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 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

Beauty & Body Image (Upper-Intermediate)

This upper-intermediate lesson discusses body image and beauty. It contains role-plays and debates for conversational EFL/ESL class.

The Paradoxes of Life (Upper-Intermediate Lesson)

This B2-level lesson focuses on paradoxes. It includes a discussion of the prisoner’s dilemma, a role-play, and other speaking activities.

Stutz Documentary & Therapy (Upper-Intermediate/Advanced)

A video-based lesson on the tools used by therapist Phil Stutz (from a 2022 Netflix documentary). For upper-intermediate/advanced levels.

Factfulness about the Future (Upper-Intermediate Lesson)

A lesson about optimism about the future and a summary of Hans Rosling’s book, Factfulness for upper-intermediate (EFL) conversation class.

2022 News in Review (Upper-Intermediate Lesson)

Review the top 2022 news stories (Covid lockdowns, Iranian protests) with this upper-intermediate lesson for conversational English class.

Climate Change (Upper-Intermediate EFL Lesson Plan)

An upper-intermediate lesson on climate change, energy, & environmental activism. The ESL lesson includes speaking & vocabulary activities.

A Korean Christmas Miracle (Upper-Intermediate Lesson)

An upper-intermediate lesson on a Christmas miracle from the Korean war. The lesson includes a section on lifeboat ethics & other speaking activities.

The Egg (Short Story) (Upper-Intermediate/Advanced Lesson)

ESL/EFL Level: Upper-intermediate & Advanced Lesson Topic: Creation, the meaning of life, empathy Skill Focus: Listening, Vocabulary, Speaking Approximate Class Time: 1.25 hours Lesson Plan Download: the-egg-short-story-upper-intermediate-advanced.docx Lesson Overview: This lesson is based on a short (7:55m) but powerful animated short story by Andy Weir. The themes include creation, the meaning of life, family, reincarnation, and […]

Trends in Customer Service (Upper-Intermediate Lesson Plan)

ESL/EFL Level: Upper-intermediate Lesson Topic: Trends in customer service and experiences in the last decade Skill Focus: Speaking, Reading, Vocabulary Approximate Class Time: 1.75 hours Lesson Plan Download: customer-service-upper-intermediate-lesson-112022.docx Lesson Overview: Trends mentioned in the reading passage include chatbots, self-checkout machines, tip creep, feedback fatigue, a focus on empathy, and digital payments. Post-reading activities include a […]

Belief in Conspiracy Theories (Upper-Intermediate EFL Lesson)

An upper-intermediate lesson on conspiracy theories and their effects on society. Includes activities on vocabulary, fallacies, and biases.

Ethical Dilemmas at Work (Upper-Intermediate EFL Lesson)

Upper-intermediate lesson on ethical dilemmas in the office, including reading, vocabulary & speaking activities (e.g. BINGO) for EFL class.

The Lessons of History (Upper-Intermediate EFL Lesson Plan)

Upper-intermediate lesson on ‘The Lessons of History’ by Will & Ariel Durant. It includes reading, vocabulary & speaking activities.

Choosing a Career & Career Trends (Upper-Intermediate Lesson)

Lesson on choosing a career, career trends & top U.S. jobs with reading, vocabulary & speaking activities for upper-intermediate level.

Working from Home vs. Office (YouTube-based Lesson)

Lesson on working from home vs. in the office based on a short YouTube video. Download the worksheet for intermediate to advanced EFL levels.

Cultural Differences in North America (Upper-Intermediate Lesson)

Lesson on cultural shock & cultural differences in the United States, Canada, & Mexico for upper-intermediate conversational English class.

Top Travel Destinations & Trends (Upper-Intermediate EFL Lesson)

An upper-intermediate EFL lesson plan on the top four travel destinations of the year. Includes reading, vocabulary, and speaking exercises.