ESL WORKSHEET - Problems and solutions

LESSON PLAN FOR ENGLISH TEACHERS

HELPING WITH PROBLEMS

LinguaHouse

May 22, 2026

Level: Pre-intermediate (A2-B1)
Type of language: General English
Tags: Declaring and Diagnosing a Problem; Work; Socializing; Society and Change; Problems at Work; Relationships; Problems and Solutions; Giving Opinions; Speaking; Vocabulary Lesson; 13-15 Years Old; 16-18 Years Old; 18+ Years Old
Publication date: 05/22/2026

In this lesson, students develop their conversational skills by discussing and responding to everyday problems. The lesson starts with a discussion about different types of problems. The students then complete pre, during and post-activities based on a podcast interview on the same topic before identifying phrases to respond to a problem and give advice. They then complete a variety of communicative tasks to practice the language. The students finish the lesson by consolidating and personalizing the language in a student-centered roleplay task. There is an additional game to review the topic of the lesson. (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.

AUDIO TRANSCRIPT

Dan: Welcome everyone to the podcast What’s Your Dilemma. I am your host, Dan Fix, and tonight I am joined by Richard Bennet, who will be offering his advice. So, let’s get started. Our first person is Ben from Phoenix. What’s your dilemma, Ben?
Ben: Hi everyone, well… I was on vacation with my girlfriend, and I asked her to marry me. It seemed like a good idea at the time. But now we are home, I am getting cold feet. I do love her, but I think we are too young to get married. I don’t want to lose her, but I don’t want to tie the knot yet.
Dan: That is a tricky situation. Richard, what should Ben do?
Richard: Ben, if I were you, I would talk with your girlfriend and tell her how you feel. You could suggest a long engagement. That way you will have time to decide if you have a future together. Don’t start planning the big day, just enjoy being with each other.
Dan: Thanks, Richard, that’s some useful advice. Let’s move on and speak to Nicola. Hi Nicola, what’s your dilemma?
Nicola: Hi Dan, I hope you can help as I don’t know what to do. I love my job, and I have worked hard to get where I am today. But last month a new colleague started, and she is horrible. Nobody likes her. She is mean and steals all my ideas. She has created a toxic environment, and I hate going to work every day. Unfortunately, she is good friends with the boss!
Dan: Oh, that’s a horrible situation, I am sorry. Let’s hear what Richard thinks you should do.
Richard: Hi Nicola, honestly, you should start looking for a new job. She will never change and if she is close to the boss, the situation won’t improve. It’s not fair but your career and wellbeing are more important.
Dan: Thanks, Richard. Nicola, I hope that helps. Well, unfortunately, that’s all we have time for tonight. Thanks again to Richard for all his advice. Have a good night.

Adapted from: https://www.linguahouse.com/esl-lesson-plans/general-english/helping-with-problems. Accessed on May 26, 2026. LinguaHouse.com © 2008–2026. All rights reserved.