Socializing

Role-Plays

Scenario #1:
House Party

Useful Expressions
Scenario
Here are some possible questions and
Location: A Party at Someone’s House
statements to include in your role-play.
Characters: Two Teens You don’t have to use them all.

• This party is so boring.

Student A:
• There must be something better to do.
You are at a party at someone’s house with a few
• I can’t stand this music.
of your friends from high school. You’re bored
because you barely know anyone and you don’t • I think we should leave.
like the music. Talk to a friend and suggest an
• I have my eye on someone.
alternate activity.
• I need to get up the nerve to talk to him/her.
Student B: • Here goes nothing...
You are at a party at someone’s house with a few • Let’s just stay a little while longer.
friends. Even though you barely know anybody,
you don’t want to leave. There is someone at
the party that you are interested in meeting.
You wish you weren’t so shy so you could talk
to this person.

Class Questions Writing

Your class will have to be able to answer the Optional.
following questions after you perform your skit: Use a blank piece of paper or your notebook.

1. What do you think each kid will do next? 1. W

 ork together with your partner to
write a dialogue based on the scenario.
2. Why does one of the kids want to stay at the party?
2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.
3. Why does one of the kids want to leave?

4. What alternative activity does one kid suggest?

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 Socializing
Role-Plays

Scenario #2:
After Work

Scenario Useful Expressions

Location: Office Parking Lot Here are some possible questions and
statements to include in your role-play.
Characters: Two Office Workers
You don’t have to use them all.

• What are you up to this evening?

Student A:
• Do you want to do something?
You are about to get in your car and head home
from work. You see a fellow employee, and you • We could go to a movie.
start talking. You both have no plans for the
• We could do dinner.
evening, so you decide to hang out. You suggest
dinner and a movie. • What do you have in mind?

• I have nothing going on.

Student B:
• I can’t be out too late.
You are about to get in your car and head home
• That sounds like a plan.
from work. You see a fellow employee, and you
start talking. You both have no plans for the
evening, so you decide to hang out. You have
to be home by 8 pm to pick up your child from
an after-school activity.

Class Questions Writing

Your class will have to be able to answer the Optional.
following questions after you perform your skit: Use a blank piece of paper or your notebook.

1. Why can’t one of the coworkers go to a movie? 1. W

 ork together with your partner to
write a dialogue based on the scenario.
2. What do the speakers decide to do?
2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.
3. Who are the speakers?

4. W
 hy do the speakers decide
to hang out this evening?

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 Socializing
Role-Plays

Scenario #3:
At the Movies

Scenario Useful Expressions

Location: Movie Theater Here are some possible questions and
statements to include in your role-play.
Characters: Two Close Friends
You don’t have to use them all.

• I know nothing about this movie.

Student A:
• Fill me in.
You are with a good friend waiting for a movie to
start. You know nothing about the movie you are • Is it based on a true story?
about to see. Ask your friend what kind of movie
• What would I do without you?
it is and find out about the reviews.
• I’ve heard so many great things about it.

Student B: • It stars that guy from...

You are with a good friend waiting for a movie to • It’s up for a bunch of awards.
start. You have been wanting to see this movie
• Don’t forget to turn off your cell phone.
really badly. Fill your friend in about what you’ve
heard about the movie. Remind your friend to
turn off his/her phone.

Class Questions Writing

Your class will have to be able to answer the Optional.
following questions after you perform your skit: Use a blank piece of paper or your notebook.

1. Where does the conversation take place? 1. W

 ork together with your partner to
write a dialogue based on the scenario.
2. Why is one of the friends so excited?
2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.
3. What type of movie are they going to see?

4. What does one friend remind the other to do?

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 Socializing
Role-Plays

Scenario #4:
Catching Up

Scenario Useful Expressions

Location: Downtown Street Here are some possible questions and
statements to include in your role-play.
Characters: Two Old Friends from College
You don’t have to use them all.

•     (name), is that you?

Student A:
• How long has it been?
You are window shopping when an old friend
passes by. You stop him/her and try to catch up • I’m just doing a little window shopping.
on what you’ve been doing in the last few years.
• Let me get your number.
Exchange phone numbers so that you can get
together sometime. • I didn’t expect to run into you here!

• I’m new in town. I don’t know a soul!

Student B:
• I work just around the corner.
You are walking home from work when an old
• It will be great to catch up.
friend stops you on the street. Explain that you
have just moved to this city. Exchange phone
numbers so that you can get together sometime.
You could use a friend around here. You don’t
know anybody!

Class Questions Writing

Your class will have to be able to answer the Optional.
following questions after you perform your skit: Use a blank piece of paper or your notebook.

1. How do the two people know each other? 1. W

 ork together with your partner to
write a dialogue based on the scenario.
2. What do the friends chat about
2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.
3. Where does the conversation take place?

4. W
 hat do the two friends do
before they say goodbye?

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 Socializing
Role-Plays

Scenario #5:
Staff Party

Scenario Useful Expressions

Location: Dance Club Here are some possible questions and
statements to include in your role-play.
Characters: Two Colleagues
You don’t have to use them all.

• I’m not really in the mood for dancing.

Student A:
• I’m not much of a dancer.
You are at a staff party. Most people are dancing,
but you don’t feel like dancing. Talk to a fellow • So, who do you think is
colleague who is also watching the dance floor. going to win the big award?
Discuss who you think will win the “employee of
• I guess we had better take our seats.
the year” award. End your conversation as the
lights dim for the big announcement. • I’d give anything to be out on the dance floor!

• I have no idea who the winner will be.

Student B:
• Can you remember who won last year?
You are at a staff party. Most people are dancing,
• I’m sure we’ll meet up again later.
but you have a broken leg. Talk to a fellow
colleague who is also watching the dancers.
Discuss who you think will win the “employee of
the year” award. End your conversation as the
lights dim for the announcement.

Class Questions Writing

Your class will have to be able to answer the Optional.
following questions after you perform your skit: Use a blank piece of paper or your notebook.

1. Where does the conversation take place? 1. W

 ork together with your partner to
write a dialogue based on the scenario.
2. What are they discussing?
2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.
3. How do these people know each other?

4. Why is the conversation cut short?

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 Socializing
Role-Plays

Scenario #6:
Backyard BBQ

Scenario Useful Expressions

Location: A Backyard Here are some possible questions and
statements to include in your role-play.
Characters: Two Neighbors
You don’t have to use them all.

• I’m so glad you could come.

Student A:
• The kids play so nicely together.
It’s summertime, and you have your neighbor
over for a barbecue. Your kids are playing • This is one of the hottest summers ever.
together. Talk about the weather and your plans
• Do you have any big plans this summer?
for summer vacation. Excuse yourself so that you
can go and check on the food. • Thanks so much for having us.

• I’m glad the kids get along so well.

Student B:
• Thank goodness for air conditioning.
It’s summertime, and your neighbor has invited
• We’re going to do some camping trips.
you over for a barbecue. Your kids are playing
together. Talk about the weather and your plans
for summer vacation. Offer to help your neighbor
with the food preparation or setting the table.

Class Questions Writing

Your class will have to be able to answer the Optional.
following questions after you perform your skit: Use a blank piece of paper or your notebook.

1. Where does the conversation take place? 1. W

 ork together with your partner to
write a dialogue based on the scenario.
2. What does the guest offer to do?
2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.
3. What summer plans do the families have?

4. How is the weather?

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 Socializing
Role-Plays

Scenario #7:
After School

Scenario Useful Expressions

Location: Outside an Elementary School Here are some possible questions and
statements to include in your role-play.
Characters: Two Parents
You don’t have to use them all.

• I’m glad they are in the same class again.

Student A:
• What do you think of Mr./Mrs./Ms.     ?
You are waiting for your child to be dismissed
from school. Talk to another parent who • I’m going to the field trip to     on Friday.
has a child in the same class. Discuss the
• I’ll email you the photos.
teacher and the upcoming field trip that
you are volunteering for. •     (child) is always
talking about     (child).

Student B: • I’m happy with how things are going this year.

You are waiting for your child to be dismissed • I have to work, so I can’t volunteer this time.
from school. Talk to another parent who has
• Can you do me a favor and take some photos?
a child in the same class. Discuss the teacher
and the upcoming field trip. You wish you could
volunteer, but you have to work that day. Ask the
other parent to take pictures.

Class Questions Writing

Your class will have to be able to answer the Optional.
following questions after you perform your skit: Use a blank piece of paper or your notebook.

1. Where does the conversation take place? 1. W

 ork together with your partner to
write a dialogue based on the scenario.
2. What do these parents think of the teacher?
2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.
3. How are these parents connected?

4. Where are their children going to be going soon?

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 Socializing
Role-Plays

Scenario #8:
Birthday Lunch

Scenario Useful Expressions

Location: A Restaurant Here are some possible questions and
statements to include in your role-play.
Characters: Two Siblings
You don’t have to use them all.

• Thanks for taking me out for my birthday.

Student A:
• Everything looks so delicious.
It’s your birthday. Your sibling is taking you out
I don’t know what to have.
for lunch. Discuss the menu, and get sidetracked
by talking about your dad’s health. Then go • So, have you heard any updates about Dad?
back to the menu. Choose a meal based on
• Oh, yeah, we should order! I’m starving.
your food allergy.
• I’m so glad I got to see you on your birthday.

Student B: • What are you going to have?

You are taking your sibling out for lunch for • Mom filled me in on the phone last night.
his/her birthday. Discuss the menu, and get
• I’m actually going to have the same.
sidetracked by talking about your dad’s health.
Then go back to the menu. Decide on the same
meal as your sibling.

Class Questions Writing

Your class will have to be able to answer the Optional.
following questions after you perform your skit: Use a blank piece of paper or your notebook.

1. W
 hat do they start chatting 1. W
 ork together with your partner to
about while reading the menu? write a dialogue based on the scenario.

2. What do they decide to eat? 2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.

3. Why are these people out for lunch together?

4. What food allergy does one of the siblings have?

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 Socializing
Role-Plays

Scenario #9:
Social Media

Scenario Useful Expressions

Location: A Library Here are some possible questions and
statements to include in your role-play.
Characters: Two Friends
You don’t have to use them all.

• I can’t get my mind off this.

Student A:
• Can you believe he/she wrote that?
You are at the school library with your friend.
You’re supposed to be studying, but you are • I hate that I’m addicted to this site.
addicted to a social media site on your laptop.
• Do you think I should say
You just read an update that mentions you and
something to him/her?
really bothers you. Share it with your friend and
ask for advice. • This site is such a waste of time.

• You need to concentrate on studying.

Student B:
• Who cares about what he/she thinks?
You’re studying on your laptop, but your friend
• You didn’t forget about the exam, did you?
has a problem. Someone wrote something about
him/her on a social media site. Tell your friend
to stop wasting so much time. You quit using
that site a few months ago and are happier now.
Remind him/her that the exam is tomorrow.

Class Questions Writing

Your class will have to be able to answer the Optional.
following questions after you perform your skit: Use a blank piece of paper or your notebook.

1. Where does the conversation take place? 1. W

 ork together with your partner to
write a dialogue based on the scenario.
2. Why is one of the students upset?
2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.
3. What are the students supposed to be doing?

4. What advice does one student give the other?

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 Socializing
Role-Plays

Quick Cards

Scenario #1: Scenario #1:

A PART Y AT SOMEONE’S HOUSE A PART Y AT SOMEONE’S HOUSE

Location: A Party at Someone’s House Location: A Party at Someone’s House

Characters: Two Teens Characters: Two Teens

Student A: Student B:

You are at a party at someone’s house with a few of You are at a party at someone’s house with a few
your friends from high school. You’re bored because friends. Even though you barely know anybody, you
you barely know anyone and you don’t like the music. don’t want to leave. There is someone at the party that
Talk to a friend and suggest an alternate activity. you are interested in meeting. You wish you weren’t so
shy so you could talk to this person.
Expressions:
Expressions:
• This party is so boring.
• There must be something better to do. • I have my eye on someone.
• I can’t stand this music. • I need to get up the nerve to talk to him/her.
• I think we should split (leave). • Here goes nothing...
• Let’s just stay a little while longer.

Scenario #2: Scenario #2:

AFTER WORK AFTER WORK

Location: Office Parking Lot Location: Office Parking Lot

Characters: Two Office Workers Characters: Two Office Workers

Student A: Student B:

You are about to get in your car and head home from You are about to get in your car and head home from
work. You see a fellow employee, and you start talking. work. You see a fellow employee, and you start talking.
You both have no plans for the evening, so you decide You both have no plans for the evening, so you decide
to hang out. You suggest dinner and a movie. to hang out. You have to be home by 8 pm to pick up
your child from an after-school activity.
Expressions:
Expressions:
• What are you up to this evening?
• What do you have in mind?
• Do you want to do something?
• I have nothing going on.
• We could catch a movie.
• I can’t be out too late.
• We could do dinner.
• That sounds like a plan.

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 Socializing
Role-Plays

Quick Cards cont.

Scenario #3: Scenario #3:

AT THE MOVIES AT THE MOVIES

Location: Movie Theater Location: Movie Theater

Characters: Two Close Friends Characters: Two Close Friends

Student A: Student B:

You are with a good friend waiting for a movie to start. You are with a good friend waiting for a movie to start.
You know nothing about the movie you are about to You have been wanting to see this movie really badly.
see. Ask your friend what kind of movie it is and find Fill your friend in about what you’ve heard about the
out about the reviews. movie. Remind your friend to turn off his/her phone.

Expressions: Expressions:

• I know nothing about this movie. • I’ve heard so many great things.
• Fill me in. • It stars that guy from...
• Is it based on a true story? • It’s up for a bunch of awards.
• What would I do without you? • Don’t forget to turn off your cell phone.

Scenario #4: Scenario #4:

CATCHING UP CATCHING UP

Location: Downtown Street Location: Downtown Street

Characters: Two Old Friends from College Characters: Two Old Friends from College

Student A: Student B:

You are window shopping when an old friend passes You are walking home from work when an old friend
by. You stop him/her and try to catch up on what stops you on the street. Explain that you have just
you’ve been doing in the last few years. Exchange moved to this city. Exchange phone numbers so
phone numbers so that you can get together that you can get together sometime. You could
sometime. use a friend around here. You don’t know anybody!

Expressions: Expressions:

•     (name), is that you? • I didn’t expect to run into you here!
• How long has it been? • I’m new in town. I don’t know a soul!
• I’m just doing a little window shopping. • I work just around the corner.
• Let me get your number. • It will be great to catch up.

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 Socializing
Role-Plays

Quick Cards cont.

Scenario #5: Scenario #5:

STAFF PART Y STAFF PART Y

Location: Dance Club Location: Dance Club

Characters: Two Colleagues Characters: Two Colleagues

Student A: Student B:

You are at a staff party. Most people are dancing, but You are at a staff party. Most people are dancing,
you don’t feel like dancing. Talk to a fellow colleague but you have a broken leg.Talk to a fellow colleague
who is also watching the dance floor. Discuss who who is also watching the dancers. Discuss who
you think will win the “employee of the year” award. you think will win the “employee of the year”
End your conversation as the lights dim for the big award. End your conversation as the lights dim
announcement. for the announcement.

Expressions: Expressions:

• I’m not really in the mood for dancing. • I’d give anything to be out on the dance floor!
• I’m not much of a dancer. • I have no idea who the winner will be.
• So, who do you think is going to win the big award? • Can you remember who won last year?
• I guess we had better take our seats. • I’m sure we’ll meet up again later.

Scenario #6: Scenario #6:

BACK YARD BBQ BACK YARD BBQ

Location: A Backyard Location: A Backyard

Characters: Two Neighbors Characters: Two Neighbors

Student A: Student B:

It’s summertime, and you have your neighbor over It’s summertime, and your neighbor has invited you
for a barbecue. Your kids are playing together. Talk over for a barbecue. Your kids are playing together.
about the weather and your plans for summer Talk about the weather and your plans for summer
vacation. Excuse yourself so that you can go vacation. Offer to help your neighbor with the food
and check on the food. preparation or setting the table.

Expressions: Expressions:

• I’m so glad you could come. • Thanks so much for having us.
• The kids play so nicely together. • I’m glad the kids get along so well
• This is one of the hottest summers ever. • Thank goodness for air conditioning.
• Do you have any big plans this summer? • We’re going to do some camping trips.

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 Socializing
Role-Plays

Quick Cards cont.

Scenario #7: Scenario #7:

AFTER SCHOOL AFTER SCHOOL

Location: Outside an Elementary School Location: Outside an Elementary School

Characters: Two Parents Characters: Two Parents

Student A: Student B:

You are waiting for your child to be dismissed from You are waiting for your child to be dismissed from
school. Talk to another parent who has a child school. Talk to another parent who has a child in the
in the same class. Discuss the teacher and the same class. Discuss the teacher and the upcoming field
upcoming field trip that you are volunteering for. trip. You wish you could volunteer, but you have to
work that day. Ask the other parent to take pictures.
Expressions:
Expressions:
• I’m glad they’re in the same class again.
• What do you think of Mr./Mrs./Ms.     ? •     (child) is always talking about     (child).
• I’m going on the field trip to     on Friday. • I’m happy with how things are going this year.
• I’ll email you the photos. • I have to work, so I can’t volunteer this time.
• Can you do me a favor and take some photos?

Scenario #8: Scenario #8:

BIRTHDAY LUNCH BIRTHDAY LUNCH

Location: A Restaurant Location: A Restaurant

Characters: Two Siblings Characters: Two Siblings

Student A: Student B:

It’s your birthday. Your sibling is taking you out for You are taking your sibling out for lunch for his/her
lunch. Discuss the menu, and get sidetracked by birthday. Discuss the menu, and get sidetracked by
talking about your dad’s health. Then go back to the talking about your dad’s health. Then go back to the
menu. Choose a meal based on your food allergy. menu. Decide on the same meal as your sibling.

Expressions: Expressions:

• Thanks for taking me out for my birthday. • I’m so glad I got to see you on your birthday.
• Everything looks so delicious. • What are you going to have?
I don’t know what to have. • Mom filled me in on the phone last night.
• So, have you heard any updates about dad? • I’m actually going to have the same.
• Oh, yeah, we should order! I’m starving.

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 Socializing
Role-Plays

Quick Cards cont.

Scenario #9: Scenario #9:

SOCIAL MEDIA SOCIAL MEDIA

Location: The Library Location: The Library

Characters: Two Friends Characters: Two Friends

Student A: Student B:

You are at the school library with your friend. You’re You’re studying on your laptop but your friend has a
supposed to be studying, but you are addicted to problem. Someone wrote something about him/her
a social media site on your laptop. You just read an on a social media site. Tell your friend to stop wasting
update that mentions you and really bothers you. so much time. You quit using that site a few months
Share it with your friend and ask for advice. ago and are happier now. Remind him/her that the
exam is tomorrow.
Expressions:
Expressions:
• I can’t get my mind off this.
• Can you believe he/she wrote this? • That site is such a waste of time.
• I hate that I’m addicted to this site. • You need to concentrate on studying.
• Do you think I should say something to him/her? • Who cares what he/she thinks?
• You didn’t forget about the exam, did you?

Teachers’ Notes
Be sure to print out our Role-Play Teachers’ Notes for
tips and ideas on using the Role-Play section in class.

SPELLING NOTE:

This lesson shows the American spelling of the words Theater,

Neighbor, and Favor. Most other English-speaking countries spell
these words this way: Theatre, Neighbour, and Favour. Make it
a challenge for your students to find these words in the lesson
and see if they know the alternate spellings.

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