Weird Jobs ESL Lesson Plan

OVERVIEW & OBJECTIVES

This ESL lesson plan on unusual and weird jobs offers engaging activities, PDF worksheets, and digital materials designed for upper-intermediate B2 students. In this lesson, students will:

• Discuss unconventional job roles and how they compare to traditional careers.
• Expand their vocabulary with adjectives and terms related to unusual and exciting jobs.
• Watch a video about quirky jobs and complete activities identifying job titles.
• Practice using verbs like “specialize in” and “master the art of” through sentence exercises.
• Participate in a creative activity where they recruit talent for bizarre, risky, or exciting jobs.

PREVIEW & DISCUSSION

Students start this ESL lesson on weird and unusual jobs by looking at images of people in various jobs. They discuss discuss which ones seem conventional or unconventional. They match adjectives like "risky" and "strange" to describe these jobs, and think of other jobs in different industries that could be considered unusual, dangerous, fun, or difficult. Students then discuss why some people might choose unconventional careers and what makes them appealing. These activities set the stage for understanding and categorizing bizarre job roles.

VIEWING ACTIVITY

In this part, students watch a video that explores the weirdest jobs in the world, such as pet psychologists and professional queuers, and how much they can earn. Students complete a series of activities: first, they fill in the job titles for the 10 strange jobs introduced in the video. Then, they match job descriptions to the correct roles based on the video’s content. Lastly, they describe specific jobs (dog food tester, crisp inspector, water slide tester) and explain what each one entails. This helps students gain a deeper understanding of unusual professions while practicing listening and comprehension.

DISCUSSION & PHRASES

After watching the video, students discuss which job they found the most interesting or bizarre and which they would be willing or unwilling to do. They then complete sentences using verbs like “excel,” “be tasked with,” and “specialize in” to talk about the roles from the video. Finally, students describe more unusual jobs using the phrases they’ve learned, practicing both vocabulary and speaking skills in real-life contexts. This section reinforces the vocabulary and encourages students to use it in their discussions.

RECRUITING TALENT! PROMOTE A BIZARRE, RISKY, OR EXCITING JOB

In the activation phase, students work in pairs or with the teacher to “recruit” someone for a bizarre or exciting job. They choose a job (real or imagined) and discuss its salary, job description, and why it’s attractive. They then create a recruitment ad or video promoting the role, using the verbs and phrases from the lesson, like “make a living,” “specialize in,” and “master the art of.” For those who prefer a less creative option, they can choose from pre-set discussion topics about physical work, mastering skills, and the appeal of unusual jobs. This part of the lesson brings the language to life and encourages active speaking practice.

BENEFITS OF USING THIS WEIRD & UNUSUAL JOBS ESL LESSON PLAN

This lesson plan provides teachers with a fun and engaging way to explore unconventional careers and build vocabulary related to quirky jobs. It encourages active participation in discussions and creative activities, while offering students an opportunity to expand their vocabulary and comprehension skills. Teachers will find the lesson flexible for different levels of engagement, whether through the video, vocabulary exercises, or role-playing activities. It also promotes critical thinking by encouraging students to reflect on why certain jobs are appealing. This lesson is an effective tool for making unusual topics both interesting and educational.