Understanding generations

Title separator

Speaking
class

speaking lesson on generations

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

LESSON OVERVIEW

The main objectives of this speaking lesson on generations are to:

  • talk about differences among generations;
  • compare their experiences with what’s shown in a short comedy video.

In this lesson, students identify and discuss stereotypes related to different generations. They talk about people they know and think about situations different generations would most likely relate to. Students also watch a comedy video on how generations behave at work and imagine how the youngest generation will behave in different areas of life.

A2 / Pre‐Intermediate
B1 / Intermediate
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 AND REFLECTION

This speaking lesson on generations starts with a warm-up in which students complete statements with the phrases (e.g. future generations, generation gaps, older generations, etc.). They also share if they agree with the statements. After that, students think about and describe people they know from different generations (baby boomers, Generation X, millennials and Generation Z) in one sentence (e.g. My mum is a baby boomer. She’s really organized and she likes meeting new people.). Then, students read the statements with various opinions and decide which generation might say them.

VIDEO AND DISCUSSION

In this part of the lesson, students discuss questions about stereotypes related to different generations including the one about their attitude to work. Then, they watch a comedy video about how different generations behave at work and compare their ideas. After that, students discuss the behaviour of different generations depicted in the video by answering questions. Then, they look at the activities (e.g. throw a surprise party, start a social media account, etc.) and say which generation would be the worst and the best to do them with and explain their choice. This speaking lesson on generations ends with an activity in which students think about the youngest generation (Generation Alpha, born 2013 onwards) and imagine what they will think about and how they will behave in different areas of life (e.g. family, work, technology, etc.).     

WORKSHEETS

 

Comments

Title separator

Leave a Reply

  1. laryssacp

    I love this lesson! Super engaging topic.
    Thanks a lot!

    1. Olia

      That’s great! Thanks for your feedback 🙂

  2. Troy

    Is there a way to make this lesson plan more for upper and advanced level students? Thanks very much in advance.

    1. Olia

      Hello! Have you seen our B2 lesson on generations?

      1. Troy

        Hi Olia,

        Yes, I have used it but wanted to adapt the previous lesson plan as I teach upper and advanced level. Thanks!

        Troy

        1. Olia

          Oh I see! Unfortunately, we don’t adapt lessons for different levels. However, I think this one can be used with more advanced students. You can encourage them to use more advanced vocabulary in discussions. Also, if you use e-lessons, you can make your own copy and make any changes you think are necessary 🙂

  3. Lucia K.

    Thanks for the great lesson plan. It definitely made my student talk! 🙂

    1. Olia

      Thanks, I’m glad you like it 🙂

Browse other materials recommended for you

Title separator
talking about style and clothing
A2 / Pre‐Intermediate | B1 / Intermediate
Standard Lesson 60 min
Loading

Your style, your story

General Lifestyle

Talk about style with this lesson! Students discuss clothing choices, practise vocabulary on clothing and watch an ad for a fashion brand. They also share their personal clothing preferences and work on mind maps.

collocations to describe appearance
B1 / Intermediate | B2 / Upper Intermediate
Standard Lesson 60 min
Loading

Does anyone else look like you?

General

With this lesson, students talk about facial features! They practise collocations to describe appearance, watch a video on the concept of doppelgängers and discuss people who look alike.

speaking lesson on guilt
B1 / Intermediate | B2 / Upper Intermediate
Speaking Class 45 min / 60 min
Loading

Should I feel bad about it?

General

In this speaking lesson on guilt, students discuss guilty pleasures and varied opinions on the emotion. They also watch and discuss a video about ‘vacation guilt’. Students have an optional vocabulary activity with expressions related to guilt.

making and accepting apology
B1 / Intermediate
Standard Lesson 60 min
Loading

My bad! (making and accepting apologies)

Business General

With this lesson, students discuss experiences and ways to apologize! They listen to a recording of people talking about work mistakes and practise phrases to apologize, promise solutions and accept apologies.

vocabulary for going to the doctor’s
B1 / Intermediate
Flipped Lesson 60 min
Loading

The doctor will see you now

General

Students go to the doctor’s with this lesson! They learn functional vocabulary and watch an advice video about how to make the most from your doctor’s visit. They work with vocabulary to answer questions, describe ailments, and do a roleplay.

functional language for hotel situations
A2 / Pre‐Intermediate | B1 / Intermediate
Standard Lesson 60 min
Loading

I’m calling to change my reservation (functional language)

General

Students talk about hotel situations, practise functional language for hotel interactions and watch a video about welcoming a guest to an Airbnb flat. They also do a role-play using target vocabulary.

adjective order
A2 / Pre‐Intermediate | B1 / Intermediate
Standard Lesson 60 min
Loading

Things we use every day

General

With this lesson, students explore and use adjectives in the correct order! They watch a video of everyday objects in super macro, discuss personal objects and talk about objects with different characteristics.

ESL lesson about animal abilities
B1 / Intermediate | B2 / Upper Intermediate
Speaking Class 45 min / 60 min
Loading

How smart are animals?

General

Students discuss animal abilities with this lesson! They talk about differing opinions on animal intelligence, learn about animal skills and hear some fascinating animal stories. They watch a video, think about an animal’s point of view, and discuss lots of questions.

describe people’s appearance
A2 / Pre‐Intermediate
Flipped Lesson 60 min
Loading

What do they look like?

General

With this lesson, students practise vocabulary to talk about people’s physical appearance. They watch a video on women’s self-image, explore filler words and debate self-image and beauty standards. They also practise body parts vocabulary.

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