using linking words.

PREVIEW & DISCUSSION

To start this linking words ESL lesson plan, students first discuss the concept of the "Sunday scaries." This is when it is Sunday and people feel anxious about the upcoming workweek. They will examine a man named Preston as he struggles with this anxiety. Then, students answer questions related to this feeling. They will also look at various strategies others use to cope with these emotions, such as being physically active or tackling tasks right away on Monday. The discussion will help students reflect on whether they experience similar feelings and how they handle them. Additionally, students will consider different approaches to managing the transition from weekend to workweek.

They also express whether they agree or disagree with certain ideas about Mondays, such as whether it's fair for employers to expect workers to be fully energized and ready to go. Finally, students discuss if the "Sunday scaries" are more common among young adults compared to older generations and why or why not.

VIEWING ACTIVITY

In the viewing activity, students will watch a video discussing the "Sunday scaries" and the growing trend of "Bare Minimum Mondays" as a solution. The video presents the opinions of professionals and entrepreneurs, like Byron Lazine, who argue that easing into the week might hurt productivity. Students will be asked to put the main topics in order as they appear in the video. Then, they will answer comprehension questions about the video, including details such as survey results from LinkedIn, symptoms of the "Sunday scaries," and expert advice for overcoming this anxiety. The video and related tasks help students connect the use of linking words to convey reasoning and contrast in the context of workplace anxiety.

DISCUSSION & LINKING WORDS

After viewing the video, students will discuss various questions about the "Sunday scaries" phenomenon and the potential benefits or drawbacks of "Bare Minimum Mondays." They will express their opinions on whether this practice helps or harms productivity in different jobs. In the second part, students will analyze a dialogue between an employee, Wes, and his boss, Ms. Pax. In the dialogue, the employee, Wes, is proposing a new "Bare Minimum Mondays" policy to implement at the office.

They will identify certain linking words in this ESL lesson activity. Students categorize them as expressions for reasoning or contrast. This activity prepares students to use them effectively in their own discussions.

MAKE YOUR CASE: PROPOSE & NEGOTIATE A NEW POLICY

In the activation stage, students will participate in a role play activity. In this activity, they propose a new workplace policy based on an issue they're having at work. They can choose a work-related issue from a list, or think of their ow. Then they write notes and details about it.

After that, they will take turns role-playing as either the person proposing a solution or the one responding to the proposal. Using the linking words they have learned, students negotiate solutions. In this part, they can express their reasoning and contrasting opinions using the linking words. This activity will provide practical experience in using linking words to discuss work issues and policies in an engaging and interactive way.

BENEFITS OF USING THIS LINKING WORDS ESL LESSON

This linking words ESL lesson plan offers several key benefits for teachers. First, it engages students in real-world discussions by connecting emotional experiences to workplace trends. Second, it helps students practice and internalize important grammar structures, such as linking words for reasoning and contrast, which are essential for advanced communication. Next, it encourages active listening and comprehension through video content, which enhances students’ listening skills. The role-play activity in this ESL lesson on linking words promotes practical application of language in negotiating and proposing ideas. Finally, the lesson plan supports students in developing critical thinking by examining various perspectives on workplace practices and using language to express their opinions.