Business strategy: using 'will' and 'going to' for plans and predictions

Summary

This 90-minute ESL lesson for B1 learners explores Business strategy: using 'will' and 'going to' for plans and predictions through a real article. Across 10 interactive exercises, you'll develop reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, practical communication, speaking skills — all built around authentic English content.

What you'll practise:

• 5 key vocabulary items with definitions and usage notes
• Grammar focus: future forms: 'will' vs. 'be going to' with examples and practice
• Real-world phrases for presenting your plans in a meeting
• Gap-fill and cloze exercises to test vocabulary in context
• Error correction to sharpen grammar awareness

Lesson activities (10 exercises)

Each exercise builds on the previous one. Work through them in order for the best learning experience.

1. Warm-up — Discussion questions to activate what you already know about the topic.
2. Comprehension — Answer questions to check your understanding of the main ideas and supporting details.
3. Vocabulary — Learn key words and expressions from the article, with definitions and usage notes.
4. Fill the gaps — Complete sentences with the correct vocabulary. Drag and drop or type your answers.
5. Grammar — Study future forms: 'will' vs. 'be going to' — explanation, examples, and key rules.
6. Error correction — Find and fix the mistake in each sentence — a great grammar workout.
7. Practical English — Learn phrases for presenting your plans in a meeting — ready to use in real conversations.
8. Cloze passage — Fill in blanks within a connected text to practise vocabulary in context.
9. Discussion — Reflect on the topic and share your opinions using the language you've learned.

Vocabulary

This lesson introduces 5 key terms drawn directly from the article:

• Set a target — to decide on a goal or result you want to achieve.
• Draw up a plan — to prepare and write down the details of a plan or agreement.
• Stick to the budget — to spend only the amount of money that has been planned for something.
• The big picture — the overall situation or perspective, not the small details.
• Get something off the ground — to start a project or business successfully.

Grammar

This lesson focuses on future forms: 'will' vs. 'be going to'.

In English, we use both 'will' and 'be going to' to talk about the future. We generally use 'be going to' for plans and intentions we have already decided. We use 'will' for predictions based on opinion, offers, or for decisions made at the moment of speaking.

Examples from the lesson:

• Our team is going to launch the new product line in the third quarter. — Use 'be going to' for a plan or intention that has already been decided.
• I think this new strategy will boost our sales significantly. — Use 'will' for predictions, often with phrases like 'I think' or 'I believe'.
• The client is on the phone? Okay, I'll take the call in my office. — Use 'will' for a spontaneous decision made at the moment of speaking.

Key rules:

• Use 'be going to' for plans and intentions made before the moment of speaking.
• Use 'will' for predictions, promises, offers, and spontaneous decisions.
• Common mistake: Don't use 'will' for a fixed plan. Say 'We're going to start the project next week,' not 'We will start...'

Practical English

presenting your plans in a meeting

In a business meeting, you need to present your ideas clearly and professionally. Use these phrases to introduce your plans, explain your goals, and ask for feedback.

Phrases you'll learn:

• "I'd like to walk you through our plan for..." — to introduce your topic at the beginning of a presentation.
• "Our main priority is going to be..." — to state your most important goal or objective.
• "To achieve this, we're going to..." — to explain the specific actions you will take to reach a goal.
• "We need to keep in mind that..." — to introduce a potential problem or challenge.
• "What are your thoughts on this approach?" — to ask for opinions and feedback from your colleagues.