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.

Third Man Syndrome (Upper-Intermediate Lesson Plan)

A lesson about third man syndrome, survival, and coping mechanisms, designed for B2/C1 conversational English class.

Class, Caste, & Social Equality (Upper-Intermediate Lesson)

A lesson on social equality & class structures based on a video about India's caste system. Several speaking activities are included.

Talking about Art (Upper-Intermediate Lesson)

A lesson on talking about art at galleries. Students learn new vocabulary and practice discussing famous paintings, including abstract art.

Showing Empathy (Upper-Intermediate Lesson)

A lesson on expressing empathy & the differences between empathy and sympathy designed for advanced ESL conversation class.

The Most Annoying Lesson Plan (Upper-Intermediate)

A lesson on the 11 most annoying things ever. The lesson includes vocabulary and speaking activities for advanced ESL class.

Olympic Athletes & Differences of Sexual Development (DSD) – Upper-Intermediate

A lesson on Olympic athletes with Differences of Sexual Development (DSD) with reading & speaking activities for upper-intermediate ESL class

Angus Barbieri’s Fast (Upper-Intermediate Lesson Plan)

A lesson on on dieting, weight loss, and Angus Barbieri's 382-day fast for upper-intermediate (B2/C1) ESL student speaking practice.

Amazon Tribe Gets Internet (Upper-Intermediate Lesson Plan)

A lesson on how the arrival of Starlink Internet access affected a remote Amazon tribe. The lesson includes speaking & vocabulary activities.

Utopia (Upper-Intermediate Lesson Plan)

A lesson plan on the concept of utopia and utopian societies. The lesson includes speaking and vocabulary activities for ESL class.

What Europeans Think of Americans (C1 Level Lesson)

A video-based lesson on what Europeans think of Americans. The lesson contains speaking activities for upper-intermediate/advanced (C1) ESL.

Trad Wives & Gender Roles (Upper-Intermediate Lesson)

A lesson on the trad wife trend spread on social media that promotes women returning to traditional gender roles. (B2/C1 ESL)

Dan Saunders & The ATM Glitch (Upper-Intermediate Lesson)

A lesson about an Australian man who withdrew 1.6 million dollars after discovering an ATM glitch. The lesson includes speaking activities.

Dating & Finding Love (Upper-Intermediate Lesson Plan)

A lesson on the evolution of dating and dating trends (AI, dating apps, etc.) The lesson includes speaking activities for B2/C1 levels.

The Brown Eyes/Blue Eyes Experiment (Upper-Intermediate)

A lesson on Jane Elliott's Brown Eyes/Blue Eyes experiment that aimed to teach students about discrimination. This lesson is for B2/C1 levels.

Communication with Gen Z in the Workplace (Upper-Intermediate)

A lesson on communication conflicts at work with Gen Z employees. The lesson includes speaking and vocabulary activities for B2/C1 levels.

AI Girlfriends & Companions (Upper-Intermediate Lesson)

A lesson on artificial intelligence (AI) girlfriends and boyfriends. The lesson includes speaking and vocabulary activities for B2/C1 ESL.

Etiquette Rules for Visiting Japan (Upper-Intermediate Lesson)

A lesson on etiquette tips for visiting Japan. The lesson includes speaking and vocabulary activities for conversational ESL class.

Travel the World as a Pet Sitter (Upper-Intermediate Lesson)

A lesson on pet sitting around the world, focusing on the travel benefits and responsibilities of being a pet sitter. (B2 ESL level)

Neighbor from Hell: Russian Businessman Alexei Zakharov (Upper-Intermediate)

An ESL lesson about a terrible neighbor and bully for conversational English class. The B2/C1-level lesson includes role-plays and debates.

Milgram’s Obedience Experiment (Upper-Intermediate)

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

Breakfast Around the World (Upper-Intermediate Lesson)

A lesson on breakfast food around the world based on a YouTube video by Insider Food. The lesson includes vocabulary and speaking activities.