This ESL lesson is designed for B2 upper-intermediate adult students and focuses on workplace communication. Students will listen to five short audio clips that discuss key topics such as the importance of setting boundaries, maintaining a professional reputation, the value of collaboration, and how to communicate effectively in a remote work environment. Through various tasks and activities, students will practice understanding and using work-related vocabulary, explore phrases for handling workplace situations professionally, and engage in discussions about the “unwritten rules” of the office.
| Type | Level | Vocabulary | Listening time | Lesson Time |
| Regular Lesson | B2 / Upper-Intermediate | 12 words | 2 min | 60-80 min |
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Vocabulary
- incompetent
- out of the loop
- find out
- recognize
- stand out
- exceptional
- go above and beyond
- under-promise
- over-deliver
- come across as
- dismissive
- boundary
Contents
- Lead-in
- Vocabulary
- Definitions
- Rule 1 + Notes
- Comments
- Rule 2 + Sequencing
- Questions
- Rule 3 + Predicting
- Agree or disagree
- Rule 4 + Shadowing
- Prefixes
- Rule 5 + Fill in the gap
- Paraphrasing
- Your work rules
- Transcript
Lead-in, Vocabulary, Definitions
This lesson on 5 unwritten work rules begins with a question asking students to reflect on the meaning of “work rules” and how they interpret the phrase. Students are encouraged to share additional examples of such rules from workplaces, schools, public spaces, and other settings. After this, students will read 12 sentences and explain the bolded words. If they’re unsure, they can check the definitions on the next page, which provides concise explanations for each word.
Rule 1, Notes, Comments
In the listening section, students will listen to a 25-second audio clip titled “Support Your Manager.” After listening, they will expand on three suggested notes on the following page. Then, students will read and discuss five comments related to this rule.
Rule 2, Sequencing, Questions
In Rule Two, titled “Share Updates Frequently,” students will listen to a 27-second audio clip. They will then number the five steps in the correct sequence. Afterward, they will discuss three questions related to this rule.
Rule 3, Predicting, Agree or disagree
In Rule Three, titled “Turn Your Camera On,” students will listen to a 21-second audio clip. They will read an excerpt and predict what the speaker will mention next. The speaker emphasizes that turning on the camera in virtual meetings is one of the easiest ways to get a raise. Afterward, students will review three statements, agree or disagree with them, and are encouraged to take a clear stance without doing both at the same time.
Rule 4, Shadowing, Prefixes
In Rule Four, titled “Go Above and Beyond,” students will listen to a 13-second audio clip two or three times. They will then repeat it as accurately as possible, word for word, using the five phrases displayed on the screen. To make the task more challenging, students will match the speaker’s pace and information. On the next page, following this rule, students will explore and apply prefixes like “under-” and “over-” to 10 words, learning their meanings. They will then select two words and write an example sentence for each.
Rule 5, Fill in the gaps, Paraphrasing
In Rule Five, titled “Be Collaborative,” students will listen to a 43-second audio clip carefully and fill in the gaps in the script. After this, they will work on five straightforward sentences, making them sound more collaborative by using the suggested keywords in the brackets.
Your work rules
The final page, titled “Your Work Rules,” encourages students to work in pairs. They will come up with three more unwritten work rules, allowing some time for preparation. Then, they will present their rules to the class and provide examples for each.
