This downloadable PDF lesson for B2 ESL students helps them discuss career pivoting. This English class material uses a listening exercise and a case study to teach students how to navigate professional changes in their 30s and 40s.
Summary
This downloadable PDF lesson for B2 ESL students helps them discuss career pivoting. This English class material uses a listening exercise and case study to teach students how to navigate professional changes in their 30s and 40s.
This lesson helps intermediate students explore the challenges and opportunities of changing careers later in life. Activities include a warm-up discussion on career aspirations, a vocabulary matching task, and comprehension questions based on an audio about the process of pivoting.
Students will practice using first and second conditionals to discuss future possibilities and hypothetical situations, and engage in a practical case study to apply useful phrases for career planning. The material is designed to generate meaningful conversation and provide practical communication tools for discussing professional transitions.
Activities
- A warm-up discussion where students explore the meaning of "career pivot" and the challenges of changing professions in their 30s and 40s, activating existing knowledge and personal experiences.
- A listening comprehension exercise where students complete a text about career changes, introducing key vocabulary in context and practicing comprehension skills.
- A vocabulary matching task to solidify understanding of terms like "upskilling," "transferable skills," and "daunting."
- A collaborative case study where students work in groups to create a step-by-step action plan for a fictional person, applying newly learned grammar, vocabulary, and useful phrases in a realistic scenario.
Transcript
00:00 It's increasingly common for people in their 30s and 40s to contemplate a significant career pivot. Many feel unfulfilled in their current roles, seeking more purpose or better work-life balance.
00:15 Making such a drastic change can be daunting, especially with financial commitments. However, if you've been considering it for a while, thorough research and networking are crucial.
00:30 Acquiring new skills or even pursuing further education might also be necessary. Ultimately, a successful pivot often leads to greater job satisfaction and personal growth. It's about having the courage to redefine your professional path.
Vocabulary focus
This lesson focuses on vocabulary essential for discussing professional development and career change. Key terms include verbs like "to contemplate" and "acquiring," nouns like "pivot" and "transferable skills," and adjectives such as "unfulfilled," "daunting," and "crucial." The concept of "upskilling" is also introduced, providing students with the language needed for modern career conversations.
Grammar focus
The grammar section concentrates on using conditionals to discuss possibilities, a crucial skill when talking about career changes. Students practice the structure and use of the first conditional for real future possibilities (e.g., "If I take a course...") and the second conditional for hypothetical situations (e.g., "If I had more savings..."). This allows for nuanced conversations about plans, dreams, and advice.
