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.

Other lessons in this category

B1-B2
Polite Ways to Say No

This ESL lesson plan helps teens and adults practice polite ways to say "no" in social situations, focusing on speaking in a group setting. Through dialogues, conversation practice, and polite phrase exercises, students enhance their ability to decline invitations while maintaining positive relationships. The lesson promotes real-life communication skills, encouraging learners to express themselves respectfully and clearly in various contexts.

A1-A2
K-Pop Culture

This ESL lesson plan introduces teens to K-pop culture in a 45-minute individual session focused on reading and speaking skills at the A1-A2 level. Through activities like watching a music video, reading about K-pop’s influence, and answering comprehension questions, students will practice expressing preferences and opinions. The lesson encourages exploration of K-pop’s impact on music, fashion, and global trends while building confidence in discussing cultural topics.

B1
Exploring Ocean Myths and Legends

This ESL lesson plan delves into captivating ocean myths and legends in a group setting for B1-level learners. Through reading activities, students will learn about mythical creatures like Leviathan, the Flying Dutchman, and mermaids, enhancing their vocabulary and comprehension skills.

B2-C1
Is Virtual Reality Better than Reality?

This ESL lesson plan helps students build speaking and critical thinking skills on the topic of virtual reality. Designed for B2-C1 level learners, this interactive, 60-minute lesson guides students through reading different perspectives, practicing useful debate phrases, and collaborating in small groups to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of VR. Exercises include unscrambling debate sentences and participating in a structured group debate, providing a well-rounded opportunity to practice speaking skills while expressing opinions on a topical issue.

C1
Martian Chronicles

This ESL lesson plan explores the topic of colonizing Mars while enhancing reading, vocabulary, and discussion skills. Students analyze a detailed article about Mars, discuss ethical and practical challenges of colonization, and complete gap-fill and glossary-based activities. The lesson culminates with a creative conversation imagining life on the Red Planet, using target vocabulary for fluency and critical thinking.

B1
What About a Staycation?

This lesson plan engages B1-level ESL students in exploring the concept and benefits of staycations. Through group discussions, reading activities, and brainstorming exercises, learners analyze staycation advantages and disadvantages while practicing opinion-sharing and problem-solving skills. The lesson plan helps students develop their ability to express thoughts about organizing events and practical solutions.

B1
Do You Need a Coach to Workout?

This engaging ESL lesson plan focuses on the topic ‘Do you need a coach to workout?’, targeting listening and speaking skills for B1 level students in an individual setting. Over 45 minutes, learners will discuss personal experiences, analyze quotes, and watch a video to explore the advantages and disadvantages of personal trainers versus fitness apps. The structured tasks encourage critical thinking and effective communication, making this lesson both informative and interactive.

B2
Feedback Givers

This ESL lesson plan equips B2 learners with skills to give and interpret feedback in business English contexts. It features reading activities to explore types of feedback styles and a vocabulary-building exercise. Students engage in interactive role-play, practicing constructive communication while using industry-relevant phrases. The structured approach ensures learners develop sensitivity to perspectives and practical feedback techniques.