Take a Break
This fun, conversation-based B1 lesson is all about taking breaks and relaxing. Students start by chatting about what makes them feel stressed or calm. They’ll learn new words through short, everyday examples and watch a video about a vending machine that gives free tea but locks your phone until your break is over. The class includes vocabulary and video tasks, a Story Chain game, and a Problem–Break Solution challenge. It all wraps up with a creative activity where students design their own “break machine.”
Student's Version (Light/Dark)
Teacher's Version (Answer Keys)
Printable Classroom Version (A4)
| Level | Vocabulary | Video Length | Lesson Time |
| B1 / Intermediate | 10 words | 0:52 min | 60 min |
Vocabulary
- Vending machine
- To take a break
- To trick somebody
- To give in
- To sue somebody
- To place
- To charge
- Locked
- Revitalization
- Refreshing
Contents
- Lead-in
- Vocabulary Preview
- Definitions
- Vocabulary Practice
- Speaking
- Video
- Emoji Summary
- Discussion
- Story Chain
- Speaking
- Homework
Teaching Guide
Lead-in
Start with a discussion about what it means to take a break — when, where, and why people need to recharge. Then move on to the Associations Task, where students work together to list adjectives and verbs for a T-chart with two columns: Feeling Stressed and Feeling Relaxed.
Vocabulary preview, Definitions, Vocabulary Practice, Speaking
Introduce the key vocabulary, then move to Vocabulary in Context – Mini Situations, where students read ten short examples and guess which target word each situation describes.
Video, Comprehension
Students then watch a short BBC video from 1989 in which researchers predicted what homes might look like by the year 2020. Their task is to make a list of the technologies and ideas mentioned in the video — things people believed we would have today. After watching, compare their notes with the comprehension table provided. Students fill in the table with (1) the prediction, (2) its intended purpose or function, and (3) the reality — whether it came true, partly true, or not at all. This stage develops listening for detail, critical thinking, and comparison skills.
Video, Emoji Summary, Discussion
Start with the First Viewing (Gist), where students spot what’s special about the vending machine and figure out the main message. Then move on to the Noticing Task – Emotions & Reactions, where they watch again and focus on how people’s feelings change — from surprised and confused to relaxed and refreshed. Next, in the Emoji Summary activity, students match emoji sequences to key moments in the video to check their understanding. Finally, use a set of follow-up questions to spark deeper discussion once they’ve watched and analyzed the video.
Story Chain, Speaking, Homework
In the Story Chain activity, students work together to build a funny or unexpected story by adding one sentence at a time, and they need to use the new vocabulary in each part. Next, there’s Problem – Break Solution, where students look at different stressful situations and suggest the best kind of break for each one (tea, a walk, a nap, or something more creative!) For homework, students design their own “break machine.” They decide what it gives people and how to use it. In the next class, they present their ideas to everyone.
