There are many topics to choose from for ESL (English as a Second Language) classes. But then, the teacher must be cautious. Topics should interest and ignite a zeal on the students. In this way, they will try to participate, give opinions, and even prolifically think.

Printed books and online sites are a niche of topics and themes. Also, consider day to day events and information that include family, favorite, interests, work, education or beliefs.

ESL has been proven effective teaching subjects/topics that run for an hour or two. One or two topics can be studied. Feedback from the teacher and clarification from the students are needed to check how the class runs.

The skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking) necessary in learning English must be practiced well, therefore, improved. In any lesson, a good conversation inside the classroom must take place. If a student can't talk and express himself/herself; there must be something wrong. The teacher must have be able to know the need of the students, but if not he/she should ask or conduct a diagnostic exam.

However, if the situation calls for an impromptu lesson just think about the standard lesson plan. How should the lesson go? The end must be giving something to the student, something he would remember and learn from. Lessons need not be overloaded, but what matters is what would remain or what would be imparted effectively during the class.

Some Topics for Mini Lessons

1. What are your interests? Sharing interests
2. The parts of speech. Highlight one part of speech and make an activity.
3. Do various exercises to generate ideas like clustering or journal writing.
4. Role playing
5. Question and answer cards
6. Get a newspaper headline, popular magazine article, or relevant and fresh article online. Discuss.
7. Talk about films or books that were recently read.
8. Favorite dishes and delicacies in different countries
9. Different prayers, and example situations of faith
10. Online: Watch a poem or a short spoof on YouTube. Discover new words.

Question-card examples:

1. Say one memorable line from a movie that you like.
2. Describe your dream vacation.
3. What do you have handy at your bedside.
4. What invention would you like to offer to the world.
5. What would you do if you had one week to live?

These questions will already spark excitement in the class. Others will be talking spontaneously, and students who are shy will try to join, even a frenzied exchange of thoughts.