Summary
This lesson plan for English teachers introduces the Zero Conditional in a business context. This ESL class material is designed for B1 students to practice explaining standard work procedures and processes using key vocabulary and grammar.
This practical English lesson helps students describe typical workplace procedures. The activities guide learners from controlled to free practice, starting with vocabulary for order processing and a listening task about company policy. Students then focus on the grammar of the Zero Conditional before reading a memo about an automated system. The class material culminates in a speaking activity where students explain various business processes using phrases and language learned throughout the lesson.
Activities
- Students begin by matching business actions to their logical results and completing a vocabulary task about an order process. The lesson includes a listening comprehension exercise where students fill in gaps while a manager explains a standard procedure.
- Learners read an authentic-style company memo about a new automated returns system. They must then answer true or false comprehension questions, practicing their ability to extract specific information from a workplace document about a process.
- The lesson concludes with a structured speaking task. In pairs, students use prompts and the target language to explain one of several work scenarios, such as onboarding a new employee, handling a complaint, or booking a business trip.
Transcript
0:00 If we receive an order, we immediately send a confirmation e-mail.
0:06 If a customer doesn't respond within 24 hours, our team follows up with a call.
0:12 When we get payment, we release the product for shipping.
0:16 If the product is out of stock, we notify the customer and offer an alternative.
0:22 We always prioritize efficiency. So if a step is unclear, we review the process. This ensures smooth operations.
Vocabulary focus
This lesson introduces essential vocabulary for describing a standard business process, particularly related to handling orders. Key terms include: confirmation, stock, shipping, payment, process, alternative, notify, and receive. These words are practiced in a gap-fill exercise and reinforced in the listening and reading tasks.
Grammar focus
The main grammar point is the Zero Conditional. It is presented as a way to talk about facts, rules, and standard processes that are always true. The lesson explains its structure (If/When + Present Simple, ... Present Simple) and provides clear business-related examples. Students practice forming sentences to describe typical cause-and-effect workplace situations.
