ACTIVITY 2

Topic Basic Conversation

Time allocation : 10 x 45 minutes (F2F)

5 x 45 minutes (structured task)
5 x 45 minutes (independent task)

A. Lead in
Basic conversation is a form of communication that involves exchanging ideas,
thoughts or information between two or more people. It is a fundamental skill in
everyday life, and it is essential for building and maintaining relationships, expressing
opinions and feelings, and conveying information.

Basic conversation involves multiple elements, such as active listening, speaking

clearly and confidently, using appropriate body language, and understanding the
context and purpose of the conversation. It also requires an understanding of basic
grammar and vocabulary, as well as the ability to ask questions and respond to them
appropriately. To improve one's basic conversation skills, it is essential to practice
regularly. This can be done by engaging in conversations with friends, family, or
colleagues, or by participating in language exchange programs or conversation groups.

It is also essential to seek feedback from others and to be open to constructive

criticism. In addition to practice and feedback, there are various resources available to
help individuals improve their basic conversation skills, such as language learning
apps, online courses, and language exchange websites. With consistent effort and
dedication, anyone can improve their basic conversation skills and become a more
effective communicator.
B. Competence and Indicators

Competence Indicators

Teachers should possess a strong

Language Proficiency command of the language they are
teaching, including vocabulary,
grammar, pronunciation, and
sentence structure. This ensures
they can effectively model correct
language usage for their students.

Teachers should be sensitive to

Cultural Awareness cultural differences in
communication styles, gestures,
customs, and taboos, particularly
when teaching students from
diverse backgrounds.

Teachers should be able to create

Pedagogical Skills a supportive learning environment,
provide clear instructions, and offer
constructive feedback to help
students improve their
conversational skills.

Teachers should actively listen to

Active Listening their students to understand their
needs, interests, and language
proficiency levels. This enables
them to tailor their instruction to
meet individual student needs and
provide targeted support where
necessary.

Teachers should praise students

Encouragement and Motivation for their efforts, provide
opportunities for success, and
create a supportive atmosphere
where students feel comfortable
taking risks and making mistakes.
 Teachers should help students
Cognitive and Social Skills develop both cognitive (e.g.,
critical thinking, problem-
solving) and social (e.g., empathy,
cooperation) skills through
conversation activities.

Teachers should be resourceful

Resourcefulness in finding and using a variety of
materials, such as textbooks,
audiovisual resources, authentic
materials (e.g., newspapers,
podcasts), and online resources, to
supplement their lessons and
provide engaging conversational
topics for their students.
Continuous professional
Professional Development development is essential for
teachers to stay updated on best
practices in language teaching and
to further develop their own skills
and knowledge. This may involve
attending workshops,
conferences, or online courses, as
well as seeking mentorship or
peer collaboration opportunities.
C. Learning Activities
Brainstorming
1. Role-Playing: Students can engage in role-playing scenarios where they act out
everyday conversations, such as ordering food at a restaurant, buying tickets at a
movie theater, asking for directions, asking and telling time, introducing friends, or
asking and giving information/instruction
2. Picture Prompts: Use pictures or photographs to spark conversation. Students can
describe what they see, speculate about the situation, or discuss their own
experiences related to the image.
3. Interviews: Pair students up and have them interview each other about their
hobbies, interests, family, or daily routines. This helps them practice asking and
answering questions in a conversational context.
4. Discussion Circles: Divide the class into small groups and give each group a
discussion topic. Students take turns sharing their opinions, asking questions, and
responding to each other's ideas.
5. Vocabulary Games: Play vocabulary games such as word association, charades, or
Pictionary to reinforce basic vocabulary related to common conversation topics.

Material 1
Example of picture prompts:

What time do you think this picture describes?

Conversation 1 (Daily life/routines)

Yaya: Hey Tess, do you have a morning routine?
Tess: Actually, yes I do! I have a couple of things I do every morning.
Yaya: Oh? What are they?
Tess: Well, first of all, I always wake up at 6 AM every morning.
Yaya: Even on the weekends?
Tess: Yes, even on the weekends. I also never leave the house without breakfast!
Yaya: I often skip breakfast. What do you usually eat?
Tess: I usually have simple and easy foods like toast, cereal, or yogurt.
Yaya: Hmm, I think I could also eat breakfast every morning if it was cereal!
Tess: Definitely! You should give it a try!
 Discussion 1: The importance of basic conversation
1. Communication: Basic conversation skills enable individuals to effectively
communicate their thoughts, ideas, needs, and feelings in everyday situations. Whether
it's ordering food at a restaurant, asking for directions, or making small talk with friends,
the ability to engage in simple conversations is essential for navigating social
interactions
2. Integration: For language learners, mastering basic conversation skills is often the first
step towards fluency. Basic conversations provide a foundation upon which more
complex language structures and vocabulary can be built. They allow learners to start
using the language in practical, real-life contexts, which reinforces their learning and
motivates further progress.
3. Social Interaction: Being able to engage in basic conversations facilitates social
interaction and integration, particularly in multicultural or multilingual environments. It
helps individuals connect with others, build relationships, and participate in community
life.
4. Confidence: Developing basic conversation skills boosts learners' confidence in using
the language. As they become more proficient in holding simple conversations, they feel
more comfortable expressing themselves and engaging with native speakers.
5. Cultural Understanding: Through basic conversations, learners not only acquire
language skills but also gain insight into the cultural norms, customs, and etiquette of
the target language community. This fosters cross-cultural understanding and empathy.

Material 2
Example of Communication

Conversation 2 (Food)
A: Do you like (spicy) curry?
B: No. I’m not good with spicy foods. How about you?
A: I like spicy food, but I don’t like it too spicy.
B: Oh yeah? I’m jealous because I can’t eat spicy food at all!

Challenge questions!
1. What are you going to eat for dinner today?
2. Can you cook?
3. What is your specialty dish?
4. Where do you usually eat out?

Task 1
Watch the video and take notes on what you can do with your students.
https://youtu.be/lW7vVB3XdCY?si=uC-Bnt7S3xggpskl
 Material 3
Example of Social Interaction

Conversation 3 (Telling time)

A: Excuse me. Can you tell me the time, please?
B: Yes, of course. It’s seven o’clock.
A: Thank you.
B: No problem.

Conversation 4 (Telling time)

A: What time is it?
B: It’s half past three.
A: Thanks.
B: You’re welcome.

Practice:
Excuse me.
Can you tell me the time, please?
What time is it?
It’s half past…
It’s quarter past…
It’s ten to…
It’s quarter to…
It's … o’clock
Discussion 2: Supporting students to master basic conversation skills
Supporting students to master basic conversation skills requires a combination of
structured instruction, practice opportunities, and supportive feedback. Here are some
strategies for effectively supporting students in this endeavor:
1. Clear Instruction: Provide clear explanations of basic conversational concepts such
as greetings, introductions, asking and answering questions, expressing opinions,
and closing a conversation.
2. Modeling: Demonstrate how to engage in basic conversations through role-playing
or modeling interactions with students. Use clear examples and provide
explanations for why certain language choices are appropriate in different contexts.
3. Vocabulary Building: Introduce relevant vocabulary and phrases that students can
use in everyday conversations. Encourage them to practice using these words and
expressions in context.
4. Structured Practice: Provide structured opportunities for students to practice basic
conversation skills in pairs or small groups. Use guided activities, such as role-
plays, dialogues, or conversation starters, to scaffold their learning.
5. Interactive Activities: Incorporate interactive activities that encourage active
participation, such as group discussions, debates, or storytelling exercises. These
activities promote engagement and help students develop confidence in their
speaking abilities.
6. Feedback and Correction: Offer constructive feedback and correction during and
after conversations. Focus on specific areas for improvement, such as
pronunciation, grammar, or fluency, and provide guidance on how students can
address these issues.
7. Encourage Real-life Practice: Encourage students to practice their conversation
skills outside of the classroom by engaging in conversations with friends, family
members, or language exchange partners. Provide suggestions for finding
conversation partners and creating opportunities for practice.
8. Cultural Awareness: Teach students about cultural norms and conventions related
to conversation, such as turn-taking, politeness strategies, and appropriate topics for
discussion. Help them understand how cultural differences may influence
communication styles.
9. Use of Technology: Incorporate technology tools and resources, such as language
learning apps, online forums, or video conferencing platforms, to provide additional
opportunities for practicing conversation skills and connecting with speakers of the
target language.
10. Encourage Persistence and Resilience: Emphasize the importance of perseverance
and resilience in language learning. Encourage students to embrace challenges,
learn from mistakes, and continue practicing even when they encounter difficulties.
By implementing these strategies, teachers can create a supportive and engaging
learning environment that empowers students to master basic conversation skills and
become confident communicators in the target language.
Material 4
Example of Vocabulary Building

Conversation 5 (Work and study)

Ken: Hello. My name is Ken. What is your name?
May: My name is May. Nice to meet you, Ken.
Ken: Nice to meet you too.
May: What do you do?
Ken: I am a student. How about you, May? Are you a teacher?
Mai: No, I'm not. I am an office worker. I work in an office.
Kento: Right. What are you doing in your office?
May: Usually, I manage emails and make proposals.
Ken: Cool!
May: What are you studying?
Ken: I am studying English Education.
May: That’s great!
Task 2
Read the following article about basic conversation and discuss in groups the
possibility of implementing the strategies to your students.

Engaging in Basic
Conversation

Basic conversation is a type of communication that involves a simple and

straightforward exchange of information between two or more individuals. It is
usually an informal chat that can take place in various settings, such as at home,
work, or social gatherings. During a basic conversation, people typically discuss
everyday topics, such as current events, hobbies, interests, or personal
experiences. The goal of a basic conversation is to establish a connection with
others, promote social interaction, and build relationships. It is a crucial aspect of
human communication that helps us to express our thoughts, feelings, and ideas
to others. Basic conversation can also take on various forms, including face-to-
face, phone, or virtual, and may involve different styles of communication, such
as verbal, nonverbal, or written. Overall, basic conversation is an essential part of
our daily lives, and it plays a vital role in how we interact with others and build
meaningful relationships. Here are some key elements and tips for engaging in
basic conversation:
- Introduction: Begin by greeting the other person or people involved. This could
be a simple "hello" or "hi," followed by an exchange of names if you don't already
know each other.
- Small Talk: Start with light and neutral topics such as the weather, current events,
or the surroundings. Small talk helps break the ice and sets a comfortable tone
for the conversation.
- Active Listening: Pay attention to what the other person is saying, show genuine
interest, and respond appropriately. Nodding, making eye contact, and using
verbal cues like "I see" or "That's interesting" demonstrate active listening.
- Asking Questions: Encourage the other person to share more by asking open-
ended questions. These questions typically start with "who," "what," "where,"
"when," "why," or "how" and invite longer responses, fostering deeper
conversation.
- Sharing Personal Experiences: Offer relevant information about yourself to
keep the conversation balanced. However, avoid dominating the conversation or
oversharing. Keep your contributions concise and focused on maintaining a
reciprocal exchange.
- Respecting Boundaries: Be mindful of cultural differences, personal boundaries,
and sensitive topics. Avoid controversial subjects like politics, religion, or personal
matters unless you're certain everyone is comfortable discussing them.
- Body Language: Pay attention to nonverbal cues such as facial expressions,
gestures, and posture. These cues provide valuable insight into the other person's
feelings and can help you adjust your communication style accordingly.
- Closure: When it feels appropriate, signal the end of the conversation by
expressing gratitude or summarizing key points. You can also suggest continuing
the conversation at another time if it's enjoyable or necessary.
Basic conversation is a two-way street, be mindful of the other person's
comfort level and actively contribute to keeping the dialogue flowing smoothly.
Practice empathy, patience, and respect to create meaningful connections
through conversation.
Material 5
Example of Asking Questions

Conversation 6 (asking and giving information/giving instruction)

Anna: Rika, can you help me with something?
Rika: Yeah, sure. What’s up?
Anna: My phone keeps telling me it needs to be updated. The first thing I need to do is
to back up my data. How do I do that?
Rika: No problem, I’ll show you how! What kind of phone do you have?
Anna: I use an iPhone.
Rika: First, can you open “Settings”? It’s the app that looks like a gear.
Anna: Found it!
Rika: Your name should be on the top of the screen. Touch that and then touch iCloud
on the next page.
Anna: Done and done!
Rika: Next, you want to touch “iCloud Backup”.
Anna: Thank you so much!

Asking for instructions

• How do you … ? / How do I … ?
• Can you tell me how to … ?
• Do you mind telling me how to …?
• Can you help me with … ?
• What is the best way to … ?
• How do I go about … ?
• What is the first step?

Practice:
Instruct your partner on how to buy something from the internet.
 Material 6
Example of Sharing Personal Experiences

Conversation 7 (Meeting New People)

Host: I would like to welcome all new employees to the company. Please take this
opportunity to get to know one another!
Tasya: Hi there. May I ask what your name is?
Tessy: My name is Tessy Garcier.
Tasya: Tessy, it’s very nice meeting you! My name is Tasya Wilde. I work in the
engineering department.
Tessy: It’s very nice to meet you too, Tasya! Are you new to the company as well?
Tasya: Oh, no! I’ve been working here for over 10 years!
Tessy: Oh, I’m sorry! You look young, so I assumed you were new!!
Tasya: Haha, don’t worry about it! I’ll take it as a compliment!
Tessy: So Tasya, tell me more about yourself!
Tasya: Well, other than work, I like to read and go to the movies.
Tessy: Oh, very nice! Do you have any recommendations?
Tasya: I definitely recommend the movie “Hustler”! It’s an old film, but they’re
temporarily showing it in theatres again!
Tessy: That sounds interesting! I’ll look it up. By the way, do you mind if I ask for your
contact information?
Tasya: That’s no problem at all! If you ever want any more movie recommendations,
give me a message at any time!
Tessy: Thanks, I appreciate it. Here’s my number.

Practice:
• What do you do?
• What do you do in your free time? / What are your hobbies?
• Do you play any sports?
• Have you seen anything good on TV recently?
• Tell me more about yourself.
Discussion 3: Providing constructive feedback and correction during and after
conversations a
Providing constructive feedback and correction during and after basic conversations is
essential for helping learners improve their communication skills. Here are some
strategies for giving feedback effectively:
1. Focus on Specifics: Rather than providing general feedback, focus on specific aspects
of the conversation such as pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary usage, or
conversational strategies.
2. Use Positive Reinforcement: Start by acknowledging what the learner did well.
Positive reinforcement boosts confidence and motivates learners to continue
improving.
3. Be Specific and Clear: Clearly identify areas that need improvement and provide
specific examples or suggestions for how to correct them. For example, instead of
saying "Your pronunciation needs work," you could say "Try to pronounce the 'th'
sound like this: 'this'."
4. Encourage Self-Assessment: Encourage learners to reflect on their own performance
and identify areas they feel they could improve. This helps them take ownership of
their learning and become more self-aware.
5. Provide Corrective Feedback: When providing corrective feedback, be gentle and
supportive. Focus on correcting errors without discouraging the learner. Use a
positive and encouraging tone.
6. Model Correct Language Use: Demonstrate the correct way to express ideas or use
language structures by providing examples or modeling the correct pronunciation.
7. Offer Opportunities for Practice: Provide opportunities for learners to practice the
skills they're working on in a supportive environment. This could include role-
playing activities, dialogues, or group discussions.
8. Monitor Progress: Keep track of learners' progress over time and provide feedback
on their improvement. Celebrate milestones and achievements to encourage
continued progress.
9. Encourage Peer Feedback: Encourage learners to give feedback to each other in a
constructive and supportive manner. Peer feedback can provide valuable insights and
perspectives from fellow learners.
10. Follow Up: After giving feedback, follow up with additional practice activities or
exercises targeting the areas that need improvement. This helps reinforce learning
and ensures that feedback leads to tangible progress.

By providing constructive feedback and correction during and after basic conversations,
teachers can support learners in developing their communication skills and building
confidence in their ability to engage in meaningful conversations.
INDEPENDENT TASK

Write your own teaching journal related to basic conversation activities, your support of
students’ basic conversation skills, and providing constructive feedback and correction during
and after the conversation.

Topic :
Grade :
Students’ characteristics: Method/ teaching strategies:

Teacher Student
activities activities

Problems (in basic conversation activities, basic conversation

activities, supporting students’ basic conversation skills, and
providing constructive feedback and correction):

Solution:
Reflection for Learning

REFLECTION SHEET ACTIVITY 2

Name :

1. In Activity 2 I have learnt about …………......................................

…………………………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………..
2. The concepts and practice that I have understood through my
learning on Activity 2 are…………………………..........................
…………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………………….
3. After having learnt the concepts and practices in Activity 2, I
think I need to improve myself in……………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………
4. My plans for my classroom related to the concepts and
practices in Activity 2 are…………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………..

D. Assessment
1. Mention the importance of basic conversation for students.
2. Can we support students in mastering basic conversation? Why or why not?
3. What do teachers need to consider when they will correct learners' errors or
mistakes?

E. Suggested Resources

Look for language learning textbooks and workbooks that specifically focus on
conversational skills. Examples include "Side by Side" by Steven J. Molinsky and
Bill Bliss, "English in Mind" by Herbert Puchta and Jeff Stranks, or "Let's Talk" by
Leo Jones.

Books and guides that provide conversation prompts and topics can be useful for
generating discussion and practice. Examples include "The ESL/ELL Teacher's
Survival Guide" by Larry Ferlazzo and Katie Hull Sypnieski, or "Practice Makes
Perfect: English Conversation" by Jean Yates.
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