The structure of ESL/ESOL lesson plans

A lesson plan for Esl/esol classes has a logical structure starting with

  • a warmer, intro to a topic, activation of previous knowledge.
  • pre-teaching of some vocabulary or grammar ( 3–5 items, if necessary). Ask questions, explain meaning of words/grammar within a context, practice pronunciation, check understanding, write and show other forms of a word/grammar, highlight phonology
  • Presentation of a text, audio, video or a picture. Simple gist question, following some specific questions about the material
  • Controlled practice. Check understanding of the material/vocabulary or grammar rules. The examples are gap-fill exercises, true or false, etc.
  • Freer practice. Here students should use their own ideas within the specific context. For example, complete sentences with your ideas, describe the picture relevant to target vocabulary/grammar
  • Production, the final step. It is usually expressing an opinion about the topic, advice, prediction. You can tell your students your own opinion before the task as an example. Don't forget to use target language. Special questions including target language can be formed to start a discussion.


It is a standard lesson plan using the traditional model PPP (presentation, practice, production) and CELTA methodology. More suitable for beginners, elementary and intermediate learners. You can find the examples of the video lesson plans using this model on my website. There are lesson plans for elementary, pre-intermediate and intermediate learners. Topics include health, daily life, social issues, culture, business vocabulary, IELTS preparation.

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