Lessons
Fun & Entertainment - Upper-Intermediate
In This Class You Eat Ice Cream
In these ESL lesson plans for adults and teens, students watch a video and do a listening exercise about a university which offers ice cream courses. It includes discussion questions and conversation activities about food, ice cream, and school. Students also learn some important vocabulary terms related to ice cream and school. The grammar exercises feature present simple, present perfect simple / continuous, and the second conditional. In the cooperation activity students make slogans, courses, do a trivia activity, & more.
- Speaking:
- Ice Cream, Food, School
- Viewing:
- Short Answers, Number Matching, Post-Viewing Discussion
- Vocabulary:
- Definitions, Context Usage
- Grammar:
- Pres. Simple / Pres. Perfect Simple vs Continuous / Second Conditional
- Cooperation:
- Slogans, Creating Courses, Trivia Activity
Type of video: Informational
Length of video: 2:12
Topics: Ice Cream, Food, School
Dr. Bob Roberts runs the ice cream courses at Penn State University, and talks about why ice cream is so special and what exactly students study in the course.
*Most suitable for pre-intermediate - intermediate students. Suitable for ages 13+
Meet the World's Oldest Hockey Player
In these ESL lesson plans for adults and teens, students watch a video and do a listening exercise about the oldest hockey player in the world. It includes discussion questions and conversation activities about age and sports. Students also learn some important vocabulary terms and expressions related to age, sports, and hockey. The grammar exercises feature prepositions of time and superlative adjectives. In the cooperation activity students do interviews and create their own documentary scenes.
- Speaking:
- Ageism, Hockey, Sports
- Viewing:
- Short Answers, Number Matching, Multiple Choice
- Vocabulary:
- Definitions, Context Usage, Parts of Speech, Expressions
- Grammar:
- Prepositions of Time / Superlative Adjectives
- Cooperation:
- Interview Questions, Creating a Documentary, Quotes
Type of video: Biography / Story
Length of video: 2:44
Topics: Ageism, Hockey, Sports
The oldest hockey player in the world, Mark Sertich, is 95 years old and still plays hockey. An inspirational character who talks about his daily routine and his life playing hockey with the local firefighters in the community.
*Most suitable for intermediate - advanced students. Suitable for ages 14+
700 mph in a tube: The Hyperloop Experience
In these ESL lesson plans for adults and teens, students watch a video and do a listening exercise about the Hyperloop. It includes discussion questions and conversation activities about modern transportation and travel. Students also learn some important vocabulary terms and expressions related to transportation. The grammar exercises feature the difference between can / could, using adverbs, and the passive tense. In the cooperation activity students do interviews and have an imaginative discussion about travel.
- Speaking:
- Modern Transportation, Travel, Hyperloop
- Viewing:
- Short Answers, Multiple Choice, Order of Events
- Vocabulary:
- Definitions, Context Usage, Parts of Speech, Expressions, Verbs
- Grammar:
- Can vs Could / Adverbs / Passive Voice
- Cooperation:
- Imaginative Discussion, Interview
Type of video: Informational / News Report
Length of video: 4:38
Topics: Modern Transportation, Travel, Hyperloop
This video is a news report which contains interviews and discussions with people involved in the Hyperloop project. The reporter explores questions about the basic of the Hyperloop, the challenges for its construction, and how it will revolutionize and impact transportation as we know it.
*Most suitable for upper intermediate - advanced students. Suitable for ages 14+
Explore Big White Ski Resort
In this ESL lesson plan for adults and teens, students watch a video about the Big White ski resort in Canada. It includes discussion questions and conversation activities about skiing, ski resorts, and winter holidays. Students learn some important vocabulary terms related to these topics. For grammar, students do an activity on conjunctions. In the cooperation activity, students can create a guide, make a review, or create a promotional video outline.
- Speaking:
- Skiing, Ski Resorts, Winter Holidays
- Viewing:
- Short Answers, True / False, Post-Viewing Discussion
- Vocabulary:
- Definitions, Context Usage, Image Matching
- Grammar:
- Conjunctions
- Cooperation:
- Create a Guide, Make a Review, Create a Promotional Video
Type of video: Interview / Promotional
Length of video: 3:49
Topics: Skiing, Ski Resorts, Winter Holidays
Explore Big White ski resort in Canada and what makes this resort stand out from all the others.
*Most suitable for upper-intermediate students. Suitable for ages 14+
How to Close a Sale - 5 Reasons Clients Don't Buy - M.T. N.U.T.
In this Business English lesson plan for adults, students watch a video about some tips on how to make sales. It includes discussion questions and conversation activities about sales and business. Students learn some important vocabulary terms related to these topics. For grammar, students do an activity on adjectives / verbs + prepositions + gerunds. In the cooperation activity, students can collaborate on a creative acronym building activity.
- Speaking:
- Sales, Business Skills
- Viewing:
- Short Answers, Multiple Choice, Post-Viewing Discussion
- Vocabulary:
- Definitions, Matching, Context Usage, Sentences, Questions
- Grammar:
- Adjectives / Verbs + Prepositions + Gerund
- Cooperation:
- Creative Acronym Building
Type of video: Educational / Business Training
Length of video: 5:03
Topics: Sales, Business Skills
Learn how to close sales more effectively with a simple acronym.
*Most suitable for intermediate - advanced students. Suitable for ages 18+
How to Negotiate Nicely Without Being a Pushover
In this Business English lesson plan for adults, students watch a video about how to manage negotiation situations and approach them as collaborative relationships. It includes discussion questions and conversation activities about negotiating and business. Students learn some important vocabulary terms related to these topics. For grammar, students do an activity on parellelism and conjunctions. In the cooperation activity, students can work on email negotiations or do a verbal role play negotiation.
- Speaking:
- Negotiations, Business Skills
- Viewing:
- Short Answers, Questions, Post-Viewing Discussion
- Vocabulary:
- Definitions, Context Usage, Adjectives
- Grammar:
- Parallelism & Conjunctions
- Cooperation:
- Email Negotiations, Role Play Negotiation
Type of video: Educational / Business Training
Length of video: 2:45
Topics: Negotiations, Business Skills
Learning how to become a skilled negotiator can be a challenge. This video gives you some useful insight into approaching negotiations as a collaborative challenge rathen than a combative argument.
*Most suitable for upper-intermediate - advanced students. Suitable for ages 18+
Introducing the new MacBook Air — Apple
In this ESL lesson plan for adults and teens, students watch a video about the MacBook Air. It includes discussion questions and conversation activities about laptops, computers, and tech devices. Students learn some important vocabulary terms related to these topics. For grammar, students do an activity on comparisons (as...as) + present perfect. In the cooperation activity, students can write a review about a product or have a conversation about technology.
- Speaking:
- Laptops, Desktops, Tech Devices
- Viewing:
- Short Answers, Post-Viewing Discussion
- Vocabulary:
- Definitions, Context Usage, Images, Parts of Speech
- Grammar:
- Comparisons (as...as) + Present Perfect
- Cooperation:
- Write a Script for a Review, Conversation about Technology
Type of video: Product Commercial
Length of video: 2:28
Topics: Laptops, Desktops, Tech Devices
This product commercial from Apple shows you the MacBook Air and describes all of its features.
*Most suitable for upper-intermediate - advanced students. Suitable for ages 14+
Born Without Arms: Inspirational Mother & Son
In this ESL lesson plan for adults and teens, students watch a video about a mother and her son who were born without arms, but learned how to live a normal life despite their circumstances. It includes discussion questions and conversation activities about disabilities, life challenges, and surgery Students learn some important vocabulary terms related to these topics. For grammar, students do an activity on the difference between despite and even though. In the cooperation activity, students can plan a non-profit organization, tell a story, or talk about life goals.
- Speaking:
- Disabilities, Life Challenges, Surgery, Positive Mental Attitude
- Viewing:
- Short Answers, True / False, Post-Viewing Discussion
- Vocabulary:
- Definitions, Context Usage, Image Matching, Phrasal Verbs
- Grammar:
- Difference - Despite / Even though
- Cooperation:
- Non-Profit Organization, Telling a Story, Making Goals
Type of video: Interview / Short Documentary
Length of video: 2:58
Topics: Disabilities, Life Challenges, Surgery
A mother and her son were born with a rare condition that left them without arms, but it doesn't stop them from living a normal life or feeling any different than other people.
*Most suitable for upper intermediate - advanced students. Suitable for ages 14+
Bet You Didn't Know: Thanksgiving | History
In this ESL lesson plan for teens and adults, students watch a video clip about the details, history, and traditions of Thanksgiving. It includes discussion questions and conversation activities about holidays, traditions, and Thanksgiving. Students also learn some important vocabulary terms related to these topics. The grammar exercise features past modals. In the cooperation activity, there are options for creative conversation, giving a speech, or leaving a voice-mail.
- Speaking:
- Thanksgiving, History, Traditions
- Viewing:
- Short Answers, True / False, Matching
- Vocabulary:
- Definitions, Context Usage, Expressions, Images & Concept Checking Questions
- Grammar:
- Past Modals
- Cooperation:
- Creating Conversation, Giving a Speech, Leaving a Voice-Mail
Type of video: Educational, History
Length of video: 2:48
Topics: Thanksigiving, History, Traditions
A breakdown of the history of Thanksigivng, the pilgrims, and the traditions of Thanksgiving, while covering some interesting facts about it.
*Most suitable for intermediate - advanced students. Suitable for ages 14+
How San Francisco Is Becoming A Zero Waste City
In this ESL lesson plan for adults or teens, students watch a video clip about San Francisco, which is working to become a zero-waste city. It includes discussion questions and conversation activities about the environment, global issues, and zero-waste. Students also learn some important vocabulary terms related to these topics. The grammar exercise features an activity on relative pronouns. In the cooperation activity, students work together to do a role play interview.
- Speaking:
- Environment, Global Issues, Zero-Waste
- Viewing:
- Number Matching, Short Answers, Post-Viewing Discussion
- Vocabulary:
- Definitions, Context Usage, Expressions, Images & Concept Checking Questions
- Grammar:
- Relative Pronouns
- Cooperation:
- Public Speech, Role-Play Interview
Type of video: Documentary / News Report / Interview
Length of video: 4:15
Topics: Environment, Global Issues, Recycling, Zero-Waste
A reporter goes to San Francisco - a city paving the way for becoming a zero-waste city. They've doubled their recycling rate since the private company 'Recology' transformed recycling in the city. The value lies in modern composting facilities.
*Most suitable for intermediate - advanced students. Suitable for ages 14+
Friends: Ross and Rachel's Blind Date
In this ESL lesson plan for adults and teens, students watch a video clip with Ross and Rachel, each on their own blind date. It includes discussion questions and conversation activities about first dates, dating, and restaurant culture. Students also learn some important vocabulary terms related to these topics. The grammar exercise features modal verbs. In the cooperation activity, students create a dating situation of their own.
- Speaking:
- Dating, Blind Dates, Relationships
- Viewing:
- Short Answers, Post-Viewing Discussion
- Vocabulary:
- Definitions, Context Usage, Expressions
- Grammar:
- Modal Verbs
- Cooperation:
- Creating a Dating Situation
Type of video: TV Series Clip
Length of video: 4:51
Topics: Dating, Relationships, Blind Dates
Rachel and Ross each go on their own blind date. Ross' date doesn't show up, but at least he gets a free appetizer on the house, while Rachel goes on a date with the most confident man in the world.
*Most suitable for intermediate - advanced students. Suitable for ages 14+. This topic can contain sensitive subjects. Please use at your own discretion and consider if the topic is appropriate for your student(s) or class.
Bet You Didn't Know: Halloween History
In this ESL lesson plan for adults and teens, students watch a video and do a listening exercise about the history of Halloween and traditions. It also includes interesting discussion questions and conversation activities about holidays, traditions, and Halloween. Students learn some important vocabulary terms related to these topics. The grammar features the difference between past simple / would / used to. In the cooperation activity students can organize an event.
- Speaking:
- Halloween, Traditions, Holidays
- Viewing:
- Short Answers, Multiple Choice
- Vocabulary:
- Definitions, Context Usage, Parts of Speech
- Grammar:
- Past Simple vs Would vs Used to
- Cooperation:
- Organizing Events
Type of video: History, Educational
Length of video: 2:15
Topics: Halloween, Traditions, Holidays
A breakdown of the history of Halloween and its traditions, while covering the impact Halloween has on the economy.
*Most suitable for intermediate - advanced students. Suitable for ages 14+
Why Pizza Purists Love Neapolitan-Style Pizza
In this ESL lesson plan for teens and adults, students watch a video of an Italian pizza chef who owns a pizza restaurant in New York. Your students can discuss questions and do conversation activities about pizza, Italy, and cooking, and learn some important vocabulary terms related to pizza. The grammar exercise feature additional word building and students do an exercise with parts of speech and prefixes. In the cooperation activity where students can write reviews with their new pizza-related vocabulary.
- Speaking:
- Pizza Recipe, Italian Culture, Cooking Pizza
- Viewing:
- Short Answers, Post-Viewing Discussion
- Vocabulary:
- Definitions, Context Usage, Expressions, Word-Building Vocabulary
- Grammar:
- Parts of Speech / Prefixes
- Cooperation:
- Writing Reviews
Type of video: Story / Short Documentary
Length of video: 3:36
Topics: Pizza Restaurant Concept
A pizza chef from Naples shows you his special way of making Neapolitan style pizza in his New York City restaurant. Bringing the world-known, original, and classical style pizza to the heart of America.
*Most suitable for intermediate - advanced students. Suitable for ages 14+
Storm Surges Can Be the Deadliest Part of a Hurricane
In this ESL lesson plan for adults and teens, students watch a video and do a listening exercise about the danger of storm surges and the impact of hurricanes. It includes discussion questions and conversation activities about natural disasters and hurricanes. Students also learn some important vocabulary terms related to this topic. The grammar exercise features expressing cause and effect with -ing clauses and 'which.' In the cooperation activity students issue an evacuation order.
- Speaking:
- Hurricanes, Science
- Viewing:
- Short Answers, True / False
- Vocabulary:
- Definitions, Context Usage, World-Building
- Grammar:
- Expressing Cause & Effect with -ing and 'which' clauses
- Cooperation:
- Issuing an Evacuation Order
Type of video: Educational
Length of video: 4:00
Topics: Hurricanes, Storm Surges, Natural Disasters
While storm surges have proven to be the deadliest part of a hurricane, many people may not even know what they are or what they mean. Storm surges from hurricanes are nothing to take lightly, even if you're not in the path of the hurricane. What exactly makes them so deadly?
*Most suitable for advanced students. Suitable for ages 14+
Dean Karnazes, the ULTRAmarathon Man
In this ESL lesson plan for adults and teens, students watch a video and do a listening exercise about an ultra-marathon runner. It includes discussion questions and conversation activities about running, marathons, and unique talents. Students also learn some important vocabulary terms related to this topic. The grammar exercise features prepositions. In the cooperation activity students can create a story about a 'super human.'
- Speaking:
- Running, Ultra-Marathons, Special Talents
- Viewing:
- Short Answers, Matching Sentences
- Vocabulary:
- Definitions, Context Usage, Expressions, Parts of Speech
- Grammar:
- Prepositions
- Cooperation:
- Creating a Story
Type of video: Story / Documentary
Length of video: 5:09
Topics: Ultra-Marathons, Unique Talents
Meet the most notorious Ultra Marathon runner to ever exist - Dean Karnazes. This guy runs a marathon before breakfast, and his day doesn't stop there. Learn and discuss this 'superhuman' with your students, and find out what special gift he has that allows him to run like no other.
*Most suitable for intermediate - advanced students. Suitable for ages 14+