Understanding logistics

Richard | Mar 06, 2026Mar 06, 2026

LESSON OVERVIEW

The main objectives of this lesson are to:

• talk about logistics operations, trends and issues;
• practise key logistics vocabulary; 
• role-play a staff meeting to solve logistical problems.

In this lesson, students discuss logistics systems, talk about their experiences and explore vocabulary for logistics operations (e.g. procurement, dispatch, warehousing). They debate the pros and cons of global supply chain trends, review collocations (e.g. stocktaking exercise, clear security, supply chain risk) and work with the description of key steps in a logistics process. Students also role-play problem-solving in a logistics staff meeting and discuss corporate transparency.

WARM-UP AND VOCABULARY

This lesson starts with a warm-up. Students think about the last time they bought something online and discuss what they think happened between clicking ‘order’ and their product arriving. They use a flowchart to talk about the process. After that, students look at the definition of ‘logistics’ and say how they would improve or expand it. Moving on, they examine statements on issues in global logistics and think of alternative vocabulary for words and phrases (e.g. ship, delivery, incoming). Then, students use logistics vocabulary (e.g. dispatch, distribution, inbound) to replace the words from the previous task. Afterwards, they choose three statements from the previous exercise and think of one argument for and one argument against the idea in each of them. Following that, students explore more vocabulary (e.g. streamline workflow, track an order, clear customs) by matching the halves of sentences about different logistics operations.  

LOGISTICS VOCABULARY AND ROLE-PLAY

In this part of the lesson, students examine sets of collocations related to logistics and decide which one is not possible in each set (e.g. track shipments/places/packages/orders). After that, they unscramble words (e.g. stocktaking, procurement, freight) to complete sentences describing key steps in a logistics process. Moving on, students look at the steps again and put them in the correct order to describe the typical journey of a product from the manufacturer to the supplier. Next, they imagine they work in logistics. Students examine problems and think of questions they could ask during a staff meeting. They then ask each other the questions and discuss possible solutions. Students use logistics vocabulary in their questions and answers. Finally, they read questions involving logistics management and think of possible answers a company might provide. Students say which of their answers are most likely to be given in public and justify.

HOMEWORK/REVISION

This lesson also includes an additional task that you can use as homework or revision. In the task, students practise logistics vocabulary and choose the correct words in sentences about the supply chain. They then choose five sentences and finish them with their own ideas. 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.

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