
This practical intermediate English lesson helps students develop business vocabulary and discussion abilities using the interesting world of professional dog grooming. Students will explore entrepreneurship, customer service, and business success while practicing essential language skills through engaging activities that combine real-world business concepts with everyday English communication.
Warm-Up
The lesson begins with students examining what makes a dog grooming business successful. They receive a list of different business traits and characteristics, then work together to identify the top three factors they believe are most important for success in this industry. This opening activity gets students thinking critically about business concepts while practicing vocabulary related to entrepreneurship, customer relations, and service industries. The discussion also introduces key themes they’ll explore throughout the lesson.
Video
Students watch an inspiring video titled “I Bring In $1.3 Million A Year As A Dog Grooming Artist” that features a successful business owner sharing their journey and strategies. The video provides authentic English listening practice while showcasing real business experiences and professional advice. After watching, students complete a matching exercise where they connect sentence beginnings with the correct endings based on information from the video. This activity tests their listening comprehension while reinforcing important business vocabulary and concepts.
Targeted Language Practice Activities
The exercise section features three focused activities designed to strengthen different aspects of English language skills within the business context. Students start by organizing vocabulary words into appropriate categories, which helps them understand how business-related terms are grouped and used in professional contexts. The second exercise has them completing common business phrases using provided verbs, which builds their understanding of professional language patterns and improves their ability to express business ideas clearly. Finally, they complete sentences using specific adjectives that are commonly used when describing business situations, customer experiences, and professional services.
Business Reading Comprehension
Students read an informative text about the dog grooming industry that covers topics like market trends, business challenges, customer expectations, and growth opportunities. The reading material is designed to be both educational and engaging, giving students insight into how service businesses operate while exposing them to authentic business English. After reading, they answer comprehension questions that test their understanding of both specific details and broader business concepts, helping them develop the reading skills needed for professional and academic success.
Problem-Solving Discussion Activity
The lesson concludes with students analyzing three different business scenarios related to dog grooming services. Each scenario presents a challenging situation that a business owner might face. Students discuss what could have been handled differently in each situation, encouraging them to think creatively about problem-solving while practicing expressing opinions, giving advice, and discussing alternative approaches. This final activity brings together all the lesson’s vocabulary and concepts while developing critical thinking and communication skills.
This intermediate ESL lesson successfully combines business education with practical English language learning, giving students valuable vocabulary and discussion skills they can apply to many professional situations. The focus on a specific, relatable industry makes complex business concepts more accessible while providing plenty of opportunities for meaningful conversation and language practice.

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Absolutely LOVE this lesson! Thanks for the great work :)
Thanks Izabel. We are glad you like it :))