Students learn practical banking collocations such as open a bank account, withdraw cash, check your balance, transfer money, tap your card, and enter your PIN. They also practice natural everyday money expressions like save up for, can’t afford, be broke, owe someone money, pay someone back, be on a tight budget, and live paycheck to paycheck, plus the classic lend vs. borrow mix-up.
A great fit for adults and older teens who want to talk about money naturally, from the ATM to the restaurant table.
lesson overview
This money and banking ESL lesson plan for A2-B1 students helps learners handle everyday money situations in English, from withdrawing cash and paying by card to asking a friend to pay them back. Students match practical banking phrases, read three real-life money stories, and learn natural expressions like save up for, can’t afford, split the bill, a rip-off, and a bargain. Then they watch a classic Friends scene about splitting the dinner bill and get talking with a Bargain or Rip-off? rating game, “What would you do?” money dilemmas, and opinion statements. By the end, students will be able to talk about spending, saving, lending, and borrowing with real confidence. The user-friendly digital format allows easy navigation in presentation mode with just a click of the spacebar, requiring no additional software.
Target Audience:
- Level: A2–B1 (Pre-Intermediate to Intermediate)
- Best for: Adults, older teens
Content Breakdown:
- Warm-Up Discussion: Cash, Cards, and Banking Apps
- Match the Banking Phrases to Their Meanings
- Mini Speaking: Your Banking Habits
- Read the Stories and Answer the Questions
- Fill in the Gaps with Everyday Money Expressions
- Ask Your Partner These Questions
- Watch the Video: Friends and the Dinner Bill
- Decide If It’s a Bargain or a Rip-off
- Decide What You Would Do
- Say if You Agree or Disagree
HOMEWORK (Extra Language Immersion):
Watch & Reflect
Students watch a funny movie scene where shopaholic Rebecca’s secret money problems finally come out. They answer questions about what happens, then reflect on their own shopping habits, sales, credit cards, and their best tricks for not spending too much.