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.

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.

The Case against Pet Ownership (Upper-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 (Upper-Intermediate Lesson)

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

Whistleblower Asks Govt to Release UAP Evidence (Upper-Intermediate)

A lesson on whistleblower David Grusch’s request that the US disclose a secret UAP (UFO) program. Includes many speaking activities (B2/C1).

Stealth Camping (Upper-Intermediate Lesson)

An upper-intermediate lesson on stealth camping based on a Twitter post by shagbark_hick. Contains reading, speaking, & vocabulary activities.

A Day Like No Other (Upper-Intermediate Lesson Plan)

This story-based lesson describes a hurricane hitting a town. The student must complete speaking activities as the story unfolds. (B2 level)

Family Travels the World (Upper-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.

The Gender Pay Gap (Upper-Intermediate Lesson)

A video-based lesson from BigThink’s “Devil’s Advocate” series on the Gender Pay Gap. Includes speaking activities for ESL/EFL class.

The Big Five Personality Traits (Upper-Intermediate Lesson)

A lesson on The Big Five personality traits (aka OCEAN Model). The lesson includes reading, listening (video), and speaking activities.

Health & Wellness (Upper-Intermediate Lesson)

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

The Societal Effects of Pornography (Upper-Intermediate Lesson)

A lesson on Louise Perry’s “How porn f*cked our minds.” Includes speaking activities for upper-intermediate ESL conversation class.

How to Argue by Dan Shapiro (Video) (Upper-Intermediate Lesson)

A video-based upper-intermediate lesson on how to negotiate & find common ground. The lesson includes speaking and vocabulary activities.

AI & Artificial General Intelligence (Upper-Intermediate Lesson)

A free lesson on the impacts of AI & AGI on humanity in general, education, and healthcare. For conversational English class (B2/C1 level)

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

An upper-intermediate lesson on the punishment of Bobby Bostic for crimes committed as a juvenile. For conversational English class (EFL).

Middlebury Language Schools (Upper-Intermediate)

A lesson on the intensive language immersion program at Middlebury Language Schools. For B2/C1 levels for ESL conversational English class