49 ESL Conversation Games & Activities - Jackie Bolen 2020

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English conversation games and activities for lower level students

Skills: Reading/Speaking/Listening

Time: 5-20 minutes

Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Materials Required: Application form

Filling in forms is an often-overlooked skill for language learners, but life is full of forms. To prepare for this activity, talk to students in advance to find out what kinds of forms they have to fill out in English. Some possibilities include customs and immigration forms when traveling, banking documents, registration paperwork (such as for a doctor or a credit card) and job applications. Whatever the need, a quick Google search should turn up a generic example to use in class.

Most forms have a fair bit of overlap in terms of requested information, so students should get a quick boost of confidence, but there may be important differences in how dates and addresses are written compared to their first language. Any such variations can be quickly learned, and then move along to the more challenging sections. The challenges to students will be in the areas of vocabulary used on forms as well as writing responses in the way expected by those who collect the forms.

Complete the forms as a role play. For the role play, make two copies of the blank form so that students working in pairs can take turns playing the “information collector” and the “subject.” Consider giving students a different kind of form to complete for homework in order to work on their writing skills too and to reinforce concepts learned in class about filling in forms.

Procedure:

1. In advance, find out what kinds of forms students need to fill out in English.

2. Find examples online and print two copies of each form.

3. Have students take turns playing the parts of the “information collector” and the “subject ” to make this into a conversation activity. However, it can also be done through writing.