Summary
This downloadable PDF lesson plan for English teachers examines the business model of off-price retailers like T.J. Maxx. A great ESL lesson for B2 students interested in business, shopping, and marketing strategies, based on a fascinating video. This lesson helps B2 students discuss shopping habits and understand the "treasure hunt" business model of off-price stores. The class material includes a vocabulary matching exercise, comprehension questions for a video about T.J. Maxx's strategy, and a grammar focus on cause and effect language. Students will practice key phrases related to business and shopping, culminating in a group discussion where they create a marketing strategy for a competing department store. It's a comprehensive and practical lesson.
Activities
- Start with a warm-up discussion about bargain hunting and off-price stores to activate students' prior knowledge and introduce the topic of smart shopping.
- Watch an engaging video explaining the secrets behind T.J. Maxx's success. Students answer comprehension questions to check their understanding of the core business concepts presented.
- Practice key business and retail vocabulary in context, and focus on grammar by connecting causes and effects using phrases like 'leads to' and 'as a result' to describe business strategies.
- Conclude with a collaborative group activity where students role-play as marketing consultants, brainstorming strategies for a traditional store to compete with off-price retailers.
Vocabulary focus
This lesson focuses on vocabulary related to retail, business, and shopping. Key terms include: off-price retailer, excess merchandise, inventory, vendor, impulse buying, bargain conscious, on the spot, takes advantage of, and attribute it to. Students will also learn useful phrases for describing deals and business actions.
Grammar focus
The grammar section concentrates on language used to describe cause and effect. Students will practice using expressions such as 'because of', 'this allows...', 'as a result', and '(this) leads to/results in' to clearly connect business actions with their outcomes, improving their analytical and descriptive skills.
