Here you can find a range of short activities to use in your secondary classroom with students at pre-intermediate level. All of our activities are designed around themes engaging and relevant to secondary learners and can be used to complement your school curriculum, giving students an opportunity to develop their English language and skills in motivating and enjoyable ways. Written by young learner experts from around the world, our activities are easy to use and aim to give your students the skills and confidence they need to enjoy learning English.

Halloween activities

A collection of classroom activities that can be used at Halloween to practise vocabulary, speaking, reading and listening, suitable for A2+ level students.

Teaching unplugged - activities

If you'd like to have a first go at 'teaching unplugged' your aim is simply to get students to produce language and then to use the language they produce as the basis for your lesson.

Writing poems with 'Spark'

'Writing poems? No, this wouldn't work with my students!' If you feel skeptical about getting your students to try their hand at composing poems or songs in class, try this activity.

Pronunciation whispers

This activity is based on the fun and effective game of 'whispers'. It can be used with all ages and levels in a number of ways and for different elements of pronunciation.

Retelling the story

This activity can be used in a number of different ways and for a number of different tenses. 

Christmas tips

Christmas is an excellent theme for adding games and fun to your teaching. Most students enjoy festive lessons if your activities encourage a personal contribution about the students' own families and customs.

Happy graph

This is a valuable warmer activity for any teenage class. It gives the students the chance to get to know you a little more and it gives you the opportunity to find out about how your students are feeling before you start your lesson.

Listen and draw

This is a simple speaking activity that can be used with CEFR A2 level groups to provide practice in using prepositions of place and giving clear instructions. The lesson works well with adults and teenagers.

Research and insight

Browse fascinating case studies, research papers, publications and books by researchers and ELT experts from around the world.

See our publications, research and insight