You are not a success machine

The main goals of this ESL lesson plan are to:

– discuss the causes and effects of becoming obsessed with tasks, using vocabulary related to work-life balance and overworking;

– improve grammar by using modals of speculation in gap-fill activities;

– identify key facts in a video titled “Fighting Workaholism: You Are Not a Success Machine”.

In this Intermediate ESL lesson plan, students discuss some causes and effects of excessive focus on tasks. They are introduced to useful vocabulary related to work-life balance and overworking, and also practice using modals of speculation.

Warm-up

The lesson starts with an exercise where students pick words that may indicate an unhealthy relationship with work.

Video

Students identify facts about workaholism in a video titled “Fighting Workaholism: You Are Not a Success Machine”.

Exercises

Students match key phrases with their definitions and practice using modals of speculation in gap-fill exercises.

Reading

Students read a short text on the reasons behind workaholism, then ask and answer questions in a Q&A session.

Discussion

Students discuss thought-provoking questions about work-life balance, and express their ideas using the new language from the lesson.