Access the audio file for this lesson here.

OVERVIEW & OBJECTIVES

This ESL lesson plan on tips for learning English offers engaging activities, PDF worksheets, and digital materials designed for intermediate B1 students. In this lesson, students will:

• Share their thoughts about learning English and give some tips.
• Expand vocabulary connected to advice, empathy, and English study habits.
• Listen to a tutor giving tips for learning English and complete note-taking tasks.
• Practice using common advice and empathy phrases in structured discussions.
• Role play giving advice and encouragement about real or imaginary learning troubles.

WARM-UP ACTIVITY

Students begin this ESL lesson by meeting Lidia, a Romanian learner who feels frustrated with English. They discuss whether they have ever felt the same, what they find tough about learning, and what advice they would give Lidia. Next, students complete sentences with verbs such as pay, be, keep, give, set, use to describe their own habits, such as setting goals or giving up when English feels hard. After that, they create a table of “Do” and “Don’t” tips for learning English, using verbs from the exercise. Finally, students answer a kick-off question about why they started learning English and whether they still feel motivated.

LISTENING ACTIVITY

In the audio, Lidia asks her tutor Jeremy for advice because she sometimes feels discouraged and wants to give up. Jeremy shares several tips, such as practicing speaking often, studying for at least 15 minutes daily, using English subtitles instead of native ones, not being afraid of mistakes, learning vocabulary in groups and phrases, paying attention to pronunciation, and keeping a consistent routine. Students first answer a short question about what happens when Lidia feels frustrated. Then, they complete missing parts of Jeremy’s six main tips. Next, they decide if each supporting tip is a “Do” or “Don’t,” listening again to check. Finally, they compare Jeremy’s advice to the tips they gave in the Warm-Up Activity.

LISTENING FOLLOW-UP

Students discuss which of Jeremy’s tips they have tried, which would help them the most, and which they find hardest to follow. After that, they identify whether short phrases from the audio express advice or empathy. Finally, students read short frustrations from English learners and decide what advice they would give, making sure to use the advice and empathy phrases. They also reflect on whether they share similar troubles.

OVERCOME YOUR LEARNING TROUBLES: ROLE PLAY

In the Activation stage, students choose between two role play options. In Option A, they first list their own English learning troubles and then share them with a partner or the teacher. They give each other advice and empathy, using the set phrases such as I would suggest that you... or I know what it’s like to.... In Option B, they select discussion points such as resources that help, mistakes they make, or goals they could set. They talk with a classmate or teacher about these topics. In both options, students practice using natural expressions of empathy and advice.

PRONUNCIATION BONUS

A Pronunciation Bonus activity focuses on the voiced and unvoiced “th” sound. Students watch a video and practice with sample words, listen and repeat, then read sentences aloud with correct pronunciation.

BENEFITS OF USING THIS TIPS FOR LEARNING ENGLISH ESL LESSON

This tips for learning English ESL lesson gives teachers a full package of ready-to-use materials that keep students motivated and engaged. Teachers get a strong mix of speaking, listening, vocabulary, and pronunciation practice, all built around a relatable and useful theme. The role play activities ensure students personalize the content and practice real-life advice and empathy expressions. The lesson works well for individual or group classes, and teachers can adapt the level of challenge easily. It also fits into longer courses on learning strategies and study skills. Teachers save time with this clear, structured lesson while helping students build confidence.