Spoken English Advanced

Module 2
Starting and ending conversations
Teacher Training

By the end of this task you should be able to

 use phrases to start and end a conversation
 define and learn about the techniques used in active listening
 use all the above in a practice activity

Task 1: (5 min)

Starter

Think back to your first day in class when you met your classmates for the first time. Did you initiate
a conversation with anyone? What did you talk about? Or did you stay silent? Why?

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

Task 2: Put the following phrases in the correct column (5 mins)

1. Is this your first time here? 6. I don’t want to keep you any longer.

2. I had a lovely time. 7. Do you come here often?

3. Long-time no see. 8. Can you find your way out?

4. How’s work? 9. Do you have a minute?

5. Thanks again for the lovely evening. 10. I’ll let you carry on then.

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Starting and ending conversations
Teacher Training
11. Shall we call it a day?
Spoken English Advanced
Module 2
12. Please call me Ram.

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 Spoken English Advanced
Module 2
Starting and ending conversations
Teacher Training

Starting conversations Ending conversations

Task 3: Starting a conversation (10 mins)

How would you start a conversation in the following situations? Come up with at least two phrases
for each.

1. With a friend you haven’t seen in a long time

a. ______________________________________________________________

b. ______________________________________________________________

2. With someone you have just been introduced to

a. ______________________________________________________________

b. ______________________________________________________________

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 Spoken English Advanced
Module 2
Starting and ending conversations
Teacher Training

3. With someone you haven’t met before at a party or wedding

a. ______________________________________________________________

b. ______________________________________________________________

4. With a colleague

a. ______________________________________________________________

b. ______________________________________________________________

5. With new colleagues at an out of station conference

a. ______________________________________________________________

b. ______________________________________________________________

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 Spoken English Advanced
Module 2
Starting and ending conversations
Teacher Training

Task 4: Active listening (10 mins)

Take a few minutes to come up with a definition of active listening. What do you think this involves?

Now, watch the following video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2z9mdX1j4A . Now go back to

your definition. Is it similar or different to the information in the video?

Task 5: Having really good conversation (15 mins)

Watch the video and pick out three tips that you think are most important for you. Why?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6n3iNh4XLI

 _________________________________________________________________________

 _________________________________________________________________________

 _________________________________________________________________________

Task 6: Practice activity (15 minutes)

You teacher will pair you up with another student in class. Create a conversation using the starting
and ending phrases and ensure that you use the tips for active listening. Either post the transcript
of your conversation on Edmodo, or record yourselves having the conversation and post that on
Edmodo. You will receive feedback from others in class.

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