应该是 there are a lot of people。因为people泛指"人们/人民"时,是单数形式(一般不写成peoples),是复数概念,所以用are。
析:
people泛指"人们/人民"时,是单数形式(一般不写成peoples),是复数概念;作主语时,
谓语动词用复数形式 e.g.
There are a lot of people at the meeting.(不能用is)
Many people go there only for fun.(不能用comes)
people指"民族/(一个国家的)人民"时,可以有单数和复数两种形式(可以写成peoples) e.g.
The Chinese people is a hardworking and brave one.中国人民是一个勤劳勇敢的民族.
The peoples of Africa are awakening.非洲各国人民在觉醒。
另外:
people着重全体,指"人们"之意时,可以说some people , many people,不能说two people
person着重个人方面,可以说one person, two persons。