Practice job-related English with this beginner ESL lesson on work, grammar, and speaking. Fun, real-life learning with music and quizzes!
_Guess what? When you click and buy through our links, you’re doing more than improving your game. You’re supporting us in a way that doesn’t cost you extra but helps us keep bringing you the best drills and tips. It’s a slam dunk for both of us!_
Looking for a fun and practical way to learn English related to jobs and the workplace? You’re in the right place! This beginner ESL lesson is designed to help adult learners talk about their jobs, describe work habits, and make plans for the future using natural grammar and vocabulary.
This lesson includes listening, reading, writing, and speaking practice—with a classic song to bring it all together.
Table of Contents
- Why Learn English for Work?
- Why Practice English Before and During a Job?
- What Will You Learn in This ESL Lesson About Jobs and Work Life?
- Free Worksheet Sample
- Song Spotlight: “Five O’Clock World”
- Job Comparison Chart
- Full Lesson Available on TPT
- Final Thoughts
Why Learn English for Work?
Whether you’re applying for a job, talking about your daily routine, or planning for your future, work-related English is essential.
In this lesson, we help you:
- Use common job vocabulary
- Talk about your current job and responsibilities
- Understand and use Present Simple, Present Progressive, and Future Tense
- Describe how, when, and why you work using adjectives and adverbs
This is everyday English in action—and it’s perfect for beginners! If you’d like more speaking practice outside the classroom, try scheduling lessons with a tutor on italki—a great way to build confidence in one-on-one conversations.
Why Practice English Before and During a Job?
Practicing English before getting a job helps you:
- Understand interview questions
- Follow work instructions and schedules
- Avoid confusion and mistakes
Practicing English at work helps you:
- Talk with coworkers
- Ask questions and offer help
- Feel more confident and respected
Encourage students to talk with classmates, friends, or coworkers in English—even just a little each day. For learners who want more structured help, Rocket Languages offers excellent beginner programs with audio, grammar, and cultural lessons all in one place.
What Will You Learn in This ESL Lesson About Jobs and Work Life?
In this lesson, students will get practice with all four language skills—speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The lesson is designed to build confidence using real-life language in the workplace.
Learners will explore grammar through natural examples, build vocabulary for jobs and responsibilities, and practice structured conversations.
You can also reinforce these skills using Mondly Languages, which offers interactive vocabulary training and speech recognition to improve pronunciation. It includes:
- A visual picture dictionary with 12+ jobs and workplaces
- Worksheets for grammar practice in Present Simple, Present Progressive, and Future Tense
- Writing prompts about daily work routines and job goals
- Real-life role-play scripts for workplace communication
- Listening activities with music-based comprehension
- A self-check quiz with answer key
Free Worksheet Sample
Here’s a small piece of what’s included in the full lesson. Feel free to print and try it with your students!
Song Spotlight: “Five O’Clock World”
Music makes learning more fun and memorable. This lesson features the classic song “Five O’Clock World” by The Vogues, with full lyrics and grammar-based activities built into the worksheet.
Watch the video here:
Job Comparison Chart
Below is a helpful chart showing different jobs, the English and education requirements, average pay, and where to find work:
| Job Title | English Level | Education Needed | Avg. Pay (USD/hr) | How to Find This Job |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Janitor | Basic | None or HS diploma | $15–$18 | Job sites, local ads, referrals |
| Cashier | Basic | None or HS diploma | $14–$16 | Walk-ins, stores, online apps |
| Warehouse Worker | Basic-Intermediate | None or HS diploma | $17–$22 | Indeed, staffing agencies |
| Food Server | Intermediate | None | $15–$20 + tips | Restaurant walk-ins, Craigslist |
| Construction | Basic | Training/on-the-job | $20–$30 | Union listings, job boards |
| Office Assistant | Intermediate | HS or Associate Degree | $18–$24 | LinkedIn, company websites |
| Driver | Intermediate | License, some training | $18–$28 | Local companies, apps (Uber) |
| Nurse Assistant | Intermediate | Certificate (CNA) | $17–$22 | Training centers, hospitals |
| Mechanic | Intermediate | Trade school | $20–$30 | Auto shops, vocational programs |
| Teacher Aide | Intermediate | HS + training | $16–$22 | School districts, job fairs |
Full Lesson Available on TPT
Want the full printable and editable lesson? Get everything—PDFs, DOCX files, role-play, picture dictionary, quiz, and more—in one downloadable ZIP file:
Final Thoughts
Jobs are a big part of life, and talking about them confidently in English opens doors. This beginner lesson will help learners build real-life skills they can use immediately. For even more self-paced options, English Class 101 offers free and premium lessons to boost vocabulary, listening, and grammar skills anytime, anywhere.
What do you think?
I’d love to hear your thoughts about this lesson. Leave them in the space below.
I always reply.
Want more free lessons? Get access to our entire Free Resource Library when you join our mailing list!