[PDF/PPT] Handy Situations: On a Hike
A no-prep, speaking-focused ESL lesson plan for A2–B1 learners. Perfect for teenagers and adults, this real-life themed lesson builds travel vocabulary, functional language, and confidence through role-plays, dialogues, and project-based activities — all centred around the topic of hiking.
Kaya
7/20/2025
What Your Students Will Learn
Hiking and nature-related vocabulary
Travel English and real-life dialogues
Using linking words (Before, After, While, Unless, During)
Speaking practice through functional language and role-plays
Basic travel safety phrases and tips
How to plan and describe a hiking trip
What’s Included
4-page printable PDF (A4 + US Letter)
Fully animated PowerPoint presentation (great for online or in-class use)
90+ minutes of lesson content
Answer key included
NO PREP required — just download and teach
Activities
Warm-up discussion and terrain vocabulary
Fill-in-the-gap exercises on hiking gear
Functional dialogues (asking for help, giving directions)
Grammar focus on linking words
Mini-project: What’s in your hiking backpack?
Role-plays: Lost hiker, helping an injured friend
Final project: Plan or research a hiking trip
Why Teachers Love It
Combines practical communication with grammar and vocabulary
Encourages pair work, real-life role-plays, and problem-solving
Great for seasonal lessons, travel units, or outdoor themes
Works beautifully for ESL camps, summer schools, or teen conversation classes
Aims
To build essential hiking and travel-related vocabulary
To practise functional language in real-life hiking and emergency situations
To improve speaking fluency through role-plays and dialogue practice
To reinforce linking words: Before, After, While, Unless, During
To encourage critical thinking and decision-making through discussion and mini-projects
To develop confidence in using English in outdoor and travel contexts
To strengthen collaborative learning via pair and group work
To support creative expression through a personalised hiking project
Looking for a practical, engaging ESL lesson about hiking and outdoor adventures?
“On a Hike” is a no-prep, print-and-go PDF + PowerPoint lesson plan for A2/B1 students, designed for both teenagers and adults. It blends real-world English with functional language, role-play, grammar, and vocabulary — perfect for learners who love the outdoors or are preparing for real-life travel situations.
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Copyright Handy English 2021
”I used this with an adult ELL tutee of mine. I appreciate that the language was accessible for multiple proficiency levels, but the content wasn't obviously geared for children and still useful for older learners.”
August 7, 2023
”Another great resource from Handy English! I used it to give my students more in-depth practise into quantifiers and restaurant language. It's great resource and can be used after the students learn the basics of language for the restaurants and quantifiers. Definitely helped solidify what they learnt.”
February 5, 2023
”Love this resource. Great for fast finishers and also those in small ESL groups. Great for all macro skills as discussion and brainstorming is a great precursor for writing submissions.”
- Gail M.
June 25, 2023
Here's what other ESL Teachers say
Handy English: 4.8/5
”This was a wonderful resource for my students. It helped me introduce them easily to new concepts and it was quite engaging. Thanks!”
- Kiara B.
October 10, 2023
”Great resource for learning vocabulary, which supports comprehension and speaking skills.”
- Lori-Ann W.
September 29, 2023
”What a great way to get a healthy debate going. My students struggle with impulse control and they all have kept it kind and appropriate.”
- Alicia H.
September 17, 2023
