This upper-intermediate ESL lesson explores the challenges and uncertainties of navigating your 20s, offering strategies to embrace change and find direction. It includes activities for understanding and applying key vocabulary related to personal growth and decision-making during this transformative period.
| Type | Level | Vocabulary | Lesson Time |
| Regular Lesson | B2 / Upper-Intermediate | 12 words | 60 min |
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Vocabulary
- uncertainty
- societal expectations
- long-lasting consequences
- have it all figured out
- intimidated
- sense of belonging
- roller coaster of emotions
- embrace
- pursue
- go all in
- take it slow
- wander around
Contents
- Lead-in
- Agree or disagree
- Discussion
- Vocabulary
- Video
- Discussion
- Practice
- Listening
- Speaking
- Comments
- Books
- Transcript
Lead-in, Agree or disagree, Discussion
This B2 level ESL lesson is ideal for upper-intermediate students who enjoy discussing life experiences and will particularly resonate with those in their 20s. It begins with a lead-in question about the best age or specific decades, followed by a discussion where students agree or disagree with four statements to share their opinions and examples. The discussion section involves students sharing stories about people who seem to have it all figured out.
Vocabulary, Video, Follow-up Discussion
Before watching the video, students will learn key vocabulary related to the topic. They will match 12 keywords (such as uncertainty, societal expectations, long-lasting consequences, have it all figured out, intimidated, and sense of belonging, etc) with their definitions. After this, students will watch a five-minute video featuring a person sharing their experiences of feeling lost in their 20s. The video offers insights rather than a melancholic view. Following the video, students will discuss statements from it and answer follow-up questions.
Practice, Listening, Speaking
The vocabulary practice involves replacing words in sentences with terms from pages 5-6. Students will complete 12 sentences and listen to a one-minute audio extract, taking notes on suggestions for handling feelings of being lost. They may need to listen multiple times. Afterward, they should compare their notes with the suggestions listed on the next page. In the speaking section, students will expand on video suggestions by sharing their own thoughts and examples from their lives or those they know.
Comments, Books, Transcript
On the next page, students will read YouTube comments and share their thoughts and opinions about them. The final two pages include book recommendations and a transcript. Students interested in the topic can explore these books for further insights. The transcript is available for additional listening comprehension or any follow-up tasks you may find necessary for this upper-intermediate lesson.
This ESL lesson plan is available in Light, Dark, and A4 printable versions, making it convenient to print and distribute to students.
