Remote vs. office work: discussing policies and expressing nuanced opinions

Summary

This 90-minute ESL lesson for B2 learners explores Remote vs. office work: discussing policies and expressing nuanced opinions through a real article. Across 10 interactive exercises, you'll develop 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: Clauses of concession and contrast with examples and practice
• Real-world phrases for discussing flexible work arrangements
• Gap-fill and cloze exercises to test vocabulary in context
• Error correction to sharpen grammar awareness
• A reading passage to practise newly learned language

Lesson activities (10 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. Vocabulary — Learn key words and expressions from the article, with definitions and usage notes.
3. Fill the gaps — Complete sentences with the correct vocabulary. Drag and drop or type your answers.
4. Grammar — Study Clauses of concession and contrast — explanation, examples, and key rules.
5. Error correction — Find and fix the mistake in each sentence — a great grammar workout.
6. Practical English — Learn phrases for discussing flexible work arrangements — ready to use in real conversations.
7. Cloze passage — Fill in blanks within a connected text to practise vocabulary in context.
8. Reading — Read a short passage on the topic and answer comprehension questions.
9. 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 article:

• To strike a balance — to find a satisfactory compromise between two opposing things.
• To touch base (with someone) — to make brief contact with someone, usually to get an update or check on progress.
• A hybrid model — a work style that combines a mix of working from the office and working remotely.
• To be on the same page — to have a shared understanding or be in agreement about a situation or plan.
• Productivity dip — a temporary decrease in the rate at which work is completed.

Grammar

This lesson focuses on Clauses of concession and contrast.

Clauses of concession and contrast connect two opposing or unexpected ideas in a single sentence. They are perfect for discussing the pros and cons of workplace policies, like remote work, allowing you to present a balanced and nuanced argument.

Examples from the lesson:

• Although working from home offers great flexibility, it can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation. — Use 'although' or 'even though' to introduce a subordinate clause that contrasts with the main clause.
• Despite the convenience of remote work, many companies are asking employees to return to the office. — Remember that 'despite' and 'in spite of' are followed by a noun or a gerund (-ing form), not a full clause (subject + verb).
• Productivity has increased for many remote workers. However, building a strong team culture remains a challenge. — 'However' and 'nevertheless' are adverbs that connect two separate sentences to show contrast.

Key rules:

• Connectors like 'although', 'though', and 'even though' are followed by a clause (subject + verb).
• 'Despite' and 'in spite of' are followed by a noun or an '-ing' verb (gerund).
• Common mistake: Avoid using 'but' in the same sentence as 'although'. e.g., 'Although it's convenient, it can be lonely.'

Practical English

discussing flexible work arrangements

When your team discusses a new hybrid or remote work policy, you need to express your opinion clearly, listen to others, and help find a solution that works for everyone. These phrases will help you participate in the conversation constructively.

Phrases you'll learn:

• "How would everyone feel about trying a three-day office week to start with?" — This is a gentle way to propose a specific idea.
• "Speaking for myself, I find I can do my deep-focus work much more effectively from home." — This shares your personal experience as a reason for your preference.
• "My only concern is how we'll handle spontaneous collaboration if we're not in the same space." — This allows you to raise a potential problem politely.
• "I'm on board with that. It would give us the best of both worlds." — This is a natural way to show strong agreement and support for someone's idea.
• "Perhaps we could find a middle ground, like having fixed 'anchor days' when everyone comes in." — This is used to suggest a compromise when opinions differ.