Category Archives: Advanced

Here is a list of advanced ESL lesson plans on a variety of topics for English conversation class. There are many lessons at this level, so be sure to click the ‘older posts‘ link at the bottom of the page to see more. If you’d prefer to see a list of lesson plan topics, please view the topic list.

The Traits of Cool People (Advanced Lesson)

A lesson on coolness based on a psychology study. Includes vocabulary, comprehension, and speaking tasks for C1/C2 conversational ESL classes.

Stuck Together: Divorce in the Philippines (Advanced)

Explore divorce & marriage law in the Philippines with this C1/C2 lesson featuring video, vocabulary, comprehension, and roleplay activities.

Incel Attitudes & Beliefs (Advanced Lesson Plan)

A lesson on incel culture and attitudes, including vocabulary, reading, roleplays, and speaking activities based on an academic study (C1/C2)

Foreign Accent Syndrome (Advanced Lesson)

A lesson on accents and Foreign Accent Syndrome including vocabulary, pronunciation, and speaking activities for conversational class (C1/C2).

Ms. Rachel vs. Israel (Advanced Lesson)

A lesson on Ms. Rachel's campaign to help children in Gaza facing Israel's war crimes. Includes speaking tasks and vocabulary activities.

Daryl Davis & The KKK (Advanced Lesson)

A powerful lesson on empathy, racism, and dialogue based on Daryl Davis's story. Includes vocabulary, role-plays, discussion (C1/C2 ESL).

Bouchard on Nature vs. Nurture (Advanced Lesson)

A lesson on nature vs nurture, Bouchard’s twin study, & a reunion of twins. Includes vocabulary, discussion, and comprehension tasks (C1/C2).

The Life of Pope Francis (Advanced Lesson Plan)

An advanced lesson on the life of Pope Francis, including debates, roleplays, and vocabulary activities for C1/C2 conversation class.

Chinese Luxury Goods on TikTok (Advanced Lesson)

A lesson on counterfeit luxury goods, TikTok marketing, and consumer trust. Includes video, vocabulary, and speaking activities (C1/C2 ESL).

Siffre’s Cave Experiments (Advanced Lesson)

A lesson on Michel Siffre’s isolation experiment and the science of time perception. Includes vocabulary, speaking tasks for C1/C2 ESL.

The Current State of Education (Advanced Lesson)

A lesson on student motivation and the impact of technology on education. Includes discussion, vocabulary, and speaking activities (C1/C2 ESL)

The Greatest Novels Ever Written (Advanced Lesson)

A speaking-focused lesson for on the "greatest novels" ever, including Anna Karenina, The Great Gatsby, and To Kill a Mockingbird. (C1/C2)

Carl Jung on the Shadow (Advanced Lesson Plan)

A lesson on Carl Jung's concept of the shadow, an unconscious part of personality. The lesson was designed for advanced conversation class.

Did High School Prepare You For Life? (Advanced Lesson)

A lesson on whether high school provides students the skills they need for success. Designed for C1/C2 ESL conversation class.

Trump’s Trade War Begins (Advanced Lesson)

A video-based lesson on Trump's tariffs and their effects on Canada, Mexico, and China, designed for C1/C2-level conversation class.

Entrepreneurship in Europe & The United States (Advanced)

An advanced lesson on Europe's "economic suicide" contrasted with the growth and strong environment for start-ups in the United States.

Popularity in High School (Advanced Lesson Plan)

A lesson on the five levels of popularity, from total geeks to sigma chads, in high school based on a funny YouTube video. (C1/C2 ESL)

Suffering & Epicureanism (Advanced Lesson Plan)

A lesson based on a BigThink video about Epicureanism, suffering, and happiness. The lesson has speaking activities for C1/C2 ESL class.

Predictions: The Top News Stories of 2025 (Advanced Lesson)

Discuss The Economist's predictions for the top 2025 news stories related to the Russo-Ukraine war, Trump, and artificial intelligence (C1/C2)

Tuffs & Toughs (Advanced Lesson on Class & Privilege)

A lesson on social class and privilege centered on the 1937 "Tuffs and Toughs" photograph, focusing on speaking and vocabulary (C1/C2 ESL).

2024 Year in Review (Advanced Lesson Plan)

A lesson summarizing 12 major news stories from 2024. The lesson contains speaking and vocabulary building for C1/C2 ESL levels.