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.

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.

The Anti-Work Movement (Upper-Intermediate EFL Lesson Plan)

Students read about the Anti-Work movement, develop workplace guidelines, and practice job-related role-plays. (Upper-Intermediate EFL/ESL)

Regrets of the Dying (Upper-Intermediate Lesson Plan)

Lesson on regrets people have before dying. Topics: bucket lists, death, past modals, & wishes. For upper-intermediate EFL conversation class

Kurt Vonnegut’s Letter to High School Class (Upper-Intermediate)

ESL/EFL Level: Upper-intermediate Lesson Topics:  Kurt Vonnegut, creativity, the soul, banning books Skill Focus: Speaking, Reading, Vocabulary Lesson Plan Download: vonnegut-letter-upper-intermediate-01062022.docx Approximate Class Time: 2 hours UPPER-INTERMEDIATE Lesson on Vonnegut’s Letter to High Schoolers: Warm-up (Pair Work) What are your favorite books? Who are your favorite authors? Have you ever written an e-mail to a well-known […]

Daoism & The Chinese Farmer (Upper-Intermediate Lesson Plan)

Upper-intermediate lesson on Daoism & the Chinese farmer parable. Includes speaking, reading, & other activities for conversation class.

Amazon: A Human Price for Convenience? (Upper-Intermediate EFL Lesson Plan)

Upper-intermediate lesson plan on Amazon’s treatment of employees and scientific management approach. Includes warm-up questions, reading, vocabulary, and group work for EFL conversation class.

Socialism: Entire Class Fails (Upper-Intermediate Lesson Plan)

Free upper-intermediate lesson plan on socialism, capitalism, and communism. Includes warm-up questions, reading, vocabulary, and group work for ESL conversation class.

The Social Dilemma: A Lesson on Social Media (Upper-Intermediate)

Upper-intermediate ESL lesson plan on the dangers of social media presented via a summary of the documentary The Social Dilemma.

Bad Habits to Break to Improve Your Life (Upper-Intermediate Lesson Plan)

Free upper-intermediate lesson plan on bad habits. Includes discussion questions, reading, vocabulary, and more activites for ESL class.

Political Correctness (PC) Gone Mad (Upper-Intermediate Lesson Plan)

Free upper-intermediate lesson plan on political correct (PC) language and if PC has ‘gone mad’. Read online and download the ESL lesson plan for class.

Bottled Water: The Marketing Trick of the Century (Upper-Intermediate)

Free upper-intermediate lesson plan on bottled water and its marketing & environmental issues. Study online or download the ESL lesson plan for class.

On Seeing the 100% Perfect Girl One Beautiful April Morning (Reading Lesson)

An ESL reading lesson on a short story above love by Haruki Murakami. Students can answer comprehension, vocabulary, & discussion questions.

Phoning It In (Upper-Intermediate/Advanced Reading Lesson)

A short reading lesson for ESL students interested in business topics. Students can answer comprehension, vocabulary, & discussion questions.

The Disease of Being Busy (Upper-Intermediate Reading Lesson)

A philosophical lesson plan about making time in life. The lesson includes reading comprehension, discussion, & vocabulary questions for ESL students on the ‘Disease of Being Busy’ by Omid Safi. Upper-Intermediate. Free download.

Health ‘Advice’ from a Doctor (Upper-Intermediate ESL Lesson Plan)

Funny lesson plan about ‘advice’ given by a doctor on living a healthy and long life. Upper-intermediate ESL Level. Contains speaking and bonus grammar activities.

Reading: Into the Future (Advanced ESL Lesson Plan)

Free lesson plan on future predictions (technology, food, education, etc). Contains reading passage by Udo Gollub & comprehension / discussion questions.

The School (Short Story): Comprehension, Discussion & Vocabulary Questions (ESL)

Free upper-intermediate reading lesson plan on Donald Barthelme’s short story The School. Great for studying bucket lists and grammar for regret.

Trends in English Language Education (Upper-Intermediate ESL Lesson Plan)

Free upper-intermediate lesson plan about recent trends in ESL/EFL teaching and studying.

Ultimate Tips for Men (Upper-Intermediate ESL Lesson Plan)

Free upper-intermediate lesson plan about the ultimate tips (advice) for men.

The Finnish Education System (Upper-Intermediate ESL Lesson Plan)

Free pre-intermediate lesson on the Finnish education system. Includes debate & role-plays.

The Worst Hotel in the World (Upper-Intermediate Lesson Plan)

Free upper-intermediate lesson plan about the world’s worst hotel. Includes role-plays.