Lessons

All

INTERMEDIATE (B1)

Why do people run the marathon?

In this ESL lesson plan for adults and teens, students watch a video and do a listening exercise about running marathons and why we do it. It includes discussion questions and conversation activities about running and marathons. Students also learn some important vocabulary terms related to this topic. The grammar exercise features prepositions. In the cooperation activity students can create quotes and discuss the good side of human nature.
Speaking:
Running, Marathons
Viewing:
Short Answers, True / False, Post-Viewing Discussion
Vocabulary:
Definitions, Context Usage, Extra Running-related Vocabulary
Grammar:
Prepositions
Cooperation:
Creating Quotes, Discussing the good side of human nature
Type of video: Story / Documentary
Length of video: 2:56
Topics: Running Marathons
A reporter runs a marathon with his girlfriend in New York, while interviewing others along the way about their motivation and inspiration. Does running a marathon bring out the good in human nature?
*Most suitable for intermediate - advanced students. Suitable for ages 14+
PRE-INTERMEDIATE (A2)

Nike: Meet the Runners – Eliud Kipchoge

In this ESL lesson plan for adults and teens, students watch a video and do a listening exercise about a marathon runner trying to be the first to run a marathon under 2 hours. It includes discussion questions and conversation activities about running, marathons, and memorable moments in sports history. Students also learn some important vocabulary terms related to this topic. The grammar exercise features no / any (negative sentences). In the cooperation activity students can create story scripts.
Speaking:
Running, Sports Moments
Viewing:
True / False, Matching Sentences, Post-Viewing Discussion
Vocabulary:
Definitions, Context Usage
Grammar:
No / Any (Expressing Negatives)
Cooperation:
Creating Stories Script
Type of video: Running / Inspirational / Positive Attitude
Length of video: 1:22
Topics: Running, Motivation, Inspiration
Meet a runner from the Nike team who aspires to become the first one to ever run a marathon in under 2 hours. Find out what his secret to success is.
*Most suitable for pre-intermediate - intermediate students. Suitable for ages 14+
UPPER-INTERMEDIATE (B2)

What is Happiness?

In this ESL lesson plan for adults and teens, students watch a video and do a listening exercise about a thought experiment on happiness. It includes discussion questions and conversation activities about a happy life. Students also learn some important vocabulary terms related to this topic. The grammar exercise features the active / passive voice. In the cooperation activity students find ways to make a positive mentality out of negative situations.
Speaking:
Happiness, Life
Viewing:
Short Answers, Post-Viewing Discussion
Vocabulary:
Definitions, Context Usage, Expressions, Parts of Speech
Grammar:
Active / Passive Voice
Cooperation:
Optimistic Situations
Type of video: Informational / Inspirational
Length of video: 3:41
Topics: Happiness
It's a question we all come across at some point in our lives, or maybe we even ask ourselves this question every day, however we may have some misconceptions about how we achieve happiness. This video explores the true essence of happiness in its purest form.
*Most suitable for intermediate - advanced students. Suitable for ages 14+
INTERMEDIATE (B1)

A Valuable Lesson for a Happier Life

In this ESL lesson plan for adults and teens, students watch a video and do a listening exercise about a thought experiment on happiness. It includes discussion questions and conversation activities about a happy life. Students also learn some important vocabulary terms related to this topic. The grammar exercise features the first conditional. In the cooperation activity students can talk about philosophical thought experiments.
Speaking:
Happiness, Happy Lifestyle, Philosophy
Viewing:
Short Answers, Post-Viewing Discussion
Vocabulary:
Definitions, Context Usage, Expressions, Parts of Speech
Grammar:
First Conditional
Cooperation:
Thought Experiments
Type of video: Inspirational Talk
Length of video: 3:05
Topics: Happiness, Philosophy Experiment
A professor demonstrates a thought experiment on life and happiness to a class of college students during a Philosophy 101 course. All it takes is a jar, golf balls, pebbles, sand, and yes, beer. This video explores the nature of happiness and what it means.
*Most suitable for intermediate - advanced students. Suitable for ages 14+
UPPER-INTERMEDIATE (B2)

Inside Uber's Self-Driving Car

In this ESL lesson plan for adults and teens, students watch a video and do a listening exercise about a news report on self-driving Uber cars in Pittsburgh. It includes discussion questions and conversation activities about self-driving cars. Students also learn some important vocabulary terms related to this topic. The grammar exercise features prepositions. In the cooperation activity students can create a new type of technology.
Speaking:
Self-Driving Cars, Driving, Technology
Viewing:
Short Answers, True / False
Vocabulary:
Definitions, Context Usage, Expressions, Phrasal Verbs, Parts of Speech
Grammar:
Prepositions
Cooperation:
Creating New Technology Concept
Type of video: News Report / Interview
Length of video: 2:12
Topics: Self-Driving Cars, Uber, Technology
Pittsburgh's mayor says that innovation always comes before regulation, and he wants to give Pittsburgh the chance to become a leader in the field of automotive innovation. Meet a self-driving Uber - a car that could revolutionize transport as we know it.
*Most suitable for intermediate - advanced students. Suitable for ages 14+
INTERMEDIATE (B1)

Our ride in a self-driving Uber

In this ESL lesson plan for adults and teens, students watch a video and do a listening exercise about a news report on self-driving Uber cars in Pittsburgh. It includes discussion questions and conversation activities about self-driving cars. Students also learn some important vocabulary terms related to this topic. The grammar exercise features prepositions with driving. In the cooperation activity students can create a new type of technology.
Speaking:
Self-Driving Cars, Driving, Technology
Viewing:
Short Answers, Multiple Choice
Vocabulary:
Definitions, Context Usage, Expressions, Road / Car Categorization
Grammar:
Prepositions with Driving
Cooperation:
Creating New Technology Concept
Type of video: News Report
Length of video: 3:15
Topics: Self-Driving Cars, Uber, Technology
Uber comes to Pittsburgh with an innovative twist to the car-sharing economy - self-driving cars. Why Pittsburgh? How does a self-driving car work? How far away are we from this becoming a normal thing? How do Uber drivers feel about this? Hop in a ride and check out the answers with a CNN reporter and the director of Uber Advanced Technologies.
*Most suitable for intermediate - advanced students. Suitable for ages 14+
PRE-INTERMEDIATE (A2)

Self-Driving Car Test: Steve Mahan

In this ESL lesson plan for adults and teens, students watch a video and do a listening exercise about a blind man who gets behind the wheel of a self-driving car. It includes discussion questions and conversation activities about self-driving cars. Students also learn some important vocabulary terms related to this topic. The grammar exercise features the superlative + present perfect. In the cooperation activity students can create their own documentary scene.
Speaking:
Self-Driving Cars, Technology
Viewing:
Matching Sentences, Short Answers, Post-Viewing Discussion
Vocabulary:
Definitions, Context Usage, Expressions, Road-related Vocabulary
Grammar:
Superlative + Present Perfect
Cooperation:
Creating a Documentary Scene
Type of video: Short Documentary
Length of video: 3:01
Topics: Self-Driving Cars, Technology
Hop in a self-driving Google car with Steve Mahan, a blind man who gets to enjoy the luxury of riding in a self-driving car as a "driver." This is what the future of automobive transportation holds for society.
*Most suitable for pre-intermediate - intermediate students. Suitable for ages 14+
UPPER-INTERMEDIATE (B2)

Tomorrowland - A Premium Music Festival Experience

In this ESL lesson plan for adults and teens, students watch a video and do a listening exercise about an electronic musical festival called Tomorrowland. It includes discussion questions and conversation activities about music festivals. Students also learn some important vocabulary terms related to this topic. The grammar exercise features a review of tenses. In the cooperation activity students can organize an event, write a review, or describe an experience.
Speaking:
Music Festivals, Tomorrowland
Viewing:
Short Answers, True / False, Number Matching
Vocabulary:
Definitions, Context Usage, Expressions, Compound Adjectives
Grammar:
Review of Tenses
Cooperation:
Organizing an Event, Writing a Review, Describing an Experience
Type of video: News Report
Length of video: 4:05
Topics: Music Festivals, Tomorrowland
This video shows you what a premium music festival looks like. It'll blow your mind what luxuries, amenities, products, and services you can find at Europe's largest electronic dance music festival.
*Most suitable for intermediate - advanced students. Suitable for ages 16+
INTERMEDIATE (B1)

How to organize a music festival like Tomorrowland

In this ESL lesson plan for adults and teens, students watch a video and do a listening exercise about an electronic musical festival called Tomorrowland. It includes discussion questions and conversation activities about music festivals. Students also learn some important vocabulary terms related to this topic. The grammar exercise features word position / word order. In the cooperation activity students can organize an event.
Speaking:
Music Festivals, Tomorrowland
Viewing:
Short Answers, True / False, Number Matching
Vocabulary:
Definitions, Context Usage, Expressions, Adverbs
Grammar:
Word Position / Word Order
Cooperation:
Organizing an Event
Type of video: News Report
Length of video: 5:33
Topics: Music Festivals, Tomorrowland
A CNN reporter explores the wild and luxurious atmosphere of Tomorrowland, one of Europe's largest music festivals. From the 'cave stage' to 'Dreamville', Tomorrowland offers it's guests a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
*Most suitable for intermediate - advanced students. Suitable for ages 16+
PRE-INTERMEDIATE (A2)

Dreamville at Tomorrowland

In this ESL lesson plan for adults and teens, students watch a video and do a listening exercise about an electronic musical festival called Tomorrowland. It includes discussion questions and conversation activities about music festivals. Students also learn some important vocabulary terms related to this topic. The grammar exercise features countable & uncountable nouns. In the cooperation activity students can organize an event, make a complaint, or describe a performance.
Speaking:
Music Festivals, Tomorrowland
Viewing:
Short Answers, Mark What You See, Post-Viewing Discussion
Vocabulary:
Definitions, Context Usage, Extra 'Music Festival' Vocabulary
Grammar:
Countable & Uncountable Nouns
Cooperation:
Organizing an Event, Making a Complaint, Describing a Performance
Type of video: Interview / News Report
Length of video: 1:54
Topics: Music Festival, Tomorrowland, Dreamville
Tomorrowland is a huge music festival in Belgium. In this video, you get to hear from one of the event organizers about what it takes to set everything up and see what kind of people visit the event.
*Most suitable for pre-intermediate - intermediate students. Suitable for ages 16+
UPPER-INTERMEDIATE (B2)

Humans Are A Dog's Best Friend

In this ESL lesson plan for adults and teens, students watch a video and do a listening exercise about how dogs view humans, from a dog's perspective. It includes discussion questions and conversation activities about dogs and pets. Students also learn some important vocabulary terms related to these topics. The grammar exercise features word position / word order. In the cooperation activity students can make a script for a new commercial.
Speaking:
Dogs, Pets
Viewing:
Short Answers, Post-Viewing Discussion
Vocabulary:
Definitions, Context Usage, Expressions, Extra 'Dog' Vocabulary
Grammar:
Word Position / Word Order
Cooperation:
Making a Commercial Script
Type of video: Product Commerical
Length of video: 2:17
Topics: Dogs, Pets
You know how the saying goes - 'Dogs are man's best friend.' But does this hold true the other way around? Find out from the perspective and thoughts of a dog with your students. Apparently humans overcomplicate everything!
*Most suitable for intermediate - advanced students. Suitable for ages 14+
INTERMEDIATE (B1)

Puppyhood

In this ESL lesson plan for adults and teens, students watch a video and do a listening exercise about a guy who finds and falls in love with a puppy. It includes discussion questions and conversation activities about dogs and pets. Students also learn some important vocabulary terms related to these topics. The grammar exercise features modal verbs. In the cooperation activity students can create a story or think from the perspective of a puppy.
Speaking:
Dogs, Pets, Puppies
Viewing:
Put Events in Order, Short Answers, Post-Viewing Discussion
Vocabulary:
Definitions, Context Usage, Expressions, Extra 'Dog' Vocabulary
Grammar:
Modal Verbs
Cooperation:
Creating a Story, Thinking from a puppy's perspective
Type of video: Story
Length of video: 3:34
Topics: Dogs, Puppies, Pets
What does life look like with a new puppy? This guy finds and falls in love with a puppy in a heartbeat, picks him up, takes him home and begins his new life in 'Puppyhood.' We all talk to our puppies and pets - but (hopefully) not like this guy.
*Most suitable for intermediate - advanced students. Suitable for ages 14+
PRE-INTERMEDIATE (A2)

Cute Surfing Dogs!

In this ESL lesson plan for adults and teens, students watch a video and do a listening exercise about a dog-surfing event. It includes discussion questions and conversation activities about dogs and pets. Students also learn some important vocabulary terms related to this topic. The grammar exercise features the present perfect continuous. In the cooperation activity students can give a speech, have a call, or 'speak' from a dog's point of view.
Speaking:
Dogs, Pets, Events
Viewing:
Short Answers, True / False, Post-Viewing Discussion
Vocabulary:
Definitions, Context Usage, Expressions, Extra 'Dog' Vocabulary
Grammar:
Present Perfect Continuous
Cooperation:
Giving a Speech, Having a Call, 'Speaking' from a dog's point of view
Type of video: News Report / Interviews
Length of video: 3:14
Topics: Dogs, Surfing, Events
Welcome to the 7th annual 'Dog Surfathon' which is a fun event designed for all different breeds but who have one thing in common - they are surfing dogs! A fun video watching dogs chillin' on their surfboards and riding waves.
*Most suitable for pre-intermediate - intermediate students. Suitable for ages 14+
INTERMEDIATE (B1)

Little League Baseball Transforms America's Most Dangerous City

In these ESL lesson plans for adults and teens, students watch a video and do a listening exercise about a man who starts a little league baseball league in a city filled with crime. It includes discussion questions and conversation activities about crime, teenage life, and baseball. Students also learn some important vocabulary terms related to these topics. The grammar exercises feature superlative adjectives, used to + base verb, and past perfect. In the cooperation activity students can make an interview, and create a new movie genre + plot.
Speaking:
Baseball, Inner-City Crime, Teenage Life
Viewing:
Multiple Choice, True / False, Short Answers, Matching
Vocabulary:
Definitions, Context Usage, Expressions, Parts of Speech
Grammar:
Superlative Adjectives / Used to + base verb / Past Perfect
Cooperation:
Making an Interview, Creating a New Movie Genre + Plot
Type of video: Story
Length of video: 6:38
Topics: Baseball, Crime, Teenage Life
Camden, New Jersey - known as the most dangerous city in the USA. Bryan Morton, a resident of Camden, grew up and went through a big life struggle as a teenager - he used to deal drugs and then had to spend years in prison. When he got out, he wanted to give something positive back to the community. So he started a baseball league to help lead children away from crime and down a different path than his own.
*Most suitable for intermediate - advanced students. Suitable for ages 16+. 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.
UPPER-INTERMEDIATE (B2)

We Talked To Sophia — The AI Robot

In this ESL lesson plan for adults and teens, students watch a video and do a listening exercise about an interview with Sophia, the humanoid robot. It includes discussion questions and conversation activities about artificial intelligence and robots. Students also learn some important vocabulary terms related to these topics. The grammar exercise features the past perfect. In the cooperation activity students can create an interview with an 'evil Sophia.'
Speaking:
Artificial Intelligence, Robots
Viewing:
Short Answers, True / False, Post-Viewing Discussion
Vocabulary:
Definitions, Context Usage, Expressions, Prefixes
Grammar:
Past Perfect
Cooperation:
Creating an Interview with 'Evil Sophia'
Type of video: Interview
Length of video: 3:38
Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Robots
A correspondent from Business Insider gets to meet Sofia for the first time, and he has some questions for her about her feelings, preferences, humans, as well as the hit TV series Black Mirror and Westworld. On the surface, Sofia seems to be a nice, caring, and compassionate humanoid robot. See if your students think the same.
*Most suitable for intermediate - advanced students. Suitable for ages 14+

Student Level:

All
PRE-INTERMEDIATE (A2)
INTERMEDIATE (B1)
UPPER-INTERMEDIATE (B2)
ADVANCED (C1)


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