The Minimalists: Less Is Now
ESL Lesson PlansThe Minimalists: Less Is Now

The Minimalists: Less Is Now

This ESL lesson plan on The Minimalists: Less Is Now introduces adults to the concept of minimalism through a 60-minute individual listening activity, ideal for B2 learners. In this lesson, students will explore themes of minimalism and simple living, watch key excerpts from the documentary, and answer comprehension questions to identify shifts in mood and attitude. Through this reflective exercise, students will improve listening skills while discussing the potential benefits and challenges of adopting a minimalist lifestyle, encouraging thoughtful engagement with materialism and intentional living.

Skills

  • Can understand most documentaries and most other recorded or broadcast material delivered in the standard form of the language and can identify mood, attitude, etc.
Online Interactive
Based on CEFR
Fully Customizable
1

Read the list. Which sentences are about minimalism and which ones are not?

1
Minimalism focuses on only having expensive and luxurious possessions.
2
The minimalist movement began in the 1960s as a response to consumer culture.
3
Minimalism encourages mindfulness and emphasizes experiences over belongings.
4
The minimalist lifestyle promotes prioritizing fashion trends.
5
The concept of minimalism can be applied to various aspects of life, from fashion to home decor.
Your answer:
2

Watch "The Minimalists: Less Is Now" Official Trailer and discuss the questions with your teacher.

3

Watch a snippet of the Minimalism documentary and answer the questions.

4

Fill in the gaps with information from the video.

5

Answer the following questions.

6

Share your thoughts on the following questions about minimalism.