B2 Lesson Plan: The Benefits of Walking
Lesson Objectives:
- Reading Skills – Students will read and understand a B2-level article about the benefits of walking, identifying key ideas and supporting details.
- Vocabulary Development – Students will learn and use new topic-related vocabulary (e.g., boost, reduce your risk, flexible, routine, intense exercise).
- Grammar Focus – Students will identify and use gerunds as subjects, objects, and after prepositions in both spoken and written English.
- Speaking Practice – Students will express opinions, compare ideas, and engage in meaningful conversation using target vocabulary and grammar.
- Writing Practice – Students will write a short paragraph about a healthy habit, using gerunds accurately and fluently.
- Critical Thinking – Students will discuss and evaluate the benefits of walking compared to other forms of exercise.
Here’s a complete 60-minute B2-level lesson plan based on the article “Why Walking is One of the Best Habits You Can Develop”. The lesson includes vocabulary work, reading comprehension, grammar focus (gerunds), and productive speaking/writing tasks.
Warm-Up Discussion (10 mins)
Aim: Activate prior knowledge and introduce the topic.
- Ask students:
- How often do you walk?
- Do you walk for exercise or just for transport?
- What do you think are the benefits of walking?
- Do you prefer walking alone or with someone?
Optional task: In pairs, list 5 situations where people might choose to walk instead of drive.
Vocabulary Pre-Teach (10 mins)
Aim: Pre-teach useful words from the article.
Word/Phrase | Meaning | Example Sentence |
intense exercise | very energetic physical activity | Some people prefer intense exercise like boxing. |
boost (v) | increase or improve something | Walking can boost your mood. |
reduce your risk | lower the chance of something bad | Walking reduces your risk of heart disease. |
flexible (adj) | easy to adapt or change | Walking is a flexible activity—you can do it anytime. |
routine (n) | regular schedule or habit | I try to include walking in my daily routine. |
Quick matching or fill-in-the-blank exercise (you can prepare a handout or do it orally):
- Walking can ________ your mood.
- It’s easy to include walking in your daily ________.
- Running is an example of ________ exercise.
- This activity is very ________—you can do it anytime.
- Exercising daily helps ________ your risk of illness.
Reading: Article (10 mins)
Aim: Reading for gist and detail.
Task 1 – Gist Question:
- What is the main message of the article?
Task 2 – Comprehension Questions (in pairs or small groups):
- What are some physical benefits of walking?
- How does walking improve mental health?
- What makes walking an easy and accessible activity?
- Why do some people find walking helps them think more clearly?
- What do you need in order to go for a walk?
Optional: Students highlight or underline any gerunds they notice in the text.
Grammar Focus: Gerunds (10 mins)
Aim: Understand how gerunds function in a sentence.
Mini-presentation or guided notes:
A gerund is the -ing form of a verb used as a noun.
Examples from the article:
- Walking helps your heart. (subject)
- Many people enjoy walking in nature. (object)
- You can benefit from walking every day. (after a preposition)
Quick Practice: Complete the sentences:
- ________ every day can improve your health. (subject)
- I enjoy ________ in the forest. (object)
- You feel better after ________. (preposition + gerund)
Extension Challenge: Students rewrite these using gerunds:
- “It is good to walk every day.” → “Walking every day is good.”
- “People like to walk with friends.” → “People like walking with friends.”
Speaking Task: Walk and Talk (10–15 mins)
Aim: Practice expressing opinions and using gerunds.
In pairs or small groups: Discuss these questions (encourage gerund use):
- Do you enjoy walking? Why or why not?
- What are the pros and cons of walking compared to driving or cycling?
- How can adding walking to your daily routine help your lifestyle?
- What other healthy habits do you enjoy doing?
Optional extra speaking task (if time allows): Mini-debate: “Walking is better than going to the gym.” – one student argues for, one against.
Writing Task (5–10 mins)
Aim: Practice using gerunds in written expression.
Task: Write a short paragraph (5–6 sentences) about an activity that is good for your physical or mental health. Use at least three gerunds.
Example starter:
“Eating healthy food is one of the best things you can do for your body. Cooking at home gives you more control over ingredients…”
Students can read theirs aloud in pairs or swap for peer feedback.
Why Walking is One of the Best Habits You Can Develop
Walking might seem like a simple activity, but it can have a surprisingly powerful impact on your life. While many people focus on more intense exercise like running or going to the gym, taking a walk each day can offer many physical and mental health benefits.
Physical Benefits
One of the biggest advantages of walking is that it improves your overall health. Walking regularly helps your heart, strengthens your muscles, and improves your balance. It can also reduce your risk of diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain types of cancer. Unlike high-impact sports, going for a walk is easy on your joints and suitable for people of all ages.
Mental Benefits
Spending time outdoors and walking in nature can also boost your mental health. Studies have shown that walking in a park or green space reduces stress and increases feelings of happiness. It’s also a great way to clear your mind and think more clearly. In fact, many people say that walking helps them solve problems or come up with new ideas.
Social and Lifestyle Benefits
Another great advantage of walking is that it’s flexible. You don’t need any special equipment or training. Whether you walk alone, with a friend, or as part of a walking group, making walking part of your routine is easy and inexpensive. It’s also a great way to connect with others and enjoy your community.
Grammar Focus: Gerunds as Subjects and Objects
In this article, you probably noticed several gerunds—the “-ing” form of a verb used as a noun. In English, gerunds are often used:
- As the subject of a sentence:
“Walking helps your heart.” - As the object of a verb:
“People enjoy walking in nature.” - After prepositions:
“You can benefit from walking every day.”
If you want to sound more natural in English, using gerunds correctly is key. Try writing a few sentences using gerunds to describe your own habits or interests.
Follow-up Task for Students:
- Write a short paragraph about one activity that you enjoy doing in your free time. Try to use at least three gerunds as subjects, objects, or after prepositions.
- Discuss in pairs: Do you think walking is better than going to the gym? Why or why not?
Optional Homework:
- Keep a “Walking Journal” for three days. Write 3–4 sentences each day describing your walk, how it made you feel, and how you fit it into your schedule.
- Grammar worksheet on gerunds as subject/object/preposition complement.