ESL WORKSHEET - Body language

LESSON PLAN FOR ENGLISH TEACHERS

GESTURES AND MANNERS

LinguaHouse

Jul. 6, 2025

Level: Pre-intermediate (A2-B1)
Type of language: General English
Tags: Body Language; People and Places; Vocabulary Lesson; 13-15 Years Old; 16-18 Years Old; 18+ Years Old
Publication date: 07/06/2025

In this updated lesson, students learn about gestures and manners in various contexts. They engage with the topic by identifying some common gestures used in the classroom. They discover a set of body verbs and collocations and complete various practice tasks before focusing on good and bad manners. The students then listen to someone giving advice on British etiquette before completing comprehension tasks and a post-listening discussion and speaking task. The lesson finishes with a review game. There is an additional activity to highlight idiomatic expressions. (by Victoria Aitken)

• CLICK HERE to download the student’s worksheet in American English.
• CLICK HERE to download the teacher’s lesson plan in American English.
• CLICK HERE to download/listen to the audio in American English.
• CLICK HERE to download the student’s worksheet in British English.
• CLICK HERE to download the teacher’s lesson plan in British English.
• CLICK HERE to download/listen to the audio in British English.
• CLICK HERE to download/watch the video (MP4) - exercise 2.

AUDIO TRANSCRIPT (American English)

Garin (British): I am planning to travel to the US this summer. I know you lived there for a few years. Can you help me understand some dos and don’ts when it comes to American etiquette?
Kirk (American): Sure, well… American people are generally punctual, so don’t be late. And saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ is important and used in almost all situations. Always stand patiently in a line and wait for your turn. If you accidentally bump into someone, say ‘excuse me’.
Garin: What about when you meet someone for the first time? Do I hug them, kiss them, or shake hands?
Kirk: There is no set rule for this, so you might encounter different greetings depending on the people you meet which can be confusing and awkward. Some people don’t do anything other than wave and say ‘hello’. Some people hug, while others shake hands. Some pat each other on the shoulder, but we don't kiss each other on the cheeks. In a formal setting, it’s polite to shake hands.
Garin: What about table manners?
Kirk: OK, there are a few rules for this. Firstly, wait until everyone has their food before eating, and never talk with your mouth full. Keep your mouth closed while chewing and don’t burp! If you are invited to someone’s house for a meal, it is customary to take a small gift such as a bottle of wine or dessert to show your appreciation.
Garin: Right, thank you. Hopefully, I will make a good first impression when I meet new people.

Adapted from: https://www.linguahouse.com/esl-lesson-plans/general-english/gestures-and-manners. Accessed on July 18, 2025. LinguaHouse.com © 2008–2025. All rights reserved.