A lot of my students claim phrasal verbs are the most difficult part of any given English course. They are not sure how to learn them, and even less sure how to use them. As a result, they try to memorise long lists but never risk using any in speaking or writing. I wrote more on how to approach learning phrasal verbs in my guest post for Keep Smiling English here. Continue Reading …
free speaking activities esl
Using WILL for offers, promises, decisions, threats
In this activity students need to come up with various sentences using WILL to express promises, offers, decisions and threats in different contexts. Suitable for students who have already worked with the concept of using WILL, pre-intermediate and intermediate levels.
Business email writing lesson plan
The aim of this class is to talk about business email writing etiquette, and practice composing and replying to emails. It is perfect for in-company students, both groups, and individual.
CAE Speaking Exam: Part 2, speculating
Students practice for their CAE speaking exam, Part 2, paying special attention to speculating about the images. I prepared this activity for my CAE students to help them with part 2 of the speaking exam, so-called “long turn” where they are supposed to compare pictures, express their opinion, and speculate. Students practice the language of speculating through working with slightly more obscure images.
Business English speaking: persuasion
I prepared this speaking activity for my adult Business English students to help them practice using persuasion and structuring their arguments better. It combines discussion section with role-play, which makes it a dynamic and engaging activity your students will surely enjoy.
Problem solving speaking activity
The aim of this speaking activity is to practice problem-solving in English and brainstorm solutions to five different problems. It is perfect for conversation classes, bigger and smaller groups, levels intermediate and above.
Third Conditional speaking activity
This speaking activity helps students practise using third conditional to talk about the past and imagine what would have happened if…
It is suitable for any learners who are already familiar with third conditional and need more speaking practice. It is also a great activity for conversation classes and 1-1 lessons.
School problems speaking activity
The aim of this speaking activity is to come up with solutions to various school problems affecting teachers and students. Some school problems are analysed from the point of view of students or teachers. This allows our learners to change their perspective and think outside of the box. It is very engaging for teenage students and compliments nicely coursebook chapters about school life.
Excuses speaking activity
The aim of this excuses speaking activity is to come up with an explanation in 10 different situations. It requires quick thinking and creativity from the students and might easily be introduced as a game where whoever invents the best excuse gets a point.
Small Talk Lesson Plan
Small talk lesson plan aims at familiarising the students with the concept of small talk and some appropriate ways to overcome socially awkward situations in English. Students work in groups and try to make small talk on a number of topics. It might be used as a speaking activity or a game, where learners are timed and get points depending on how well they manage to engage their partners in small talk. It is a perfect fit for conversation classes.
