Category Archives: Upper-Intermediate

Here is a list of upper-intermediate ESL lesson plans on a variety of topics for English conversation class. Note that 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 Features of Cool People (Upper-Intermediate Lesson)

A lesson on coolness based on a psychology study. Includes vocabulary, comprehension, and speaking tasks for B2/C1 conversational ESL class.

Stuck Together: Divorce in the Philippines (Upper-Intermediate)

Explore divorce & marriage law in the Philippines with this B2/C1 lesson featuring video, vocabulary, comprehension, and roleplay activities.

Incel Attitudes & Beliefs (Upper-Intermediate Lesson Plan)

A lesson on incel culture and attitudes, including vocabulary, reading, roleplays, and speaking activities based on an academic study (B2/C1)

Foreign Accent Syndrome (Upper-Intermediate Lesson)

A lesson on accents and Foreign Accent Syndrome including vocabulary, pronunciation, and speaking activities for conversational class (B2/C1).

Ms. Rachel vs. Israel (Upper-Intermediate Lesson)

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

Colonialism & Truth Telling (Upper-Intermediate Lesson)

A lesson on the harms of colonialism and the push for reconciliation. Includes speaking tasks and vocabulary-building activities

Daryl Davis & The KKK (Upper-Intermediate Lesson)

A powerful lesson on empathy, racism, and dialogue based on Daryl Davis's story. Includes vocabulary, role-plays, discussion (B2/C1 ESL).

Bouchard on Nature vs. Nurture (Upper-Intermediate Lesson)

A lesson on nature vs nurture, Bouchard’s twin study, & a reunion of twins. Includes vocabulary, discussion, and comprehension tasks (B2/C1).

The Life of Pope Francis (Upper-Intermediate Lesson)

An advanced lesson on the life of Pope Francis, including debates, roleplays, and vocabulary activities for B2/C1 conversation class.

Chinese Luxury Goods on TikTok (Upper-Intermediate)

A lesson on counterfeit luxury goods, TikTok marketing, and consumer trust. Includes video, vocabulary, and speaking activities (B2/C1 ESL).

Siffre’s Cave Experiments (Upper-Intermediate Lesson)

A lesson on Michel Siffre’s isolation experiment and the science of time perception. Includes vocabulary and speaking tasks for B2/C1 ESL.

Financial Sextortion (Upper-Intermediate Lesson)

A lesson on financial sextortion, scams, & online safety. Includes video-based discussion, vocabulary, and speaking tasks for B2/C1 ESL class.

Asch’s Study on Conformity (Upper-Intermediate Lesson)

A lesson based on Asch's 1950s experiment about conformity and individualism. The lesson has speaking activities for B2/C1 ESL.

The Could-Have-Been-Man (Upper-Intermediate Lesson)

A lesson based on an interview with a regretful man. The lesson features speaking activities about loneliness and regret for B2/C1 ESL.

The Greatest Novels Ever Written (Upper-Intermediate)

A speaking-focused lesson for on the "greatest novels" ever, including Anna Karenina, The Great Gatsby, and To Kill a Mockingbird. (B2/C1)

Carl Jung on the Shadow (Upper-Intermediate Lesson)

A lesson on Carl Jung's concept of the shadow, an unconscious part of personality. The lesson was designed for upper-intermediate ESL class.

Did High School Prepare You For Life? (Upper-Intermediate)

A lesson on whether high school provides students the skills they need for success. Designed for B2/C1 ESL conversation class.

Suffering & Epicureanism (Upper-Intermediate Lesson)

A lesson based on a BigThink video about Epicureanism, suffering, and happiness. The lesson has speaking activities for B2/C1 ESL class.

2024 Year in Review (Advanced Lesson Plan)

A lesson summarizing 12 major news stories from 2024. The lesson contains speaking and vocabulary building for B2/C1 ESL levels.

AITA: Am I the A**Hole? (Upper-Intermediate Lesson)

A B2/C1-level lesson on three stories from the AITA (r/AmItheAsshole) Subreddit. The lesson focuses on speaking and vocabulary building.

Finding Your Fashion Style (Upper-Intermediate Lesson)

A lesson about developing your own fashion style with fashion-related speaking and vocabulary activities for B2/C1 ESL levels.