What is this lesson about?
This happiness ESL lesson plan is designed for advanced learners (C1–C2) who want to explore the meaning of happiness and rethink life’s challenges in English. Using authentic video material and real quotes, the lesson encourages students to reflect on whether happiness should be the ultimate goal, and how difficulties can sometimes give life meaning. Along the way, learners study natural expressions, idioms, and vocabulary for discussing wellbeing and life philosophy.
 
How do students learn the new language?
Learners engage with the topic through a sequence of interactive tasks:
Idioms in context: students complete and debate natural expressions such as keep a brave face and grin and bear it.
Mini-dialogues: vocabulary from the video transcript is practised in short, realistic exchanges.
Listening practice: gist, detail, and True/False/Not Mentioned tasks develop comprehension.
Critical reflection: students respond to quotes, rank ideas, and compare perspectives.
Personalisation: final reflection tasks encourage learners to reframe their own challenges in English.
 
Why is this lesson useful?
By the end of the session, students can:
Use advanced idioms and expressions to talk naturally about happiness and unhappiness.
Understand and reflect on a nuanced argument about the role of difficulties in life.
Practise listening for both gist and detail in authentic English.
Build confidence in discussing abstract, philosophical topics in a fluent and engaging way.
 
What makes this lesson special?
Unlike many advanced listening lessons, this one doesn’t just focus on comprehension. It opens space for deep reflection, debate, and personalisation. Students don’t only study happiness — they critically question it, learning to express complex emotions and perspectives in authentic English.

Who is it for?
This lesson is ideal for adult ESL learners at the advanced level (C1–C2). Teachers who want to go beyond surface topics and encourage meaningful conversation about life, wellbeing, and happiness will find this happiness ESL lesson plan especially valuable.