TEACHER’S NOTES

ESL / EFL RESOURCES Common Responses

Activity Type Introduction

Listening and speaking In this enjoyable activity, students play a card game where they
activity, group work reply to everyday statements and questions with commonly used
responses.

Language Focus Procedure

Common responses
Divide the class into groups of four.

Give each group a set of cards.

Aim
To reply to everyday Ask the students to shuffle the cards and place them face down in
statements and questions a pile on the desk.
with commonly used
responses. Tell the students that they are going to play a game where they
reply to statements and questions with commonly used responses.

Preparation
Make one copy of the
cards for each group of
four and cut as indicated.
Level
The aim of the game is to reply with the exact response shown
on the card.
Explain that the correct response may be positive or negative.
Students then take it in turns to pick up a card and read out the
statement or question in bold to the group.

Low intermediate The first student in the group to respond with the exact words on
the card wins and keeps the card.

Time The student with the most cards at the end of the game is the
20 minutes winner.

When everyone has finished, go through the statements and

questions again as a class and see if the students can remember
the correct responses.

Teach-This.com © 2017 Permission granted to reproduce for classroom use.

 SMALL TALK

ESL / EFL RESOURCES Common Responses

I'm taking my driving test tomorrow. Have a good weekend!

Good luck! The same to you.

This is Abbey, my new flatmate. AAAtchooo!

Pleased to meet you. Bless you!

I got married last week. How do you do?

Congratulations! How do you do?

Would you like a cup of coffee? Can I have another slice of cake?

Yes, please. Help yourself.

Cheers! Come in and make yourself at home.

Cheers! Thank you.

Can you give me a hand? Do you need any help?

Of course. No, I'm just looking.

How's it going? Peter can't come. He's busy.

Not bad. Oh, what a pity.

I've heard a lot about you. Say hi to Susan for me.

Really? All good I hope! Will do!

Thank you. I didn't get the job.

You're welcome! Oh, sorry to hear that.

Is it OK if I bring my friend to the party? Is everything OK?

Sure, the more the merrier! Yes, everything is fine.

Teach-This.com © 2017 Permission granted to reproduce for classroom use.