B2 ESL Lesson Plan: The Male Brain

Lesson Summary

This ESL lesson plan is designed around the short video What’s So ‘Special’ about the Male Brain? and different scientific perspectives on differences between men and women. Upper Intermediate (B2) to Advanced (C1) students explore whether male and female brains differ, consider the influence of biology and society on behaviour and examine how gender stereotypes can affect individuals.

Learning Objectives

• Explore different perspectives on differences between men and women
• Expand vocabulary related to the brain, behaviour and biological sex
• Develop viewing, listening and reading comprehension skills
• Improve speaking skills through discussions and roleplay
• Develop writing skills through creative tasks
• Practise critical thinking and visual representation

Lesson Activities

• Discuss differences between men and women
• Explore ideas about the male brain
• Analyse quotations about gender differences
• Predict the content of a short video
• Watch and analyse a short video
• Answer video comprehension questions
• Complete vocabulary activities
• Perform a detailed roleplay
• Read an article about individual differences and gender stereotypes
• Answer article comprehension questions
• Discuss ideas raised in the article
• Complete writing and reflection tasks

Learner Type

Mature teens and adults

Language Focus

• Vocabulary related to the brain
• Vocabulary related to human behaviour and biological sex
• Language for discussing gender stereotypes and social expectations
• Language for comparing scientific perspectives
• Language for expressing opinions and supporting arguments

Level

Upper Intermediate (B2) to Advanced (C1)

Time

90–120 minutes

Benefits for Learners:

• Develop communicative competence and confidence through integrated skill-building
• Expand vocabulary and improve listening and reading comprehension through repeated, meaningful exposure
• Think critically and creatively while exploring powerful social and emotional themes
• Strengthen emotional intelligence and intercultural awareness through affective engagement with multimodal texts

Watch the short video.

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We hope you enjoy this ESL video lesson plan.

Thanks for being part of the Film English community, and happy teaching!
— The Film English Team

Transform Your English Classroom with the Multimodal Approach
This ESL video lesson plan is built around a thought-provoking short video and designed using the innovative Multimodal Approach, integrating listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing, and representing. Engage learners with real-world themes, develop communicative competence, build vocabulary and foster critical thinking through dynamic, research-informed activities. Find out more about the Multimodal Approach and join thousands of teachers transforming their classrooms with Film English.