Academic English Instant Lessons

What are academic English instant lessons?

Instant lessons are for the busy EAP teacher to pick up and go. They are designed around a specific topic and include all key skills of reading, listening, speaking and writing. The instant lesson includes an introduction, a short 300-400 word academic reading text (& comprehension questions), a 4-minute lecture listening (& comprehension questions), a speaking seminar discussion (based on the two texts) and a paragraph writing exercise. 2 hours of content. 

instant academic English lessons

What is an ‘instant lesson’?

Instant lessons are for the busy EAP teacher to pick up and go. They are designed around a specific topic and include all key skills.

  • Time: 1-2 hours of content (activities can be extended or shortened easily).

  • Level: B1 (intermediate) – C1 (advanced) or IELTS 5 – 7.5.

  • All four skills included in one lesson (reading, listening, speaking, writing).

  • Listenings included MP3 &/or video (with PPT).

  • Minimal planning – just download and go.

  • Interesting topics based around credible sources.

  • Challenging and highly motivating.

  • Go here: example

Instant Lesson Topics

Click on any link to be taken to the download

Instant lesson Video 

Instant lesson –  a video presentation of our instant lesson booklets.

Instant lesson 1: cruises

Instant lesson: cruises 

This instant lesson includes an introduction, a reading text (& comprehension questions), a 4-minute lecture listening (& comprehension questions), a speaking discussion (based on the two texts) and a paragraph writing exercise. Worksheet Example  Webpage Link Time: 1-2 hours.  Level ***** [B1/B2/C1]  Video [04.15] MP3 / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

 

Cruise Ships: discover the world in luxury

  The 400-word text discusses how the cruise industry has reinvented itself over the last two decades and as a consequence has become incredibly successful. It provides key data on the biggest businesses in the industry and highlights that the Caribbean is the most popular cruise destination. It finishes with explaining why cruise holidays are so saleable. The reading test worksheet includes: headings/ T,F,NG / vocabulary. 

 

Cruise holidays: the biggest cruise ship in the world

The 4-minute lecture focuses on the largest cruise ship in the world ‘The Symphony of the Seas’. The lecturer provides facts and figures about the ship including size, staterooms, crew and features. He then illustrates the true cost of the ticket with many of the hidden costs not included in the ‘all-inclusive price’. It finishes with a summary about the popularity of cruising. The listening test worksheet includes: table completion / summary gap fill / vocabulary. 

Instant lesson 2: charities

Instant lesson: charities

This instant lesson includes an introduction, a reading text (& comprehension questions), a 4-minute lecture listening (& comprehension questions), a speaking discussion (based on the two texts) and a paragraph writing exercise. Worksheet Example  Time: 1-2 hours.  Level ***** [B1/B2/C1]  Video [03.31] MP3TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

 

Charity: a brief overview

The 400-word text discusses the first charity and how many charities there are now.  It provides information on the top three most popular charity types in the UK and their annual income revenue in 2020.  It discusses how charities raise money and the importance of volunteers. The reading test worksheet includes: headings/ T,F,NG/ vocabulary. 

 

Charities: The National Trust

The 3.35-minute lecture focuses on Europe’s biggest conservation charity ‘The National Trust’. The lecturer provides information on how it started, the property and land that they own and the cost of conservation. He then discusses the National Trust’s annual income using their 2019/2020 annual report and highlights the diverse range of employment within the organisation. The listening test worksheet includes: open questions / summary gap fill completion / /vocabulary

Instant lesson 3: electric cars

Instant lesson: electric cars 

This instant lesson includes an introduction, a reading text (& comprehension questions), a 4-minute lecture listening (& comprehension questions), a speaking discussion (based on the two texts) and a paragraph writing exercise. Worksheet Example  Time: 1-2 hours.  Level ***** [B1/B2/C1]  Video [04.12] MP3 / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

 
 

The Electric Car Revolution

The 400-word text discusses the dramatic growth of the electric car market in the last few years because of the UK government’s future ban on petrol and diesel cars. It provides information on the different types of electric cars available and their green environmental credentials.  It finishes with public perceived barriers and how these issues are being addressed. The reading test includes headings / T,F,NG / vocabulary

 

Electric cars: a comparison of two e-cars

The 4-minute lecture focuses on the recent facts and figures connected to the growth of electric car market. The lecturer compares the top two most popular models of EV in the UK at the moment. He then asks the question on whether the UK is ready for the electric car revolution and what needs to be done to meet this goal. The listening test includes open questions & table completion.

Instant lesson 4: single use plastics

Instant lesson: single use plastics (SUPs)

This instant lesson includes an introduction, a reading text (& comprehension questions), a 4-minute lecture listening (& comprehension questions), a speaking discussion (based on the two texts) and a paragraph writing exercise. Worksheet Example  Time: 1-2 hours.  Level ***** [B1/B2/C1]  Video [04.12] MP3 / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

 

The environmental price of single use plastics

The 400-word text defines single use plastics (SUPs) and highlights their devastating impact on the environment. It discusses how they break up in the natural environment into micro and nano plastics. It provides evidence on how they are harmful to human health and this is exacerbated through recent research discovering micro plastics in our drinking water systems. It finishes with a range of suggestions necessary to deal with the problem. The reading test includes: headings / T,F,NG / vocabulary.

 
 

Single use plastics: bio-plastic the alternative?

The 4-minute lecture focuses on the recent facts and figures connected to single use micro plastic pollution. The lecturer presents bioplastic as a possible alternative and analyses the company Vegware: plant-based compostable plastics. He discusses the process of creating bioplastic through the use of corn starch – polylactic acid. He questions whether bioplastic is a valid environmental alternative for SUPs and concludes by suggesting other measures that would be more successful. The listening test includes: open questions,  table completion and summary gap fill.

Instant lesson 5: biohacking

Instant lesson: biohacking

This instant lesson includes an introduction, a reading text (& comprehension questions), a 4-minute lecture listening (& comprehension questions), a speaking discussion (based on the two texts) and a paragraph writing exercise. Worksheet Example  Time: 1-2 hours.  Level ***** [B1/B2/C1]  Video [03:40] MP3 / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

 

The biohacking movement

The 400-word text starts by defining what biohacking is and explains who biohackers are and what they are trying to achieve. It provides information about the first biohacking facility and the treatments on offer. It then illustrates the most extreme and controversial treatments available. It finishes with explaining the future of biohacking.The reading test includes: headings / T,F,NG / vocabulary.

 Cybernetic Organisms

The 3:40 minute lecture starts by defining cybernetic organisms and gives some examples of restorative medical procedures that are currently being offered. It then provides information about enhanced procedures that will be available in the near future. It finishes with a discussion about the ethical issues of cybernetic organisms. The listening test includes: gap fill exercises, open questions and multiple choice. 

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Instant lesson 6: COVID-19

Instant lesson: COVID-19 pandemic

This instant lesson includes an introduction, a reading text (& comprehension questions), a 4-minute lecture listening (& comprehension questions), a speaking discussion (based on the two texts) and a paragraph writing exercise. Worksheet Example  Time: 1-2 hours.  Level ***** [B1/B2/C1]  Video [04.20] MP3 / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

 

COVID-19: can it be controlled?

The 400-word text defines COVID 19 and highlights the key symptoms associated with the virus. It discusses the possible origins of the virus as zoonotic and a possible conspiracy theory of a laboratory leak. It describes how countries responded to the pandemic using lockdowns and finishes by discussing the key vaccines being used to control the virus. The reading test includes: headings / T,F,NG / vocabulary.

 

The COVID-19 pandemic

The 4-minute lecture starts with an introduction to COVID-19 and its possible origins. The lecturer provides a basic description of how COVID-19 infects the body by preventing the interferons from recognizing it is a danger. He then discusses how the virus mutates and provides two examples of a UK and South African variant. The lecture also highlights how the virus spreads and its longevity in the air and on surface. The listening test includes: open questions, table completion and summary gap fill.

Instant lesson 7: zero waste

Instant lesson: zero waste movement 

This instant lesson includes an introduction, a reading text (& comprehension questions), a 4-minute lecture listening (& comprehension questions), a speaking discussion (based on the two texts) and a paragraph writing exercise. Worksheet Example  Time: 1-2 hours.  Level ***** [B1/B2/C1]  Video [03.23] MP3 / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

 

The zero waste movement

The 400-word text discusses the issue with landfill sites and explains that some people are eliminating waste from their lives. It provides information about the zero waste movement and the strategies that people can use to make the change. It finishes with examples of large companies who have reduced their waste significantly and small companies who are completely zero waste. The reading test includes: headings / T,F,NG / vocabulary.

 

The rise in zero waste shops

The 3.23-minute lecture discusses the issue with waste and explains what zero waste shops are and why people have set them up. It illustrates the benefits of zero waste shops and also explains the criticisms. It finishes with a range of questions that the lecturer proposes and attempts to answer about zero waste shops. The listening test includes: open questions & gap fill exercises.

Instant lesson 8: fast fashion

Instant lesson: fast fashion 

This instant lesson includes an introduction, a reading text (& comprehension questions), a 4-minute lecture listening (& comprehension questions), a speaking discussion (based on the two texts) and a paragraph writing exercise. Worksheet Example  Time: 1-2 hours.  Level ***** [B1/B2/C1]  Video [04.35] MP3 / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

 

Fast Fashion: the pros and cons

The 400-word text discusses what is fast fashion and what kind of shoppers it attracts (self and social consumers). It provides information about the production of clothing lines and how quickly a clothing store can turn around a new product from design to shop floor. It finishes by examining the darker side to the industry through unethical labour practices, the pollution to the environment and consumer waste. The reading test includes: headings / T,F,NG / vocabulary.

 

The true price of fast fashion

The 4.35-minute lecture discusses what fast fashion is and its purpose. It focuses on three serious environment impacts caused by the fast fashion industry. 1) materials 2) manufacturing 3) waste. The lecture provides examples and data to support the claims. It finishes by suggesting that we (the consumers) are the problem and we should support companies that follow a circular economic model. The listening test includes: open questions, table completion, multiple choice & gap fill exercises.

Instant lesson 9: fintech

Instant lesson: fintech 

This instant lesson includes an introduction, a reading text (& comprehension questions), a 4-minute lecture listening (& comprehension questions), a speaking discussion (based on the two texts) and a paragraph writing exercise. Worksheet Example  Time: 1-2 hours.  Level ***** [B1/B2/C1]  Video [04.05] MP3 / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

 

Fintech: how technology is changing financial services

The 400-word text defines Fintech and explains how Fintech is changing the financial landscape. It illustrates some of the Fintech services and finishes with illustrating the drawbacks for the people with no access to the technology that Fintech relies on. The reading test includesheadings / T,F,NG / vocabulary.

 

Fintech payment systems: PayPal & Stripe

The 4-minute lecture explains what Fintech is and illustrates some the Fintech services, paying particular attention to payment systems. It compares two of the biggest payment services: PayPal and Stripe in terms of finances, users and security. It finishes with deciding which one is a better system. The listening test includes: gap fill exercises, open questions and multiple choice.

Instant lesson 10: mental health

Instant lesson: mental health (mindfulness-based cognitive therapy) 

This instant lesson includes an introduction, a reading text (& comprehension questions), a 4-minute lecture listening (& comprehension questions), a speaking discussion (based on the two texts) and a paragraph writing exercise. Worksheet Example  Time: 1-2 hours.  Level ***** [B1/B2/C1]  Video [03.48] MP3 / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

 

Mental health: a brief overview

The 400-word text starts by explaining the changes to mental health over the last 70 years. It then provides information about the two most common types of mental disorders and includes some important statistics on how many people suffer from each type of illness. It finishes with an explanation of the different treatments on offer. The reading test includesheadings / T,F,NG / vocabulary.

 

Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

The 3.52-minute lecture starts by providing some important statistics connected to mental health: number of people affected, causes, demographics and economic costs. It then defines MBCT, mindfulness and cognitive based therapy and explains how they work. It finishes by looking at briefly at the success rates of this treatment. The listening test includes:  gap-fill exercises, open questions & multiple choice.

Instant lesson 11: automation

Instant lesson: automation 

This instant lesson includes an introduction, a reading text (& comprehension questions), a 3:18-minute lecture listening (& comprehension questions), a speaking discussion (based on the two texts) and a paragraph writing exercise. Worksheet Example  Time: 1-2 hours.  Level ***** [B1/B2/C1]  Video [03.18] MP3 / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

 

Automation: the next Artificial Intelligence evolution? 

The 391-word text defines automation and discusses the three main types of automation. It gives examples of industries that rely on automation, illustrates the savings that countries make through the implementation of automation and it also highlights the negative impacts of automation.  The reading test includes: headings, T/F/NG and vocabulary.

 

Chatbots: more than simply the 21st century call centre

This short lecture defines chatbots, discusses the industries that use chatbots and explains how chatbots work. It looks at the reasons why people prefer engaging with chatbots, the growth of the chatbot industry and identifies an untapped area where growth in the use of chatbots is possible. The listening test includes: open questions, multiple choice and gap fill tasks.

Instant lesson 12: big data

Instant lesson: big data 

This instant lesson includes an introduction, a reading text (& comprehension questions), a 4-minute lecture listening (& comprehension questions), a speaking discussion (based on the two texts) and a paragraph writing exercise. Worksheet Example  Time: 1-2 hours.  Level ***** [B1/B2/C1]  Video [03.41] MP3 / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

 

Data: revolutionising and transforming the business world

This 438-word text defines data and big data. It explains the importance of data for a business, it looks at the revolutionary technologies for industry and discusses how companies use data through data leveraging. The reading test includes: headings, T/F/NG and vocabulary.

 

Big data and privacy: a complex balancing act

This short lecture defines big data, illustrates how it influences the business world and explains the importance of data protection. It introduces laws, guides and tools to help protect our private information, and it puts forward measures that could be implemented further to protect everyone’s data. The listening test includes: open questions, multiple choice and gap fill tasks.

Instant lesson 13: business model innovation

Instant lesson: business model innovation 

This instant lesson includes an introduction, a reading text (& comprehension questions), a 4-minute lecture listening (& comprehension questions), a speaking discussion (based on the two texts) and a paragraph writing exercise. Worksheet Example  Time: 1-2 hours.  Level ***** [B1/B2/C1]  Video [03.40] MP3 / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

 

Business model innovation: a critical success factor

This 432-word text defines business model and business model innovation. It explains the importance of the business model for particular companies, it provides information on why some businesses innovate and it highlights some of the challenges companies face.  The reading test includes: headings, T/F/NG and vocabulary.

 

Adapt or die: how Netflix triumphed over Blockbuster

This short lecture compares Blockbuster and Netflix. It starts by looking at Blockbuster and talks about its product, how it expanded, its revenue and then its downfall. It then introduces Netflix and explains how it started, its pricing model, its business strategy and its global success. The listening test includes: open questions, multiple choice and gap fill tasks.

 

Instant lesson 14: cryptocurrencies

Instant lesson: cryptocurrencies

This instant lesson includes an introduction, a reading text (& comprehension questions), a 3+minute lecture listening (& comprehension questions), a speaking discussion (based on the two texts) and a paragraph writing exercise. Worksheet Example  Time: 1-2 hours.  Level ***** [B1/B2/C1]  Video [03.25] MP3 / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

 

Cryptocurrencies: money of the future?

This 383-word text defines cryptocurrencies, illustrates the cryptocurrencies in the market and explains how cryptocurrencies work. It provides information on the global market size and explains how they are traded. The reading test includes: headings, T/F/NG and vocabulary.

 

Bitcoin: the standout trendsetter in a digital monetary minefield

This short lecture defines bitcoin, talks about the success of bitcoin and explains how bitcoin works. It looks at the different perspectives from financial institutions, its market volatility and potential risks.  The listening test includes: open questions, multiple choice and gap fill tasks.

Instant lesson 15: cybercrime

Instant lesson: cybercrime 

This instant lesson includes an introduction, a reading text (& comprehension questions), a 4-minute lecture listening (& comprehension questions), a speaking discussion (based on the two texts) and a paragraph writing exercise. Worksheet Example  Time: 1-2 hours.  Level ***** [B1/B2/C1]  Video [03.40] MP3 / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

 

Cybercrime: the 21st century’s biggest threat to society

This 387-word text defines cybercrime. It explains why cybercrime happens, it provides examples of the most common types cybercrime, it looks at economic costs and the most likely targets.  The reading test includes: headings, T/F/NG and vocabulary.

 

Cybersecurity: today’s booming but necessary global market

This short lecture defines cybersecurity, it looks at how we can protect ourselves from a cyberattack, it explains who is most responsible for cyberattacks in business, it puts forward the security measures companies can take and it provides data that indicates how cybersecurity is a booming industry.  The listening test includes: open questions, multiple choice and gap fill tasks.

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 Join today*x

Instant lesson 16: geometry

Instant lesson: geometry (new 2023)

This instant lesson includes an introduction, a reading text (& comprehension questions), a 4-minute lecture listening (& comprehension questions), a speaking discussion (based on the two texts) and a paragraph writing exercise. Worksheet Example  Time: 1-2 hours.  Level ***** [B1/B2/C1]  Video [03.13] MP3 / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

 

Geometry: much more than a theoretical subject

This 358-word text firstly defines geometry, it then introduces the different types of geometry and it finally discusses the many uses of geometry in everyday life. The reading test includes: headings, T/F/NG and vocabulary.

 

Triangles used in bridge design and construction

This short lecture discusses the purpose of a bridge, it introduces the use of triangles in bridge design, it puts forward the reasons why triangles are used in bridge design and illustrates some examples of some famous bridges. The listening test includes: open questions, multiple choice and gap fill tasks.

 

Instant lesson 17: High Speed Rail 2 (HS2)

Instant lesson: High Speed Rail 2 (HS2) (new 2023)

This instant lesson includes an introduction, a reading text (& comprehension questions), a 4-minute lecture listening (& comprehension questions), a speaking discussion (based on the two texts) and a paragraph writing exercise. Worksheet Example  Time: 1-2 hours.  Level ***** [B1/B2/C1]  Video [03.23] MP3 / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

 

HS2: better connections, more capacity and zero emissions

This 412-word text defines High Speed 2, it discusses the strategic significance and the key phases of the building HS2 from London to Manchester. It also explains the net zero carbon economic objectives connected to the future of UK railways. The reading test includes: headings, T/F/NG and vocabulary.

 

HS2: over-promised and under-delivered

This short lecture discusses problems that HS2 has faced since 2009. The key issues discussed include the environmental impact, the cost and the axing of the eastern leg. The listening test includes: open questions, multiple choice and gap fill tasks.

Instant lesson 18: peer-to-peer lending

Instant lesson: peer-to-peer lending (new 2023)

This instant lesson includes an introduction, a reading text (& comprehension questions), a 4-minute lecture listening (& comprehension questions), a speaking discussion (based on the two texts) and a paragraph writing exercise. Worksheet Example  Time: 1-2 hours.  Level ***** [B1/B2/C1]  Video [03.57] MP3 / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

 

Peer-to-peer lending: potentially profitable yet increasingly risky

This 420-word text defines peer-to-peer lending / crowdfunding, it then discusses the process of how the system works and its main advantages. The reading test includes: headings, T/F/NG and vocabulary.

 

Crowdfunding: the cause of a radically-changing financial outlook

This short lecture discusses the origins of crowdfunding and explains the different types of crowfunding: reward-based, equity-based and donation-based. It then focuses on how crowdfunding has changed the financial landscape of borrowing money. The listening test includes: open questions, multiple choice and gap fill tasks.

Instant lesson 19: Space X

Instant lesson: Space X (new 2023)

This instant lesson includes an introduction, a reading text (& comprehension questions), a 4-minute lecture listening (& comprehension questions), a speaking discussion (based on the two texts) and a paragraph writing exercise. Worksheet Example  Time: 1-2 hours.  Level ***** [B1/B2/C1]  Video [03.39] MP3 / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

 

SpaceX: making humanity multiplanetary

This 407-word text provides a background on SpaceX aerospace company. It discusses SpaceX’s successes in rocket design and the future mission of the company. The reading test includes: headings, T/F/NG and vocabulary.

 

SpaceX: The Colonisation of Mars

This short lecture discusses SpaceX’s founder Elon Musk’s mission to have a human presence on Mars. It explains how this will become a possibility through using reusable rocket ships and fuel-efficient engines. The listening test includes: open questions, multiple choice and gap fill tasks.

Instant lesson 20: sustainability 

Instant lesson: sustainability (new 2023)

This instant lesson includes an introduction, a reading text (& comprehension questions), a 4-minute lecture listening (& comprehension questions), a speaking discussion (based on the two texts) and a paragraph writing exercise. Worksheet Example  Time: 1-2 hours.  Level ***** [B1/B2/C1]  Video [03.34] MP3 / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

 

How a business can and must reduce its carbon and water footprint

This 420-word text begins with a definition of carbon and water footprint, it then discusses the biggest contributors to these footprints and possible solutions for the future. The reading test includes: headings, T/F/NG and vocabulary.

 

‘Think global, act local’: the more sustainable supply chain

This short lecture discusses how and why businesses are changing from globalised supply chains to more localised manufacturing. It focuses on the positive aspects of ‘reshoring’ and the reduced impact of environmentally conscience business strategies. The listening test includes: open questions, multiple choice and gap fill tasks.

Want more? Topic-based lessons 6-10 hours of lesson content

AEUK topic-based lessons
Topic-Based Lessons 
These lesson books are designed to replicate university study and encourage students to think critically and synthesise ideas together. We believe that it is important for students to have time to analyse and evaluate content based around a specific topic to be able to formulate opinions and critique the authors’ ideas.                         
The lesson books include anything from 6-10 hours of content on:
  • Exploring the topic and linking personal experience.
  • Creating and writing a definition.
  • Reading a 800-word text with reading test-type questions and writing a summary.
  • Discussing the authors ideas in the text and applying critical thinking.
  • Listening & taking notes to a 10-15 minute lecture – followed by questions.
  • Speaking in a seminar to discuss and synthesise the content from the reading and lecture.        
  • More information 

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