Tech pet peeves

Title separator

Vocabulary - tech problems

ESL lesson about tech problems

LESSON OVERVIEW

The main objectives of this ESL lesson about tech problems are to:

  • discuss real-life tech frustrations;
  • watch a video about tech pet peeves;
  • learn and practise vocabulary for tech troubles.

With this lesson, students explore statistics about mobile phones in the UK, talk about smartphone use and watch a video where people talk about their tech pet peeves. They practise vocabulary for discussing tech problems, chat about the effects of technology on daily life and share their experiences and thoughts. 

B1 / Intermediate60 minStandard LessonPremium Plan

WARM-UP AND VIDEO

This ESL lesson about tech problems begins with a warm-up. Students read the statistics about mobile phones in the UK. They complete gaps with percentages (e.g. In 2023, 50% of nine-year-olds owned a smartphone.). Afterwards, students discuss questions about smartphone use and reactions to the statistics. Then, they watch a video where people talk about their tech pet peeves and write down things people mention. Following that, students complete sentences from the video with the correct words (e.g. I think technology gets/creates/makes us stupid.). They then watch the video again to check their answers.

DISCUSSION

In this part of this ESL lesson about tech problems, students match statements about technology pet peeves (e.g. For me, technology is such a time-waste.) with extra information (e.g. I hate that I always check social media when I could be reading a book instead.). After that, they look at the statements again, say if they are true for them and add details. Students then complete words with their missing letters in questions about dealing with technology and its effects on daily life. Afterwards, they discuss the questions. Finally, students choose tech pet peeves from a list and discuss personal experiences and ways to avoid those problems. Then, they think of one more tech pet peeve and talk about it.

HOMEWORK/REVISION

This lesson plan also includes an additional task that you can use as homework or revision. In the task, students complete sentences with the target vocabulary from the lesson. They then choose sentences and add responses. The task is available in the teacher’s version of the worksheet. You can print it and hand it out to your students. It’s also included in the e-lesson plan.

WORKSHEETS

Comments

Title separator

Leave a Reply

  1. Владислав

    thank you for a cool lesson, Joe!

    I just wanted to let you know that there are a couple spaces missing on slides 10-12 in vocab practice.

    1. Joe

      Hi! I’m so glad you liked it. We’ll have a look at that – thank you!

    2. Joe

      It’s been amended now. Thank you!

  2. Monika Srębacz

    Just the topic I needed! Thanks a lot!

    1. Joe

      That’s great! So happy you liked it 🙂

Browse other materials recommended for you

Title separator
speaking lesson on posting online
B1 / Intermediate | B2 / Upper Intermediate
Speaking Class 45 min / 60 min

Think before you post

Global Issues Technology

Discuss the impact of posting videos online! Students talk about online content, privacy and consent. They watch a video segment about rules on filming in public and do a vocabulary task to practise useful phrases.

talking about translation
A2 / Pre‐Intermediate | B1 / Intermediate
Standard Lesson 60 min

Translation and tech

Technology

Engage in talking about translation with this lesson! Students practise phrases for discussing translation tools, watch a video about real-time translation on ChatGPT and read a text about a modern type of translation.

ESL lesson on farming
B1 / Intermediate | B2 / Upper Intermediate
Standard Lesson 60 min

Smart farming

Global Issues Technology

Discuss modern agriculture with this ESL lesson on farming! Students share their perspectives, watch a video excerpt on farming technology and review farming vocabulary.

ESL lesson on UI and UX
B1 / Intermediate
Vocabulary Lab 45 min / 60 min

How user-friendly is this app?

Technology

Learn UI/UX elements with this worksheet. Students practise vocabulary for website and app elements, follow instructions to perform actions on a website or app and discuss annoying UI/UX situations.

B1 / Intermediate
Critical Reading Club 45 min

Video calling

Business Technology

Get students talking about video calls with this Critical Reading Club lesson! They read an article about Skype shutting down, review vocabulary for videoconference issues and share opinions and experiences.

ESL lesson on the first conditional
B1 / Intermediate | B2 / Upper Intermediate
Standard Lesson 60 min

Driverless buses (First Conditional)

Grammar Technology

Students discuss driverless buses in this ESL lesson on the first conditional. They watch a video about autonomous buses, share opinions and practise different First Conditional structures. 

discussing AI chatbots
B1 / Intermediate
Standard Lesson 60 min

AI chatbot ready to help

Technology

Engage in discussing AI chatbots with this lesson! Students practise useful vocabulary, watch a video on what AI chatbots are and talk about their experiences. They also share opinions and write chatbot replies.

discussing social media
B1 / Intermediate | B2 / Upper Intermediate
Standard Lesson 60 min

How social media content affects us

Technology

Engage students in discussing social media! With this lesson, they practise vocabulary related to social networks, watch a video about a viral TikTok moment and talk about social media habits. Students also read and discuss social media stories.

ESL lesson on giving instructions
A2 / Pre‐Intermediate | B1 / Intermediate
Standard Lesson 60 min

Clicking the right button (giving instructions)

Technology

Teach students to give instructions with this lesson! Students discuss their experience with technology, watch a video with instructions and practise email collocations. They also learn interface vocabulary and screen position phrases. 

Show more lessons

Questions

Title separator

Is there a minimum subscription period if I choose a monthly subscription?

No, there's no minimum required number of subscription months. You can cancel any time you want. Basically, you can sign up and then cancel your subscription the next day, which will mean you have access for 1 month and won't be charged again.

What currencies can I pay in for my subscription?

Our default currency is USD (American dollar), but you can also pay in EUR (euro), GBP (British pound sterling) or PLN (Polish zloty). You can change the currency you want to pay in at the Pricing page before selecting a subscription plan.

How can I edit an e-lesson plan?

You can get your own editable copy of an e-lesson plan and make changes to it. To do so, either (1) make a copy of it on your Google Drive (preferable method) or (2) download it in a Powerpoint format (but formatting might be a bit off so we can’t guarantee that it will work well).
Read more FAQ
Title separator

ESL Brains

Forgot password?
or continue with
Title separator
Title separator
Close icon
Looking for the perfect gift? Give the gift of ESL Brains access!
Gift of ESL Brains access