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# Future plans: discussing intentions and predictions
- URL: https://www.lessonpills.com/future-forms-plans-predictions/
- Published: 2026-06-30T05:24:51.000Z
- Updated: 2026-07-13T05:45:16.000Z
- Description: Future plans — a B1 English lesson. Practise using 'will', 'be going to', and present continuous and expand vocabulary around future planning.
- Author: Lessonpills
- Tags: B1, Grammar, Practical English, Audio, Premium, Future forms

## Summary

This 90-minute ESL lesson for **B1** learners explores **Future plans: discussing intentions and predictions** through a real audio recording. Across 11 interactive exercises, you'll develop listening comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, practical communication, speaking skills — all built around authentic English content.

**What you'll practise:**

- **5 key vocabulary items** with definitions and usage notes
- Grammar focus: **Talking about the future** with examples and practice
- Real-world phrases for **catching up with a friend**
- Gap-fill and cloze exercises to test vocabulary in context
- Matching exercise to connect terms with their meanings
- Error correction to sharpen grammar awareness
- A reading passage to practise newly learned language

[![CTA Image](https://www.lessonpills.com/content/images/2026/07/icon128-2.png)](https://learn.lessonpills.com/future-forms-plans-predictions?ref=lessonpills.com) 

Ready to practise? This interactive lesson includes vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension exercises — all based on real English content. 

[Start the lesson ](https://learn.lessonpills.com/future-forms-plans-predictions?ref=lessonpills.com) 

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## Lesson activities (11 exercises)

Each exercise builds on the previous one. Work through them in order for the best learning experience.

1. **Warm-up** — Discussion questions to activate what you already know about the topic.
2. **Comprehension** — Answer questions to check your understanding of the main ideas and supporting details.
3. **Grammar** — Study **Talking about the future** — explanation, examples, and key rules.
4. **Error correction** — Find and fix the mistake in each sentence — a great grammar workout.
5. **Vocabulary** — Learn key words and expressions from the audio recording, with definitions and usage notes.
6. **Fill the gaps** — Complete sentences with the correct vocabulary. Drag and drop or type your answers.
7. **Practical English** — Learn phrases for **catching up with a friend** — ready to use in real conversations.
8. **Matching** — Connect words, phrases, or concepts to their correct counterparts.
9. **Reading** — Read a short passage on the topic and answer comprehension questions.
10. **Discussion** — Reflect on the topic and share your opinions using the language you've learned.

## Vocabulary

This lesson introduces **5 key terms** drawn directly from the audio recording:

- **To look forward to (something)** — to feel happy and excited about something that is going to happen.
- **To be up in the air** — when a plan or decision is uncertain and has not been decided yet.
- **In the long run** — over a long period of time in the future.
- **To set a goal** — to decide on something you want to achieve in the future.
- **Fingers crossed** — a phrase used to say you hope something will happen in the way you want.

## Grammar

This lesson focuses on **Talking about the future**.

In English, we use different forms to talk about the future. We choose 'will', 'be going to', or the present continuous depending on whether we are talking about a spontaneous decision, a firm plan, a fixed arrangement, or a prediction. Understanding the difference helps you sound more natural when discussing your intentions.

**Examples from the lesson:**

- *I'm going to look for a new job next year.* — Use 'be going to' for plans and intentions you have already decided on.
- *We're meeting the project manager on Friday morning.* — Use the present continuous for fixed future arrangements, especially with a specific time or place.
- *I think the new strategy will be a success.* — Use 'will' for predictions based on your opinion or for spontaneous decisions made at the moment of speaking.

**Key rules:**

- Use 'be going to' for intentions and plans made before speaking.
- Use the present continuous for fixed arrangements with other people.
- A common mistake is using 'will' for pre-decided plans; use 'be going to' instead.

## Practical English

**catching up with a friend**

When you see a friend you haven't seen for a while, it's natural to talk about your lives and future plans. Here are some common phrases to help you have a smooth and natural conversation.

**Phrases you'll learn:**

- **"'So, what's on the horizon for you?'"** — a friendly way to ask about someone's general future plans.
- **"'I'm hoping to \[travel to Japan\] next year.'"** — to talk about a future plan that you really want to happen, but isn't 100% certain yet.
- **"'That sounds like a great plan.'"** — to react positively and give encouragement about someone's idea.
- **"'I haven't really thought that far ahead.'"** — to say you don't have any long-term plans at the moment.
- **"'I'm sure you'll do great.'"** — to make a positive prediction to encourage someone.

[![CTA Image](https://www.lessonpills.com/content/images/2026/07/icon128-2.png)](https://learn.lessonpills.com/future-forms-plans-predictions?ref=lessonpills.com) 

Ready to practise? This interactive lesson includes vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension exercises — all based on real English content. 

[Start the lesson ](https://learn.lessonpills.com/future-forms-plans-predictions?ref=lessonpills.com)