Summary
This downloadable PDF lesson plan for English teachers helps B2 students discuss what makes a great leader. This business English class material uses a TED talk to explore modern leadership concepts, vocabulary, and grammar for the workplace.
This comprehensive ESL lesson plan explores modern leadership through a variety of engaging activities. Students begin by discussing the qualities of a good leader before learning key vocabulary to understand a TED talk by a Harvard professor.
The class material includes video comprehension questions, a grammar focus on modals of obligation (must, have to, need to), and a final case study that challenges students to apply what they've learned to a real-world business problem.
Activities
- Students begin by brainstorming qualities of leaders they admire and then match key business vocabulary, like 'agile' and 'to harness', to their definitions. This pre-teaches essential words for understanding the video content and prepares them for the main topic.
- The core of the lesson is a video from Harvard Business School professor Linda A. Hill. Students watch and answer comprehension questions about the 'ABCs of leadership' (Architect, Bridger, Catalyst) and the concept of leading innovation through collective genius.
- Learners practice modals of obligation and necessity (must, have to, need to) in the context of leadership responsibilities. A final case study on an innovative company allows them to use all the new language and concepts in a practical problem-solving discussion.
Vocabulary focus
This lesson focuses on high-level business and leadership vocabulary. Key terms include words like 'agile', 'to co-create', 'ecosystem', and 'to forge'. Students also learn common business phrases such as 'setting direction', 'at scale', 'formal authority', and 'collective good'.
Grammar focus
The grammar section targets modals of obligation and necessity. Students will learn the subtle differences between 'must', 'have to', and 'need to' for expressing internal rules, external requirements, and the actions necessary to achieve a specific business goal.
