B2-Level: Work and Careers

Objective

By the end of the lesson, students will:

  • Discuss career aspirations, workplace dynamics, and professional goals.
  • Use job-related vocabulary, career path terminology, and professional skills language.
  • Comprehend career profiles, job advertisements, and industry reports.
  • Listen to job interviews, career development podcasts, and discussions about workplace culture.
  • Write professional CVs, cover letters, and reflections on career goals.

Duration:

90 minutes, divided into two 45-minute sessions.

Materials Needed

  1. Career profiles, job advertisements, and industry reports.
  2. Audio recordings (e.g., job interviews, career podcasts, workplace discussions).
  3. Visual aids (e.g., workplace images, charts of career paths).
  4. Writing materials (CV templates, job ad examples).

Conversation Prompts: Work and Careers

Vocabulary: Career Profiles and Job Advertisements

Reading: Exploring Career Profiles and Job Advertisements

Session 1: Speaking and Vocabulary (45 minutes)

Warm-Up (10 minutes)

  1. Icebreaker Questions:
    • “What is your dream job and why?”
    • “What skills do you think are most important in today’s job market?”
    • “If you could change your career path, what would you do?”
  2. Write notable responses on the board and introduce any new vocabulary naturally.

Speaking Practice (20 minutes)

  1. Small Group Activity:
    • Divide students into pairs or groups. Provide prompts:
      • Describe your current/ideal job role.
      • What are the biggest challenges in your workplace?
      • How do you imagine your career in 5 years?
    • Encourage active listening by asking each student to summarize their partner’s response.
  2. Role-Play:
    • Assign roles for a mock job interview.
      • One student is the interviewer; the other, the applicant.
      • Use a job description as a guide.
    • Switch roles and provide feedback on vocabulary and fluency.

Vocabulary Exploration (15 minutes)

  1. Introduction to Vocabulary:
    • Job-related terms: “job requirements,” “skillset,” “career ladder.”
    • Professional skills: “time management,” “problem-solving,” “adaptability.”
  2. Interactive Practice:
    • Match terms to their definitions using visuals (e.g., CV sections, workplace images).
    • Students create sentences using the new vocabulary.

Session 2: Reading, Listening, and Writing (45 minutes)

Reading Comprehension (20 minutes)

  1. Text Distribution:
    • Provide excerpts from:
      • Career profiles (e.g., roles of a marketing manager).
      • Job advertisements (focus on skills and qualifications).
      • Industry reports (emerging job trends).
  2. Activities:
    • Skim for main ideas and scan for details (e.g., “What skills are needed for this job?”).
    • Discuss key points in pairs or groups.
  3. Class Discussion:
    • Ask students to share:
      • Which job roles appeal to them and why.
      • Their thoughts on required skills and qualifications.

Listening Activity (15 minutes)

  1. Audio Task:
    • Play a podcast or recording of a job interview or career coach session.
    • Students listen for:
      • Key phrases used in interviews (e.g., “Tell me about yourself”).
      • Advice on career growth or workplace etiquette.
  2. Discussion Questions:
    • “What tips did you find useful?”
    • “How can you apply this advice to your career goals?”

Writing Practice (10 minutes)

  1. Task Options:
    • Write a CV/resume for a job they aspire to, emphasizing skills and qualifications.
    • Draft a cover letter responding to a job ad, expressing interest and enthusiasm.
  2. Guidance:
    • Provide templates (e.g., formatted CV or cover letter samples).
    • Highlight important sections: summary, skills, and experiences.

Wrap-Up (5 minutes)

  • Review key vocabulary and ideas.
  • Ask students to share one takeaway from the lesson.

Encourage them to reflect on their career goals and areas for improvement.

Homework

  1. Research Assignment:
    • Research a specific career or industry of interest. Write a brief report addressing:
      • Key responsibilities.
      • Required skills and qualifications.
      • Potential challenges and growth opportunities.
  2. CV Enhancement:
    • Update their actual CV or write one for a fictional position, ensuring it reflects professional formatting and language.

Assessment

  1. Speaking:
    • Monitor fluency, clarity, and vocabulary use during group discussions and role-plays.
  2. Reading:
    • Evaluate comprehension through group discussions and answers to comprehension questions.
  3. Listening:
    • Check notes for key details and insights from audio tasks.
  4. Writing:
    • Assess CVs and cover letters for structure, professionalism, and use of appropriate vocabulary.

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