Category Archives: Intermediate ESL Lessons for Conversation Class (B1/B2)

Browse our collection of intermediate ESL lesson plans for conversation classes at the B1/B2 level. These lessons contain video or reading inputs, vocabulary practice, and speaking activities that encourage debate and critical thinking. Topics include travel, dating, scams, and social media, and other real-world issues that engage intermediate students.

If you’d prefer to see a list of lesson plan topics, please view the topic list.

Dan Saunders & The Bank Machine (Intermediate Lesson)

A lesson about an Australian man who takes 1.6 million from bank machines before turning himself in. The ESL lesson has speaking activities.

Dating & Finding Love (Intermediate Lesson Plan)

A lesson on changes in dating and dating trends (AI, dating apps, etc.) The lesson includes speaking activities for B1/B2 levels.

Travel the World as a Pet Sitter (Intermediate Lesson Plan)

A lesson on pet sitting around the world, focusing on the travel benefits and responsibilities of being a pet sitter. (B1 ESL level)

Milgram’s Obedience Experiment (Intermediate Lesson)

A lesson on Stanley Milgram's study on obedience and authority. It includes speaking and vocabulary activities for intermediate ESL classes.

Friendship Today (Intermediate Lesson)

A lesson on friendship, loneliness, and the friendship recession that includes speaking & vocabulary activities for B1/B2 ESL levels.

2023 News in Review (Intermediate Lesson Plan)

An intermediate (B1/B2) lesson on the top news stories of 2023. Topics include AI, Ozempic, and the Israel-Hamas war.

Waitress Wins the Lottery (Intermediate Lesson Plan)

An intermediate conversational English lesson about how waitress Tonda Dickerson's life changed after winning the lottery (ESL/EFL).

The Argument Against University (Intermediate Lesson Plan)

A lesson on the arguments against getting a college/university degree. Speaking, vocabulary, and listening activities are included.

Streaming Wars: The New Age of Television & Entertainment (Intermediate)

An intermediate lesson on streaming platforms (Netflix, Disney+, etc.) and the battle for attention spans. Includes ESL speaking activities

Four Secrets from Sports Psychology (Intermediate)

An intermediate lesson based on a short BBC video about tips from sports psychology that people can use in everyday life. (B1/B2 ESL)

Mystery Travel Destinations (Intermediate Level)

Explore the world with this intermediate (B1) lesson focused on travel & destinations. Includes vocabulary and speaking activities for ESL.

The Milestones of Life (Intermediate Lesson Plan)

Teachers, use this lesson on life's milestones with intermediate (B1-level) ESL students. It includes speaking activities, reading, & idioms.

Unsolved Crimes (Intermediate Lesson)

A lesson on the 300-million-yen robbery in Tokyo and D.B. Cooper's infamous airplane hijacking. Includes debates and roleplays for EFL class.

The Case against Pet Ownership (Intermediate Lesson)

A discussion of the ethics of pet ownership. The lesson includes speaking activities (role-plays & debates) about adopting and keeping a pet.

Scams & Fraud (Intermediate Lessons Plan)

A lesson based on two stories about scams (AI voice cloning & a romance scam). After reading, students do several speaking activities.

A Day Like No Other (Intermediate Lesson Plan)

This story-based lesson describes a hurricane hitting a town. The student must complete speaking activities as the story unfolds. (B1 level)

Family Travels the World (Intermediate Lesson Plan)

A lesson on a Canadian family that traveled the world to create memories for their children. Includes role-plays and speaking activities.

Health & Wellness (Intermediate Lesson Plan)

A lesson on nutrition, exercise, and mental health for intermediate ESL/EFL class including speaking, reading, and vocabulary activities.

Crime & Punishment: Bobby Bostic’s Story (Intermediate Lesson)

This intermediate lesson is about the release of juvenile offender Bobby Bostic. The ESL lesson includes speaking and grammar activities.

Middlebury Language Schools (Intermediate)

An intermediate lesson on the immersion programs at Middlebury Language Schools. The lesson includes activities for conversational ESL class.

The Paradoxes of Life (Intermediate Lesson Plan)

This intermediate ESL lesson focuses on life's paradoxes. It includes a role-play, the prisoner's dilemma, and other speaking activities.