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

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

If you’d prefer to browse by subject, view our topic list.

Angus Barbieri’s Fast (Intermediate Lesson Plan)

A lesson on on dieting, weight loss, and Angus Barbieri's 382-day fast for intermediate (B1/B2) ESL student speaking practice.

Oslo: Is It Even a City? (Intermediate Lesson Plan)

A lesson on travel based on a commercial about visiting Oslo. The lesson has roleplay and vocabulary activities for intermediate ESL class.

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.