10 ChatGPT Prompts Every ESL Teacher Should Save - AI for ESL

If you’ve tried ChatGPT for lesson planning, you know the quality of your output depends entirely on the quality of your prompt.

I learned this the hard way when I asked ChatGPT to “make a lesson about the environment” and got back the most generic, unusable fluff I’ve ever seen. It was like asking someone to “make dinner” and getting a bowl of plain rice (technically food, but not exactly what you had in mind).

Then I tried again with specific parameters - proficiency level, learning objectives, time constraints, student interests. Thirty seconds later, I had something I could actually use in my classroom. That’s when it clicked: the secret to AI-assisted teaching isn’t the tool itself, it’s knowing how to talk to it.

I’ve spent the past year refining ChatGPT prompts for ESL teaching. Here are the 10 I use most often, organized by teaching task. Copy them, customize them for your context, and save hours of prep time.

For Lesson Planning

1. Complete Lesson Plan Generator

This is the prompt I turn to when I’m staring at my planner on Sunday night thinking “I have no idea what to teach tomorrow.”

The Prompt:

Create a 50-minute ESL lesson plan for [CEFR level] students on the topic of [topic].

Context:
- Class size: [number] students
- Age range: [age range]
- Cultural background: [background]
- Learning objectives: [objectives]

Include:
1. Warm-up activity (5 minutes)
2. Presentation of new material (15 minutes)
3. Guided practice activity (15 minutes)
4. Production/free practice (10 minutes)
5. Wrap-up and assessment (5 minutes)

For each section, provide:
- Detailed teacher instructions
- Student interaction patterns (individual/pairs/groups)
- Materials needed
- Anticipated challenges and solutions

Why It Works:

Providing specific context - proficiency level, class size, cultural background - ensures the lesson fits your actual teaching situation, not some idealized classroom that exists nowhere on earth.

The structured format request gives you a complete, classroom-ready plan. I’ve used this dozens of times and it saves me about 90 minutes of planning per lesson (yes, I timed it).

Example Customization:

“Create a 50-minute ESL lesson plan for B1 students on the topic of sustainable fashion. Context: Class size: 18 students, Age range: 16-18, Cultural background: Mixed international, Learning objectives: Students will be able to discuss environmental impact of clothing choices and express opinions about sustainable alternatives.”

2. Differentiated Activity Designer

Teaching a mixed-level class is one of those realities of ESL that no one warns you about in your TEFL certification.

Last semester I had students ranging from A2 to B2 in the same class. Creating three versions of every activity by hand was eating up my weekends. This prompt gave me my Saturdays back.

The Prompt:

I'm teaching [topic] to a mixed-ability ESL class ranging from [lower level] to [upper level].

Create three versions of the same activity:
- Version A (for [lower level] students): [specific scaffolding needed]
- Version B (for intermediate students): Standard approach
- Version C (for [upper level] students): Extended/challenging version

The activity should:
- Take approximately [time] minutes
- Focus on [skill: reading/writing/speaking/listening]
- Use [specific format: worksheet/discussion/game/etc.]
- Address the learning objective: [objective]

Why It Works:

Differentiation is essential but time-consuming. This prompt generates three versions of the same activity, ensuring all students work toward the same learning goal at their appropriate level.

Here’s the thing: everyone stays engaged. Your lower-level students aren’t drowning, and your advanced students aren’t bored out of their minds.

Pro Tip:

Be specific about the type of scaffolding lower-level students need (sentence starters, vocabulary banks, visual supports, etc.) for better results. Don’t just say “make it easier” - tell ChatGPT exactly what kind of support you want.

For Creating Materials

3. Authentic Reading Passage Generator

This is the prompt I use three times a week. Need a B2-level article about climate change? An A1 dialogue about ordering coffee? This handles it.

The Prompt:

Write an authentic-sounding [text type] about [topic] at [CEFR level] level.

Requirements:
- Length: [word count] words
- Reading level: Appropriate for [CEFR level]
- Tone: [formal/informal/conversational/academic]
- Include: [specific content elements]
- Avoid: [overly complex structures, idioms, cultural references that require explanation]

After the text, create:
1. A glossary of 5-7 challenging words with simple definitions
2. 5 comprehension questions (2 literal, 2 inferential, 1 critical thinking)
3. 2 discussion questions for follow-up

Why It Works:

Finding authentic texts at the right reading level is one of the most time-consuming parts of lesson prep. You find a perfect topic and then realize it’s written at a graduate-level reading complexity (been there way too many times).

This generates appropriately leveled content on any topic you need - and the reading level is actually appropriate.

Common Topics I Use This For:

Current events (simplified news articles)
Cultural topics (food, holidays, customs)
Career/workplace scenarios (email exchanges, workplace policies)
Environmental issues
Technology and social media

I’ve also used this for those weird specific topics students request. Last month someone asked about cryptocurrency in our discussion class. Ten minutes later, we had a B1-level explainer that actually made sense.

4. Dialogue Builder

Natural-sounding dialogues that incorporate target grammar are surprisingly hard to write. You either end up with conversations that sound like robots talking, or you forget to include your teaching points at all.

The Prompt:

Create a natural dialogue between [number] people in the following scenario: [scenario description].

Context:
- Setting: [where and when]
- Relationship: [how the speakers know each other]
- Purpose: [why they're talking]
- Target structures: [specific grammar/functions to include]
- Proficiency level: [CEFR level]

Make the dialogue:
- 10-12 exchanges long
- Natural and realistic
- Appropriate for [age group]
- Include 3-4 uses of [target language point]

After the dialogue, provide:
1. Comprehension questions
2. Roleplay instructions for students
3. Follow-up speaking activity

Why It Works:

This prompt creates realistic conversations while ensuring your teaching points appear organically. The dialogue sounds like how people actually talk, not like a grammar textbook trying to be cool.

I use this constantly for introducing new functional language - making requests, giving advice, expressing opinions. Students roleplay the dialogue, then adapt it for their own situations.

5. Visual Description Creator

You know when you find a great photo but aren’t sure how to exploit it for language learning? This prompt turns any image into a complete language activity.

The Prompt:

I'm using [describe the image/photo] in my ESL class.

Create a description-based activity for [CEFR level] students:

1. Write a detailed description of the image (3-4 paragraphs) using:
   - Present continuous for actions
   - Prepositions of place for locations
   - Descriptive adjectives appropriate for [level]

2. Create a "find the differences" version where 5-7 details are changed

3. Provide:
   - Pre-teaching vocabulary list (8-10 words)
   - Listening comprehension questions (for teacher reading description aloud)
   - Speaking prompts for students to describe the image to partners

Why It Works:

Perfect for when you have a compelling image but limited time to plan around it. I’ve used this with everything from news photos to artwork to random interesting pictures I find online.

The “find the differences” version is genius for listening practice - you read one description, students identify what’s different from what they see. They love it (and actually pay attention).

For Assessment

6. Rubric Generator

I used to spend hours creating assessment rubrics. Then I’d share them with students and they’d still ask “but what does ‘good organization’ mean?”

This prompt creates rubrics that are actually clear.

The Prompt:

Create an assessment rubric for [task type] for [CEFR level] ESL students.

Task description: [describe what students will do]

Create a 4-level rubric (Exceeds/Meets/Approaching/Below Expectations) that assesses:
1. [Criteria 1: e.g., Content/Ideas]
2. [Criteria 2: e.g., Language Use/Grammar]
3. [Criteria 3: e.g., Vocabulary Range]
4. [Criteria 4: e.g., Fluency/Coherence]

For each criterion:
- Provide clear, observable descriptors
- Use language that students can understand
- Include specific examples of what each level looks like
- Make it specific to [CEFR level] expectations

Why It Works:

Creates assessment tools that are clear, fair, and aligned with proficiency level expectations. Makes grading faster and feedback more consistent.

Honestly, the biggest benefit is sharing these with students before they start work. When they know exactly what you’re looking for, the quality goes up and the “why did I get this grade?” conversations go down.

Time-Saver:

Generate rubrics at the start of a unit and share them with students. I print them out and stick them in my planning binder - then I reuse and adapt them for similar tasks throughout the year.

7. Diagnostic Question Generator

Assessment should tell you more than just “this student got 7/10.” It should tell you where the gaps are and what to teach next.

The Prompt:

I need to assess my [CEFR level] students' understanding of [grammar point/skill].

Create 10 diagnostic questions that:
- Progress from simple to complex
- Test understanding, not just memorization
- Include a variety of question types (multiple choice, fill-in-blank, error correction, application)
- Identify common mistakes/misconceptions for [topic]

For each question:
- Indicate the specific sub-skill being tested
- Provide the correct answer
- Explain the most common wrong answer and why students choose it
- Suggest a mini-lesson focus if students struggle with this question

Why It Works:

This creates assessment that actually diagnoses where students are struggling, not just whether they got something right or wrong. The analysis of common errors helps you target your teaching instead of just reteaching everything.

I used this last month for conditionals. Turned out my students understood first conditional perfectly but completely bombed second conditional. Without the diagnostic breakdown, I would’ve wasted time reviewing what they already knew.

For Grammar Instruction

8. Grammar Explanation Simplifier

Grammar explanations in textbooks are either too complex or too simplistic. There’s rarely a middle ground.

The Prompt:

Explain [grammar point] to [CEFR level] ESL students.

Requirements:
- Use simple, clear language appropriate for [level]
- Provide the rule in 2-3 sentences maximum
- Give 5 example sentences showing different contexts
- Include 3 common mistakes students make with this structure
- Explain why each mistake is wrong and how to fix it
- Create a memory trick or pattern to help students remember

Avoid:
- Metalanguage that's too technical
- Exceptions and special cases (unless critical)
- Comparing to other grammar structures (unless helpful)

Why It Works:

This creates explanations pitched exactly at your students’ level with practical examples they can reference. No grammatical jargon that requires a linguistics degree to understand.

The “common mistakes” section is particularly useful - it preemptively addresses errors you know they’re going to make anyway.

9. Contextualized Practice Generator

Remember those grammar exercises that were just 20 random sentences with no connection to each other? Students find them mind-numbing.

Practice activities with a coherent context are more engaging and help students see how grammar functions in real communication.

The Prompt:

Create a practice activity for [grammar point] that:
- Uses a coherent context/story (not random sentences)
- Includes 12-15 practice items
- Is appropriate for [CEFR level]
- Follows this format: [fill-in-blank/transformation/error correction/etc.]

Context: [topic area or theme]

Make sure:
- The context is interesting for [age group]
- All sentences connect to tell a story or describe a situation
- The grammar structure appears naturally, not forced
- Difficulty progresses from easier to more challenging examples

Why It Works:

Students actually read the whole thing instead of just filling in blanks mechanically. Last week I used a past tense practice activity about a disastrous camping trip. My students were laughing while doing grammar exercises. That’s when you know it’s working.

For Cultural Content

10. Cultural Comparison Activity Designer

Cultural content is essential in ESL but can be tricky to approach sensitively. You want to build awareness without making students feel like their own culture is being judged.

The Prompt:

Create a cultural comparison activity about [cultural topic] for ESL students from [students' cultural background(s)].

Learning objectives:
- Develop cultural awareness about [target culture]
- Practice [language skill]
- Reflect on own cultural practices

Activity structure:
1. Introduction: [target culture perspective on topic] (2-3 paragraphs, [CEFR level] language)
2. Comparison prompts: 5-6 questions that ask students to compare target culture with their own
3. Discussion activity: Small group discussion protocol
4. Writing task: Reflective paragraph comparing similarities/differences

Include:
- Vocabulary support for cultural terms
- Sentence starters for comparisons (similar to/different from/in my culture/etc.)
- Guidelines for respectful discussion of cultural differences

Why It Works:

This creates structured activities that promote awareness while respecting students’ own cultural backgrounds. The comparison approach frames differences as interesting rather than better/worse.

I’ve used this for everything from food customs to communication styles to approaches to time. Students love talking about their own cultures, and it naturally generates authentic conversation.

How to Get Even Better Results

These prompts are starting points. Here’s how to customize them for your specific situation.

1. Add Your Context

The more specific you are about your students, the better the output. Don’t just say “intermediate students.” Instead, include:

Exact proficiency level (B1, not just “intermediate”)
Age and interests
Learning environment (online/in-person, class size)
Cultural background
Previous knowledge or units studied

Think about what you’d tell a substitute teacher who’s taking over your class. That’s the level of detail that gets you good results.

2. Iterate

If the first output isn’t quite right, tell ChatGPT what to adjust. You’re not stuck with the first version it gives you.

“Make this more challenging”
“Simplify the vocabulary in section 2”
“Add more visual support”
“Change the topic to something more relevant for teenagers”

I usually go through 2-3 iterations before I’m completely happy with output.

3. Combine Prompts

Use one prompt to generate content, then another to modify it:

Generate a reading passage (Prompt #3)
Then create discussion questions using Prompt #10’s cultural comparison approach
Or create a differentiated version using Prompt #2

The prompts work even better when you layer them.

4. Save Your Favorites

Create a document with your customized versions. I have a running Google Doc where I keep my go-to prompts with notes about what worked well and what needed adjustment.

After a few weeks, you’ll have a personalized library that fits your teaching style and student population perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

After a year of using ChatGPT for lesson planning, here’s what NOT to do.

Don’t Skip the Details

Vague prompts = vague results. “Make a lesson about food” gets generic output. “Create a 40-minute B1 lesson about food waste that includes a video comprehension activity and debate preparation” gets usable material.

I know it feels faster to just type a quick prompt, but trust me - spending an extra 30 seconds being specific saves you 20 minutes of editing later.

Don’t Use Everything As-Is

Always review and adapt. ChatGPT doesn’t know your specific students, your classroom dynamics, or your curriculum requirements. It doesn’t know that Juan struggles with pronunciation or that your Wednesday afternoon class is exhausted and needs high-energy activities.

Treat the output as a solid draft, not a finished product.

Don’t Forget to Fact-Check

ChatGPT can be confident and completely wrong. Always verify:

Grammar explanations (I’ve caught some doozies)
Cultural information
Facts in reading passages
Appropriateness for your student population

Last month it confidently told me that a certain festival happens in spring. It actually happens in fall. Good thing I double-checked before teaching incorrect information to 25 students.

Don’t Replace Your Professional Judgment

These prompts handle the repetitive, time-consuming parts of lesson prep. You still make the important decisions:

Is this appropriate for my students?
Does this align with my learning objectives?
Will this activity engage my specific class?
Does this fit our curriculum sequence?

You’re the expert on your students. ChatGPT is just a really efficient assistant.

Start Small and Build Your Library

You don’t need to use all 10 prompts tomorrow. Start with one that addresses your biggest pain point:

Drowning in lesson planning? → Start with Prompt #1 (Complete Lesson Plan Generator)
Struggling to differentiate? → Try Prompt #2 (Differentiated Activity Designer)
Need materials fast? → Use Prompt #3 (Reading Passage Generator)
Assessment taking too long? → Implement Prompt #6 (Rubric Generator)

Customize it for your context. Use it for a week. Refine based on what worked and what didn’t. Then add another prompt to your toolkit.

Over time, you’ll build a library of customized prompts that fit your teaching style, your students, and your curriculum. That’s when the real time savings happen.

For me, it’s gotten to the point where I can generate a week’s worth of supplementary materials in about 45 minutes on Sunday afternoon. That used to take me half of my weekend.

Next Steps

Want to explore more AI tools beyond ChatGPT? Check out our complete guide to AI tools for ESL teachers, covering everything from pronunciation practice to translation tools.

Or browse our AI tools directory to find solutions organized by teaching need - lesson planning, assessment, content creation, and more.

What prompt will you try first?