Conversation Questions

Conversation Questions
Dreams
A Part of Conversation Questions for the ESL Classroom.
 Do you usually remember your dreams? Why/ Why not? Describe some of them.
 What was your nicest dream that you can remember?
 Talk about the most recent dream you can remember that you have had in the
past.
 Talk about a recurring dream that you have had in the past.
 How do you interpret a dream? Do you use your intuition/imagination to
understand it?
 Do you usually read books on dream interpretation? What is your opinion on it?
 Do you generally have pleasant dreams or nightmares?
 Have you ever had nightmares? What were they like?
 What's the worst nightmare you've ever had?
 What is "prophecy"?
 Have you ever had or heard of a dream that foretold the future?
 Did you know that Abraham Lincoln supposedly foresaw his own assassination
in a dream? What do you think about it?
 Have you ever dreamed about dead people? Is it a good signal? Why/Why not?
 Have you ever dreamt about dead friends or relatives? How was it? How did you
feel?
 There is a movie called "The Cell" with Jeniffer Lopez - It is about dreams -
Have you ever watched this film? Would you like to see it? Why/Why not?
 Are dream messages sent from our unconscious, predictions of the future, or the
brain's way of cleaning out information?
 Some people say that dreaming about losing money means that you will receive
it. Have you ever heard this? What other sayings about dreams do you know?
 Do your dreams ever affect your moods? Explain.
 Do you usually dream in black and white or in color?
 Have you ever woken up from a dream "in a cold sweat"?
 Do you believe that dreams can sometimes predict the future?
 Has anyone told you if you have walked or talked in your sleep?
 Here is a list of dream images. What might they represent?
o a road
o the sky
o snow
o a garden
o an open door
o a light
o sand
o fire
o falling
o darkness
o being chased
o speaking with a dead relative
o flying
 When you were a child, what was your dream for the future? Has it changed?
 Do you remember what you dream about in your sleep?
 What is your dream for the future?
 Have your dreams for your future changed?
 Do you tell people about your dreams?
 Do you think you can achieve your dreams?
 If you had lots of money what would you do with it?
 Do you think that having a lot of money can make you happy?
 Do you think that having dreams and aspirations is a waste of time?
Fads and Trends
 What is a fad?
 Do you pay attention to fads?
 What were some fads when you were in high school?
 What were some fads when you were in college?
 What are some fads now?
 Are fads the same as popular culture?
 What are some of the fads in your home country? Are they the same as where
you are living now?
 Why do you think people pay attention to fads?
 What fad influence your life the most?
Personality
 What are some characteristics of your personality?
 What makes you happy?
 What are some things that make you angry?
 Are you happy with your personality?
 Would you like to be different?
 Are you a determined person? Are you a stubborn person?
 Are you shy ? In which occasions are you shy?
 Do you consider yourself selfish ? Why?
 Is your personality suited to your job?
 In what way has your personality changed? Why has it changed??
 Are you more introverted (focused on your inner world) or more extraverted
(focused on other people and the outer world)?
 Do you think you can change a major characteristic of your personality if you
try?
 Do you think you have an unusual personality? Why?
 If you could change any aspect of your personality, what would it be?
 What sort of things would you do to amuse yourself during a car journey?
 What personality traits do you consider important in a good friend / a boss / a
partner?
 Do you consider yourself to be even-tempered?
 What is one thing that many people don't know about you?
 What expressions include colors when discussing illness? (ex., white or pale,
pink eye, black and blue for bruises, yellow fever)
 What expressions include colors and feelings? (ex. I feel blue, green with envy,
red with rage, turning red, black circles under the eyes, you are turning blue
(with the cold))
 What do the colors in your home country's flag represent?
Would you ever...?
Note: You can follow up most of these questions with a why or why not or with the
question "In what situation(s) would you consider doing so?"
 Would you ever adopt a child?

o Would you ever give your child up for adoption?
 Would you ever cheat on your husband/wife?
 Would you ever consider being a criminal?
 Would you ever consider being a farmer?
 Would you ever consider getting plastic surgery?
 Would you ever consider going bungee jumping? Would you ever consider
going skydiving?
 Would you ever defy your boss if he/she asked you to do something you didn't
agree with?
 Would you ever donate a kidney or another vital organ?
 Would you ever donate blood?
 Would you ever drive a car if you had forgotten your license at home?
 Would you ever drive at night with only one headlight?
 Would you ever drive your car with a flat tire?
 Would you ever eat rat meat?
 Would you ever eat rice with sugar?
 Would you ever feed the animals at the zoo?
 Would you ever get hair implants?
 Would you ever give money to a charity?
 Would you ever give money to a panhandler? (a beggar)
 Would you ever go skinny dipping? (swim naked)
 Would you ever lie to your children?
o ... to your husband/wife?
o ... your boyfriend/girlfriend?
 Would you ever lie to help a friend?
 Would you ever marry someone your parents didn't approve of?
 Would you ever paint your living room black?
 Would you ever pick up a hitchhiker?
 Would you ever slap someone for something they said?
 Would you ever smoke in a no smoking area?
 Would you ever spank your child?
 Would you ever steal from your family or friends?
 Would you ever "take a bullet" for someone else?
 Would you ever walk downtown without any shoes on your feet?
 Would you ever walk home alone at night?
o ... in this country?
o ... in your own country?
 Would you eat a live cricket for $500? If not, how much would it take?
 Would you ever consider killing yourself?
 Would you ever eat human flesh?
 Would you ever resort to cannibalism if it were the only option left to stay alive?
 Would you divorce your husband/wife if your favorite celebrity wanted to marry
you?
 Would you name your children after favorite characters in movies or books?
Would you do so if the names were strange, as in science fiction movies or
books?
 Would you ever pull over and help someone on the side of the road?
o Do you think this could be dangerous to do?
 Would you ever say yes to someone even if you meant no?
 Would you ever donate an organ in order to save other person's life?
 Would you ever consider plastic surgery if a friend suggested it to you?
 Would you ever consider writing your own book?
 Would you ever try staying in the jungle for a month?
 Would you ever consider surrogacy?
 Would you ever consider being a surrogate mother yourself?
 Would you ever consider egg or sperm donation?
 Would you ever pretend to be someone (like a policeman, or a teacher, or a
survey taker) just to get something that you wanted?
What if...?
 If you had only 24 hours to live, what would you do?
 If a classmate asked you for the answer to a question during an exam while the
teacher was not looking, what would you do?
 If someone's underwear was showing, would you tell them?
 If the whole world were listening, what would you say?
 If one song were to describe your life, what song would it be?
 If you bumped your car into another car, but nobody saw you do it, would you
leave your name and address?
 If you could ask God any one question, what would it be?
 If you could be a bird, what would you choose to be?
 If you could be a plant, what would you choose to be?
 If you could be a super-hero, which one would you be?
 If you could be an animal, any animal, what animal would you be and why?
 If you could be an animal, what would you be?
 If you could be an animal, what would you choose to be?
 If you could be another man or woman for a day, who would you choose?
 If you could be another person for a day, who would you be?
 If you could be invisible for a day what would you do and why?
 If you could change one thing about your spouse or significant other, what
would it be?
 If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
 If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
 If you could choose how you were going to die, what would you choose your
death to be?
 If you could choose to live on a different planet, which one would you choose?
 If you could commit any crime and get away with it, what would you do?
 If you could date a celebrity, who would you choose?
 If you could have only one food for the rest of your life (assuming that this
strange situation would not affect your health), which food would you choose?
 If you could hear what someone is thinking for a day, who would you choose?
 If you could live anywhere, where would you live?
 If you could meet any famous person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
 If you could speak any other language (besides English) which language would
you like to speak?
 If you could spend a day with any celebrity, who would it be and what questions
would you ask that person?
 If you could take a vacation anywhere in the world for any length of time, where
would you go?
o if you could go anywhere in the world for a holiday, where would you
go?
 If you could travel back in time, where would you go?
 If you didn't have enough money to get the bus home what would you do?
 If you discovered a new island, what would you name it and why?
 If you got arrested for murder, whom would you call with your telephone call
from prison? And why?
 If you had an accident and you had to be at home to recover for a long time,
what would you do to relieve the boredom?
 What would you do if you were at home at night, alone, and you heard a noise in
your flat/house that seemed to be footsteps? Would you stay calm or would you
panic?
 What would you do if you found the wallet of your next-door neighbor who you
hated?
 If you could have any car you wanted, which car would you choose? Would it be
practical or flashy?
 If your car broke down on the motorway, what would you do? Would you try to
fix it yourself?
 If you could solve the problem of hunger in the third world or repair the ozone,
which would you do?
 If you could stop a bad habit that you have, what would you stop?
 If you could go back to any moment in history, where would you go?
 If you could be famous (a household name), what would you like to be famous
for?
 If you were on holiday and you lost your passport, would you know what to do?
 If you were offered a job in another part of the country, would you be willing to
take the job, assuming that the pay is very good?
 If your partner were offered a job in another part of the country, which was well
paid, would you be willing to change places?
 If you were in the bank and somebody started to hold up the bank, what would
you do? How would you react?If you had one wish, what would you wish for?
 If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, which song would
you choose?
 If only one book existed, which book would you like it to be?
 If you could do any job, what would you like to do?
 If you could move anywhere, where would you like to live?
 If you found a suitcase full of $1,000,000, what would you do?
 If you found a wallet with £1,000 in it, what would you do?
 If you had 25-hour days (while everyone else continued to have 24-hour days),
what would you do with the extra time?
 If you had one wish, what would it be?
 If you had the opportunity to be different, what would you change?
 If you had time machine, where would you go and why?
 If you had to choose between a wonderful romantic relationship that would end
after only a year, or a so-so relationship that would last your entire life, which
one would you choose?
 If you had to choose between love and no money or money and no love for the
rest of your life, which would you choose?
 If you had to choose, would you give up your sight or your hearing?
 If you received lottery tickets as a gift at the office party, and you won
$30,000.00, would you share the winnings with the person that gave you the
gift?
 If you saw a robbery, would you report it?
 If you saw your zipper was down and people had noticed, what would you do?
 If you speak two languages and your spouse (husband or wife) speaks only one,
will you raise your children to be bilingual?
 If you were a candy, what candy would you be?
 If you were a monster, what monster would you be?
 If you were a toy, what toy would you be?
 If you were abducted by aliens, would you tell anybody? Why or why not?
 If you were American/Chinese/Mexican, how would your life be different?
 If you were asked to choose which time you would like to live in, which century
would you choose?
 If you were asked to speak to a graduating class, what would you say?
 If you were given a chance to go to the moon, would you go? Why or why not?
 If you were given a choice between being given great wisdom or great wealth,
which would you choose?
 If you were given an opportunity to be born again, in which country would you
like to be born?
 If you were given an opportunity to be born again, what kind of person would
you choose to be?
 If you were given one million dollars, what would you buy?
 If you were given the opportunity to be born again, how would you change how
you lived?
 If you were given the opportunity to mold your partner the way you wanted,
how would you mold your partner?
 If you were given three wishes, what would you wish for?
 If you were God, how would you transmit or let people know your message?
 If you were going to a deserted island and could only take three things with you,
what would you take? Why?
 If you were invited to have tea with the Queen of England, what would say?
 if you were the leader of your country, what would you change?
 If you were the President, what problem or concern would you work on first?
 If you were to be stranded on an island, which 3 things would you bring with
you?
 If you were told that you were going to die tomorrow, what would you do today?
 If you were walking through the forest and you suddenly saw a tiger, what
would you do?
 If you woke up suddenly because your house was on fire, which three things
would you save as you ran outside?
 If you worked for a store and you saw another employee steal something, would
you tell the manager?
 If your friend could not have a child, would you carry her child for her?
 If you saw someone in public with toilet paper stuck to their shoe, would you
tell them?
 If you could change one thing that you did that was bad,perhaps a crime or some
wrong you did to another person,what would it be?
 What kinds of problems would you have if you had to always tell the truth?
 You were told you had a terminal illness and had six months to live. What three
things would be most important for you to do?
 Your doctor has just told you that you have a month to live, what would you do
in that stretch of time?
o If your doctor told you that you had only one month to live, how would
you use the time left?
 What if you have to sacrifice yourself for the sake of saving your mother? What
would you do?
 If you could live perfectly well without sleeping, if you had no need to sleep at
all, how would you spend all your nights?
 If you could be married with a foreign (man/woman), how do you think your life
would change?
 If you had a chance to choose a poor (man/woman) as a (husband/wife) from
your culture or a rich (man/woman) from another culture, which would you
choose?
 If you got into traffic accident, what would you do at first?
 If you could be God, what would you do for humanity?
 If you could receive praise from a person, what person would it be?
o What kind of praise would you like to receive?
 If you were a color, what color would you be and why?
 If you could be a crayon, What color and Why?
 If you were a fruit, what fruit would you be and why?
 If you had time machine and you could be transported to any time, the past or
the future. What time would you choose?
 If you could ask an All-Knowing Being one question about life, what would it
be?
 If you could have dinner with anyone (dead OR alive), who would you choose,
and why?
 If you could live forever on earth as it is now, would you? Why or why not?
 If you could have a free chip put in your brain so that you would automatically
be able to speak and understand another language besides English, which
language would it be and why?
 If you were the Queen or King of Britain for a day, what would you do?
 If you were the President of the USA for a day, what would you do?
 If you had to spend 100 days on a desert island, what five things would you take
with you and why?
 If you were down on your luck, would you seek the advice of a palm reader,
 You can ask current event questions using this pattern. However, depending on
the class, you need to be careful about what kind of questions you ask.
o If the U.S. attacked North Korea, what would happen?
o What would you do if you lost your bathing suit while you were
swimming?
o Imagine you woke up one morning to find you had switched bodies with
someone you know. What would you do?
o If you could have any one supernatural power (flying, being invisible),
which would you choose and why?
 If you could not differentiate beautiful from ugly, how would choose your
spouse? (Perhaps not an appropriate questions, but it was submitted.)
 What if your cell phone fell in the toilet, what would you do?
NOTE THAT CAME WITH THE SUBMITTED QUESTIONS:
This happened to one of my students.... we had fun with this question
Manners
 What do you think are some good manners?
 What do you think are some bad manners?
 Can you think of some good manners that are bad manners in another country?
 What are the titles of some books on manners? Have you ever read them?
 What are some good manners for using a cell phone?
 What are some good table manners?
 What are some good party manners?
 Is kissing in public good manners?
 Do you say "hi" to people even if they are strangers? Why? Why not?
 Do you listen to other's people conversations on the street?
 Do you think it is good manners to hug or kiss another person in greeting?
 Do you let people pass you when you are driving in your car? Is it considered a
good manner?
 Do you honk your horn to people when you drive?
 Why are manners important?
 Do people have more manners now or in earlier times?
 Can manners affect your success in life? How?
 What's the best way to teach manners to children?
 What culture do you think is the most polite? Explain.
 What advice would you give a foreigner visiting your country who would like to
show good manners?
 What things about manners in the USA do you find difficult to adjust to?
 Is there anything about manners in the USA that you prefer to manners in your
country?
Future
 What does the future hold?
 What will the future be like?
 Who invented the very first computer?
 What is AI?
 What is the definition of a 'robot'?
 What is robotics?
 Where did the word 'robot' come from?
 Can robots tie shoes?
 Will robots replace humans?
 Will robots take our jobs?
 How will the development of robots that think change your future?
 Imagine the job you wish to hold when you get older - could a robot be
programmed to do that job as well as you?
 A film like The Matrix has explored the idea that we might be living in virtual
reality. But what evidence is there for or against this hypothesis? And what are
its implications?
 Do you know ISAAC ASIMOV? What did he do?
 Can you think of movies that have robots in them?
o Did you enjoy this movie?
 Do you think we create a new problem with each invention? Think of examples.
 Is there anything that does not yet exist that you would like to see invented?
What is it?
 Where do you plan on going to college?
 What type of job would you like to do in the future? How do you get that type of
job? Will you make much money in that job?
 Do you want to get married?
 Do you know who you are marrying?
 What high school are you going to go to?
 How can we preserve the future for the next generation?
 How will computers change in the future?
 How will cellphones change in the future?
 How will transportation develop in future times?
 How old will people live to be in the future?
 What kind of developments might happen in health care in the future?
 Could there be another world war in the future? How can we prevent a world
war from happening?
 Where do you plan on going in the future?
 Can fortune-tellers predict the future?
 Is it possible to know the future?
Fears
 Are there any parts of the city where you live which you are afraid to visit after
dark? Where? Why?
 Are there certain weather conditions that scare people? What are they? Why do
people become scared?
 Are you afraid of flying?
o (Are you afraid to fly in an airplane?)
 Are you afraid of ghosts?
 Are you afraid of giving a speech in public?
o (Does it scare you to speak in public?)
 Are you afraid of going to the dentist?
 Are you afraid of heights?
 Are you afraid of scary movies?
 Are you afraid of the dark?
 Are you afraid to die? Why?
 Are you afraid of getting old? Why?
 Are there any numbers that people are afraid of in your culture?
 Do you fear certain insects/animals? Why?
 Do you know anyone with a phobia?
 Do you like horror movies?
 Do you think young children should be allowed to watch horror movies?
 How do you react when you see something frightening?
 Is there any person you are afraid of?
 Were you afraid of the dark as a child?
 Were you afraid on your first day of school here in the United States? How do
you feel now?
 What animal do you think is the most scary?
o (What animal scares you the most?)
 What are some things which many people are afraid of? Why are they afraid of
them?
 What is the scariest movie you have ever seen?
 What is your biggest fear in life? Are you afraid that it might come true?
 What kinds of things make you nervous?
 What was the most frightening experience you've had?
 When you were a child, what things were you afraid of?
 Do you ever have nightmares (bad dreams)?
o What are they about?
o How often do you have nightmares?
 Have you ever seen any TV shows where people face their fears for money? e.g.
Fear Factor etc.?
o Would you ever face one of your fears for money?
o Do you find this kind of show interesting to watch?
 What is your biggest fear?
 Have you overcome any of your fears?
 Are you afraid of being ill? What disease are you most afraid of? Why?
Habits
 Do you have any bad habits?
 Do you bite your nails?
 Do you over sleep? Do you sleep on the sofa?
 Do you sleep in your clothes?
 Do you eat late at night?
 What are some good habits to have?
 What are healthy eating habits?
 What are bad eating habits?
 What are good study habits?
 What are bad study habits?
 Where do we learn our habits?
 What are some of your bad habits?
 Do children learn bad habits at s
Gender Roles
 Do you see yourself as a typical man/woman? Why or why not?
 In your country
o Are the responsibilities of a mother the same as the responsibilities of a
father to their families?
o What are the responsibilities of a father to his family?
o What are the responsibilities of a mother to her family?
o Are fathers capable of carrying out the duties of a mother and vice versa?
o Are there different expectations for sons and daughters?
o What habits are deemed as appropriate for men but inappropriate for
women?
o What behaviors are deemed as appropriate for men but inappropriate for
women?
o What jobs are deemed as appropriate for men but inappropriate for
women?
o Are more doctors female or male in your country?
o Are more nurses female or male in your country?
o Are more professional musicians female or male in your country?
o Are more teachers female or male in your country?
o Are more truck drivers female or male in your country?
o Are men and women equal in ability and intelligence?
o What things can either men or women do that the other cannot do and
why?
o What type of clothing do men wear?
o What type of clothing do women wear?
o Can men wear women's clothing or can women wear men's clothing?
Why or why not?
o Can men wear pink clothes?
o Is it OK for men to cry?
o Is it OK for women to cry?
o What do people think of men or women crying?
o What would people think of a man who backs down from a fight?
o What would people think of two women involved in a fist fight?
o Is it OK for men to appear sad?
o Is it OK for women to appear angry?
o Is it OK for men to appear weak?
o Is it common for women and men to take part in sporting activities? Do
they take part in the same type of sporting activities?
o In you home, who does the cooking, cleaning and household chores?
o Is it possible for women to join the army in your country?
o Is it compulsory for men and women to join the army in your country?
o Do women swear a lot?
o Are there more male or female managers and executives? Why do you
think this is?
o What jobs do men do and women not do in your country?
o Who is regarded as the head of the family?
o Should boys and girls be brought up differently?
o Should boys and girls be treated differently on the part of the parents?
o What would happen if your parents changed their place for one day?
o How would the world look like without men?
o How would the world look like without women?
o When a woman and a man are together, who does most of the talking?
What makes you think so?
o Can a man and a woman be only friends?
o Do men/men friendships differ from women/men or women/women
friendships? How?
Movies
 What is your all-time favorite movie?
 What is your favorite movie?
 Are there any kinds of movies you dislike?
o If so, what kinds?
o Why do you dislike them?
 Do you like to watch horror movies?
 Do you prefer fiction or nonfiction books? How about movies?
 Do you usually watch movies at home or at a movie theater?
 Have you ever seen the same movie more than once?
o If yes, name it (or them).
 Have you ever seen ___? (Insert the name of a movie.)
 How often do you go to movies?
 How often do you rent videos?
 If a book has been made into a movie, which do you prefer to do first, see the
movie or read the book? Why?
 What do you think of people who talk during movies at a movie theater?
 What is the best movie you have ever seen?
o Who was in it?
o Why did you like it?
o Who was the director?
 What is the scariest movies you have ever seen?
o What's the funniest?
o What's the most romantic?
 What is the worst movie you've ever seen?
 What was the last movie you saw?
o Was it good?
o Who did you see it with?
 What's the best movie you've ever seen?
 Which do you like better, action movies or comedy movies?
 What movie star would you most like to meet?
 Who is your favorite actor or actress?
 What do you think of reality shows?
 Do you think that films can be educational?
 Is there a movie you could watch over and over again?
 Who's your favorite director?
 See any good movies lately?
 How much does it cost to see a movie in your country?
 Do you usually rent DVD's or videos when you rent movies?
 What's one of your favorite movies?
o What kind of movie is it?
o Who's in it?
o Who directed it?
o Why do you like it?
o When did it come out?
o Where was it filmed?
o How many times have you seen it?
o Would you recommend it? Why?
Unbelievable story role cards - a roleplay for ESL or
EFL students
In this roleplay, students have to express
disbelief.
Taxi driver:
Today, Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman were running away from paparazzi when they got in your
cab. You took them to LAX (Los Angeles airport). Tell your friend about what happened.
Driver's friend:
Your friend is always making up stories about meeting celebrities. Politely tell your friend that
you're tired of hearing make-believe stories.
Teacher's notes
1. I would consider putting drivers and friends together before the roleplay so that they can plan
what they're going to say. If students object that the topic is too old, I would tell them that Tom
and Nicole being together makes the story even more newsworthy (but I should probably just
update the role cards - I don't becuase I don't feel like researching celebrity gossip at the
moment).
2. Set the scene. It seems like every text book has a unit about movies, which could provide a
nice context for this roleplay. You can use this one at any time; just make sure to provide a brief
warmer, perhaps asking if any students have met celebrities or what they think about paparazzi
(you may need to teach this word).
3. This is an opportunity for meaningful use of many past and present tenses. During the
activity, monitor students to see if they are using the tenses correctly. Also, see if students can
perform the following functions in English: politely tell someone you don't believe what they're
saying (friend); tell a story (driver).
4. I often let the students have more than one go at it. Have all the friends stand up and rotate
clockwise or have students exchange role cards (you may want to let students have a few more
minutes to plan if they're going to switch roles). If there are few students and an odd number of
them I usually participate, having the students rotate so everybody has to talk to the teacher.
5. Try to provide feedback between role-plays so students can try to incorporate your advice
when they do the roleplay with their next partner.
While this is a made up story about taking Tom Cruise to LAX (Los Angeles Airport) normal
people need to get to the airport as well. Airport transfer is normally less expensive than
airport parking and less stressful than driving to the airport.
A Fun ID-ea!
by Judith Rohlf
Description
In this speaking activity, students receive an ID card with a new identity. They then circulate in
the classroom asking and answering questions which allow them to complete an answer sheet
on these new identities.
Rules for the students to follow : Students must speak only English. They must not show their
ID cards to anyone. They must answer the questions asked based solely on the information on
their cards. (If someone asks them a question for which the information is not specifically stated,
they should answer something like: I don't know. No. Not really. No way...)
Material required :
 One answer sheet per student

 At least one set of the ID cards (There are 15 in all.) Since most classes have at least
24 students, you will most certainly need two sets in order to accommodate everyone in
your classroom. See below.
 Personal reflection sheet (optional)
Procedure
1. Explain to the students that they are going to do an oral activity for which they will be
assuming a new identity.
2. Tell them that in a few minutes, they will each receive an ID card with information about
this new identity.
3. Hand out the answer sheets.
4. Go over the answer sheets together, explaining that their task is to try and fill in their
sheets by asking questions of their "new" classmates.
5. Explain that each new ID will fit one (and only one) of the statements.
6. To help them, the first names of the new identities are given on their sheets (lower
right). There is also a list of questions they may use if they need help. Go over these
together.
7. Remind them that when they have found a statement that fits someone, they write down
the new name of the person in the correct blank and cross it off the list at the bottom.
8. Explain to the students that since there are more the 15 students in the class and only
15 statements and 15 different ID's, there will be some clones in the class. That is, two
students may receive the exact same ID card. This simplifies the activity (see below).
9. Make sure the students know and understand the students' rules stated above.
10. Circulate and perhaps evaluate students as they do the activity.
11. At the close of the activitiy, correct the answer sheet together, by reading each of the
statements aloud and asking the student(s) who assumed this ID to hand in their
card(s). (This allows you to make sure all cards are returned, and students like knowing
who became who during the activity.)
12. If time permits, or for homework, ask students to write personal answers to the
questions listed on their answer sheets.
13. Ask students for their feeedback on the activity and/or have them fill in the personal
reflection sheet.
This activity sounds a lot more complicated than it really is. If you don't understand something,
give me a shout (email) before abandoning using it. It really gets the kids speaking English, and
they do like it. In fact, my classes have asked me to make up another one (which I'm doing!...)
It's also a great way to evaluate oral skills in a natural "artificial" way.
1. Find a girl who was born in September: .............................................

2. Find an only child who was not born in Canada. .......................................
3. Find someone who likes reading and skiing. .......................................
4. Find two persons with the same birthday. ................................. and .............................
5. Find an excellent math student who has sisters. .................................
6. Find someone who isn't from Québec and likes basketball and
chess ..............................
7. Find a boy born in September whose favourite colour is black. ....................................
8. Find someone 12 who likes blue. ....................................
9. Find someone who likes reading and basketball. ......................................
10. Find someone who was born in Eastern Canada, whose favourite activity is playing
nintendo and who doesn't have any brothers. ...................................
11. Find the youngest person. ..................................
12. Find an excellent chess player who is 12 and likes red. .................................
13. Find someone who wasn't born in Québec and who has a twin
brother. ........................................
14. Someone whose hobby is reading, who has a stamp collection, and who was born in
the winter. ..................................

chess ..............................
brother. ........................................
the winter. ..................................

chess ..............................
brother. ........................................
the winter. ..................................
Brian Jacobs George Brown

Birthday: May11 Birthday: September 5
Place of Birth Alberta Place of Birth: Ontario
Age: 11 Age: 13
Family: one younger sister Family: three sisters, no brothers
Favourite Colour: red and black Favourite Colour: purple
Favourite Sport: basketball Favourite Sport: basketball
Hobby: Nintendo Hobby: Nintendo
You are an excellent chess player. You are an excellent math student.
Charlie Matt Eddie Wilson

Birthday: October 18 Birthday: September 23
Place of Birth: British Columbia Place of Birth: Québec
Age: 11 Age: 10
Family: a twin brother, one sister Family: only child
Favourite Colour: purple Favourite Colour: black
Favourite Sport: soccer Favourite Sport; hockey
Hobby: reading Hobby: reading
You like science fiction very much. You want to become an astronaut.
Karl Paulson Freddy Wyatt

Birthday: December 9 Birthday: December 13
Place of Birth: Germany Place of Birth: Nova Scotia
Age: 12 Age: 10
Family: 1 sister, 1 older brother Family: only child
Favourite Colour: red and green Favourite Colour: yellow
Favourite Sport: skiing Favourite Sport: tennis
Hobby: reading science fiction Hobby: Nintendo
You came to Canada when you were 10. You are an excellent science student.
Will Simpson Jake Smith

Birthday: January 28 Birthday: April 6
Place of Birth: New Brunswick Place of Birth: Nova Scotia
Age: 9 Age: 10
Family: two older brothers Family: no brothers or sisters
Favourite Colour: blue Favourite Colour: green
Favourite Sport: soccer; football Favourite Sport: hockey; soccer
Hobby: nintendo Hobby: painting
You collect stamps. Your father is a professional artist.
Cheryl Jones Janet Wilson

Birthday: June 17 Birthday: March 14
Place of Birth Ontario Place of Birth: Québec
Age: 12 Age: 12
Family: twin brothers Family: a twin brother, one sister
Favourite Colour: blue Favourite Colour: red
Favourite Sport: basketball Favourite Sport: skiing
Hobby: nintendo Hobby: playing the piano
You are great in math and French. You are an excellent chess player.
Mollie Miller Jessica Hall

Birthday: April 6 Birthday: September 6
Place of Birth: Alberta Place of Birth: Manitoba
Age: 13 Age: 13
Family: three older brothers Family: two older brothers
Favourite Colour: green Favourite Colour: black
Favourite Sport: tennis Favourite Sport; football
Hobby: nintendo Hobby: reading and painting
You have a fantastic stamp collection. You are an excellent math student.
Nancy Thomas Lisa Black

Birthday: March 1 Birthday: February 3
Place of Birth: Québec Place of Birth: France
Age: 12 Age: 11
Family:no brother or sisters Family: only child
Favourite Colour: green Favourite Colour: blue
Favourite Sport: soccer Favourite Sport: skiing
Hobby: reading Hobby: painting
You inherited your uncle’s stamp collection. Both your parents are doctors.
Tina Carlson
Birthday: June 12
Place of Birth: Ontario
Age: 11
Family: 1 brother and 1 sister
Favourite Colour: black and blue
Favourite Sport:basketball
Hobby: reading
You want to become a doctor like your mom.

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 Would you ever adopt a child?

 One answer sheet per student

1. Find a girl who was born in September: .............................................

1. Find a girl who was born in September: .............................................

1. Find a girl who was born in September: .............................................

Brian Jacobs George Brown

Charlie Matt Eddie Wilson

Karl Paulson Freddy Wyatt

Will Simpson Jake Smith

Cheryl Jones Janet Wilson

Mollie Miller Jessica Hall

Nancy Thomas Lisa Black

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