Happiness is…

Title separator

Speaking
class

ESL lesson about happiness

This is a standalone lesson but it can also be used as part of the set titled:

LESSON OVERVIEW

In this ESL lesson about happiness, students talk about the feeling, watch a video and discuss happiness myths. The teacher can also choose to do an optional vocabulary activity with students.  

B2 / Upper Intermediate
C1 / Advanced
45 min
60 min
Speaking ClassUnlimited Plan

This is a Speaking Class worksheet. It includes a variety of tasks that let your students practise their speaking skills. This lesson format does not focus on grammar or vocabulary. Learn more about it here.

WARM-UP & VIDEO

At the beginning of this ESL lesson about happiness, students look at three definitions of the word happiness and say why they think the definitions are so different. Then, students look at a list of nouns (e.g.  bliss, contentment, wonder, euphoria) and choose four which they think give the best idea of what happiness is. Students also need to explain what the connection between the words and happiness is. The teacher can also choose to ask students to create adjectives from the nouns and/or think of verbs that collocate with the nouns. Before watching the video, students think of the things that are or were thought to bring happiness by various generations (e.g. your grandparents’ generation). Then, they watch the video and summarise their opinions about it in one sentence. 

SPEAKING

In the second part of this ESL lesson about happiness, students say whether they agree that the ideas from the video are myths. They need to explain their opinions. Then, students look at some quotes from the video and discuss some questions. For example, they talk about checklists with life goals, how certain narratives can be motivating or demotivating or how we can be less judgemental about people who choose different life paths than us. In the final part of this ESL lesson about happiness, students say whether they agree with some statements about happiness. For instance, they talk about happiness being a journey, not a path, and happiness being a universal human pursuit. The statements are also a comment on sadness, self-acceptance and chasing happiness. In the task, students need to explain their answers.

WORKSHEETS

 

Comments

Title separator

Leave a Reply

  1. Shosh

    Thank you, thank you, thank you! We has a blast. What a wonderful lesson with thought-out activities! Can we haver more of those, please?

    1. Ewa

      Happy to hear the lesson was a success. And we will keep publishing 3 speaking classes every month 🙂

      1. [email protected]

        And where is the worksheet? I have subscribed but cannot see a worksheet for this lesson.

        1. Ewa

          Hi Antonia! The worksheet is available in the Unlimited subscription. Please drop us a line at [email protected] if you have any questions.

  2. insegnanteCrema

    rapped should be wrapped

    rap is very different to wrap

    1. Ewa

      Hi, thanks for spotting that! It’s now fixed.

Browse other materials recommended for you

Title separator
ESL lesson on coaching and mentoring
C1 / Advanced
Standard Lesson 60 min
Loading

Coaching and mentoring

Business Lifestyle

Dive into the realm of coaching and mentoring! Students practise phrases about personal development, watch a video about a coaching session and share opinions. They also read about a coaching tool and reflect on their goals.

vocabulary for extreme environments
B2 / Upper Intermediate
Standard Lesson 60 min
Loading

An unusual place to live

Lifestyle

This lesson invites students to talk about unusual places around the world! They practise vocabulary for extreme environments, watch a video about living underground and share their perspectives on the effects of living under extreme conditions.

C1 / Advanced
Critical Reading Club 30 min / 45 min
Loading

Gen Z’s penchant for sad music

General Lifestyle

Students read and discuss an article about Gen Z’s preference for sad music and learn vocabulary for describing sad music and listener behaviour. They also talk about changes in music trends, analyse comments, and share opinions on the topic.

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

Mommunes

Lifestyle

With this lesson, students talk about family structures and shared parenting. They explore vocabulary to talk about parenting and watch a video about single mothers and children who share households.

B1 / Intermediate | B2 / Upper Intermediate
Standard Lesson 60 min
Loading

Food is more than just fuel

General Lifestyle

With this lesson, students discuss the impact of food on health. They practise vocabulary on nutrition, watch an informative video about the effects of foods on sleep and talk about specific food labels and food philosophies.

B2 / Upper Intermediate
Critical Reading Club 30 min / 45 min
Loading

Rule of three: third spaces

Lifestyle

Encourage students to read a fun article about third spaces! Students will also consider different types of third spaces, discuss questions, take a quiz and practise vocabulary.

talking about fitness trends
B2 / Upper Intermediate
Speaking Class 45 min / 60 min
Loading

When exercise meets cosy…

Lifestyle

With this lesson, students discuss health and fitness trends and self-care rituals. They watch a video about ‘cosy cardio’, a new exercise practice, and share their personal experiences. Students can also do a vocabulary activity at the beginning of the lesson.

technology in sports
C1 / Advanced | C2 / Proficiency
Speaking Class 45 min / 60 min
Loading

The fastest shoe in the world

Lifestyle Technology

With this speaking lesson, students talk about technology in sports, sports ethics and fairness and watch a video on a controversy involving Nike’s footwear in professional running. They also discuss regulatory measures in athletics and the future of technology in sports.

advanced lesson about branding
C1 / Advanced | C2 / Proficiency
Standard Lesson 60 min
Loading

How brands influence our thinking

Business Lifestyle

Engage in a discussion about branding with this lesson! Students talk about consumer behaviour and brand-building strategies, watch a video and discuss the relationship between consumers and brands.

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