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.

What Tom Whitwell Learned in 2023 (Upper-Intermediate Lesson)

An upper-intermediate lesson on a post about what Tom Whitwell learned in 2023. Topics include homelessness, corruption, and body image.

2023 News in Review (Upper-Intermediate Lesson Plan)

An upper-intermediate (B2/C1) lesson on the top news stories of 2023. This lesson is designed for conversational ESL class.

Waitress Wins the Lottery (Upper-Intermediate Lesson)

An upper-intermediate conversational English lesson about how waitress Tonda Dickerson’s life changed after winning the lottery.

Arieh Smith’s Tips on Language Learning (Upper-Intermediate)

This lesson summarizes polyglot Ariel Smith’s approach to language acquisition. It contains reading, vocabulary, and speaking activities.

The Argument Against University (Upper-Intermediate Lesson)

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

Sam Harris on Free Will (Upper-Intermediate Lesson Plan)

An upper-intermediate lesson on Sam Harris’s view on free will. Includes speaking roleplays, debates, & vocabulary activities for ESL class.

Streaming Wars: The New Age of Entertainment (Upper-Intermediate)

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

Passive Income (Upper-Intermediate Lesson)

An upper-intermediate lesson on passive income strategies and making money. The lesson includes speaking, listening, & vocabulary activities.

Atheism & Religion: The Nones (Upper-Intermediate Lesson)

An upper-intermediate (B2/C1) lesson based on AP’s “The Nones” report on atheism worldwide. It contains speaking & reading ESL activities.

Four Secrets from Sports Psychology (Upper-Intermediate)

An upper-intermediate lesson based on a short video about secrets from sports psychology that people can use in everyday life. (B2/C1 ESL)

The History of Halloween (Upper-Intermediate Lesson)

A lesson on a short video about the history of Halloween which includes a debate, role-plays, and vocabulary activities for B2/C1 ESL levels.

Mystery Travel Destinations (Upper-Intermediate Lesson)

Explore the world with this upper-intermediate (B2) lesson focused on travel & destinations. Includes vocabulary and speaking activities.

The Milestones of Life (Upper-Intermediate Lesson)

Teachers, use this lesson on life’s milestones with upper-intermediate (B2) ESL students. It includes speaking activities, reading, & idioms.

Future Cities, NEOM, & The Line (Upper-Intermediate Lesson)

This lesson is about future cities and Saudi Arabia’s Neom & The Line projects. The lesson contains a reading and short video. (B2/C1 Level)

Unsolved Crimes (Upper-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 Debate Over TikTok (Upper-Intermediate Lesson Plan)

This lesson discusses the arguments for and against Tiktok. It has speaking activities about social media use, being an influencer, and more.

Four Charts on Modern Life (Part 2) – Upper-Intermediate Lesson

Discuss four trends of modern life: rising prices, obesity, a decline in friendship, and the migration of millionaires (B2/C1 lesson plan)

Four Charts on Modern Life (Part 1) – Upper-Intermediate

Discuss four trends of modern life: social media use among teens, negativity in the media, aging populations, and gaming revenues (B2/C1)

Drugs: Alcohol, CBD, Psilocybin, & Opioids (Upper-Intermediate)

This lesson focuses on drug use, specifically alcohol, cannabis, psychedelics, & opioids. It contains speaking and vocabulary activities.

Riddles & Puzzles (Upper-Intermediate to Advanced Lesson)

This free lesson has 17 classic riddles, an Einstein puzzle, 5 lateral thinking puzzles, and 16 rebus puzzles (with answers) for in ESL class.

Phobias & Fears (Upper-Intermediate Lesson Plan)

This lesson focuses on phobias, their causes, and treatments. It has vocabulary and speaking activities for EFL conversation classes.