Description
The Perfect Holiday Agency is a complete problem-based learning mini-unit for A2-B1 ESL secondary school students. It runs across two phases: students first build a custom holiday for a fictional client, then solve a surprise travel crisis while using thematic vocabulary throughout. The entire activity is print-ready and runs without any additional preparation.
Key Benefits & Features
Meaningful Vocabulary Practice: Students use 5 thematic vocabulary sets (beach, accommodation, transport, activities, planning) in context in order to make real decisions, not just fill in blanks.
Problem-Based Structure: The two-phase format (create + crisis) keeps students genuinely engaged. Because they build something in Phase 1, they’re invested in fixing it in Phase 2.
Complete Group Activity: Designed for 4 groups of 4-8 students. Each group functions as a travel agency with its own client and its own crisis, so every team is working on something different.
Covers All 4 Skills: Vocabulary input via flashcards, reading through client cards and crisis cards, writing through structured worksheets, speaking through group negotiation and class presentations.
Ready to Run: The teacher’s notebook covers every step: timing, instructions, group management, and differentiation tips. Open the file and teach.
What’s Inside
5 Sets of Thematic Flashcards: Beach / Accommodation / Transport / Activities and visits / Planning holidays, used as a visible reference tool throughout both phases.
Teacher’s Notebook: Full instructions, group tips, differentiation ideas.
Phase 1 Worksheets – Students’ Planning Template: Each agency plans a 7-day holiday based on their client’swishes.
Phase 2 Worksheets – Crisis Resolution Template: Each agency adapts their plan in response to a surprise travel problem.
4 Client Profile Cards: One per group. Each card describes a different fictional client with specific holiday preferences and constraints.
4 Holiday Crisis Cards: One per group. Each card introduces a different unexpected problem: overbooked hotel, cancelled flight, closed attraction, or bad weather.
Use Cases
End-of-Year Lessons: Perfect for the last 2–3 weeks of school when students need structure without low engagement.
Holiday & Travel Units: A standalone capstone activity for any summer or travel vocabulary unit.
Collaborative Learning: Ideal for mixed-ability classes as stronger students can support peers without the activity feeling levelled down.
Key Takeaways
Target: A2-B1 ESL secondary school students
Skills: Vocabulary, Speaking, Reading, Writing
Format: Problem-Based Learning: 2-phase group activity
Format: Print & Go, no extra prep required
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The Perfect Holiday Agency: A Problem-Based Summer ESL Unit
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