This is a very simple improvisation ESL activity that promotes speaking and helps develop improvisation skills and creativity.
Print the worksheet and cut the cards. There are two types of cards: unfinished sentences/questions, and crazy/funny/unusual objects.
Put the cards into two separate piles.
Put the students into pairs or groups and give each pair/group both piles.
Students take turns and draw a card first from the sentence pile and then from the object pile. They create a statement, question or a speaking prompt.
Set a time limit( from one to five minutes, depending on the level of the group)
When the student successfully speaks for the set amount of time, they keep their cards.
The student with the highest number of cards is the winner.
Download the Improvisation Cards ESL Speaking Activity below. PDF for easy printing.
What
is your opinion on_____________?
What
would happen if_________________ hit your house at night?
I
really like____________ because……….
Have
you ever heard of______. No? So, listen…
I
will tell you something about________________.
I
can’t imagine my life without_________________.
What
do I think about________________? Well,…
The
only thing I’ve ever wanted was ____________because….
I’m
really afraid of_____________because…..
I
love____________________.
I
hate____________________.
Our
planet will be destroyed by___________.
The only thing that can save our planet is_____________.
Have you seen that movie about__________? No? It was………….
_______________is my favourite music group.
I’m
an expert on____________________.
Once
I stole____________.
I woke up in the middle of the night and saw____________.
This is a fun ESL/EFL reported speech speaking activity which I like to throw in when the students start to feel tired and bored by the theory and dull practice exercises.
It is a great activity to energize them while practising reported speech in the most natural way – gossiping. Not prep and a lot of fun.
Let’s gossip!
Ask students if they like to gossip. Most of them do.
Ask them to tell you some of the latest gossips they’ve heard. They’ll get excited, so keep it short.
Explain that they are going to play a game of gossip. Tell them to prepare a gossip (it’s best not to use real gossip as someone might get offended). It can be about celebrities, friends, classmates, teachers(that’s one of the favourites).
Give each student a copy of the worksheet and explain that they will talk to each other and gossip. Every time they hear a new gossip they write down the name of the person who told them and the gossip itself.
Allow them to gossip for 10-15 minutes, depending on the class size.
When they get back to their seats, tell them to report the gossips they’ve heard into the reported gossipcolumn.
When they are ready, ask them to report the gossips they’ve heard.
This extensive list contains 47 interactive and online ELT resources that can help English teachers save a ton of time when preparing for lessons.
ELT Resources: SPEAKING
1. BBC Learning English
The site is sponsored by BBC and its divided into these topics: General & Business English Grammar, Vocabulary & Pronunciation, Talking Sports, Quizzes, The Flatmates, Community, And For Teachers. http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/ http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/teachingenglish/talkingbusiness/
2. TalkEnglish
TalkEnglish.com offers speaking lessons on Regular, Business, Interviewing, Traveling Lessons, along with new Listening lessons, Pronunciation lessons, Basic Grammar, and Intonation and speed of speaking tips. http://www.talkenglish.com/
3. TESOL
This is the site for the TESOL International Association. It has many teacher resources such as activities, assessment, lesson plans, teaching tips, virtual seminars and more. You can search by picking the type of resource, audience, and language proficiency level. http://www.tesol.org/connect/tesol-resource-center/explore-the-resource-center http://www.tesol.org/docs/tesol-resource-center/73d51d33-0b1f-4b71-8065-
4. Usingenglish
This site includes activities and lesson plans. It also includes specific LP test sample items, so it is good if you are preparing students for these tests, or great for practicing these skills. http://www.usingenglish.com/teachers/lesson-plans/ http://www.usingenglish.com/files/pdf/bulats-speaking-part-1-topics.pdf
5. ESLgold
Materials, lesson plans, quizzes, online conversation partners, and links for teachers and students. http://www.eslgold.com/speaking/ss_giving_information.html
6. Digital Story Telling – University of Houston
Teachers can use digital storytelling as a teaching tool in the classroom. Using digital storytelling will assist both the visual and auditory learners. Students can tell their own stories or make up ones of their own and compose them along with pictures, audio, and more. http://digitalstorytelling.coe.uh.edu/esl.html http://digitalstorytelling.coe.uh.edu/movies/aleyda.wmv
7. Totalesl
An ESL EFL TEFL TESOL worldwide resource for ESL/EFL/TEFL/TESOL jobs, teachers resumes, schools, teacher training courses, private tutors, blogs, lesson plans, activities, and more. http://www.totalesl.com/ http://www.totalesl.com/video.php?id=19
8. Englishclub
Conversation worksheets, activities, teacher notes for lessons. http://www.englishclub.com/esl-worksheets/conversation/index.htm http://www.englishclub.com/esl-worksheets/conversation/TP_Adventure.pdf
9. Linguarama
Business English, offers mini-lessons and worksheets. Look under “Themes” for lessons categorized under very precise headings like management, banking, and marketing. It’s straightforward and best for ESL classes that are intermediate and higher. http://www.linguarama.com/ps/sales-themed-english/polite-speech.htm
10. Skype in the classroom
Skype is a free and easy way for teachers to open up their classroom. Meet new people, talk to experts, share ideas and create amazing learning experiences with teachers from around the world. You can have a language interchange and have real-world conversation opportunity for your students. https://education.skype.com/
11. EverythingESL
By a teacher for teachers. This site has content based and cultural lesson plans, teaching tips, resource picks and more. http://www.everythingesl.net/ http://www.everythingesl.net/lessons/favorite_food.php
12. EFL Ideas
Creative resources for ESL/EFL teachers focused mainly on speaking and vocabulary and communicative lessons based on videos. Role-plays, group activities, communicative activities, video lessons, worksheets, teaching tips.
ELT Resources: LISTENING
13. British Council Learn English
This website is sponsored by the British Council and it is for adult learners. It is divided into the following sections: Listen & Watch, Grammar & Vocabulary, Fun & Games, Business & Work, and IELTS. http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/ http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/big-city-small-world/series-2-episode-11-date
14. Manythings
The website is divided into the following categories: vocabulary, reading, grammar, listening and speaking. There are songs, quizzes, word games, word puzzles, proverbs, slang expressions, anagrams, a random-sentence generator and other computer assisted language learning activities. http://www.manythings.org/ http://www.manythings.org/mp/m08.html
15. ESLPod
ESLPod.com provides a great selection of podcasts that are written and read specifically to ESL learners. http://www.eslpod.com/website/index_new.html
16. OneStopEnglish
Onestopenglish is a teacher’s resource site for English teachers. All materials are written and edited by a team of teachers and authors and are organized into core subject areas. The link sample takes you to the listening skill section, which contains innovative lesson ideas for listening such as an audio soap opera, cinematic listening, live from …authentic interviews, mini-plays, jazz chants, listening lesson plans, and teaching tips. You do not have to be a registered user to have access to these resources. http://www.onestopenglish.com
17. Voice of America
This is a multimedia source of daily news and information for millions of English learners worldwide. Audio programs and captioned videos are written using vocabulary at the intermediate and upperbeginner level and are read one-third slower than regular VOA English. Online texts, MP3s and podcasts let people read, listen and learn American English and much more. http://learningenglish.voanews.com/ http://learningenglish.voanews.com/archive/learningenglish-programs-radio-people-inamerica/latest/978/1578.html
18. Eviews
eViews has been designed for ESL to hear authentic English speakers in “natural” conversations. Interviews are recorded at a natural speed, are not scripted, and are spoken by “real” people, not actors. Students are able to practice hearing and understanding native English speakers in a wide range of accents; English, American, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, etc. http://www.eviews.net/ http://www.eviews.net/1349/
19. Tefltunes
ESL and EFL teachers thinking about using songs and lyrics to teach English grammar. Includes worksheet and teacher notes for each song. http://www.tefltunes.com/search/searchall.aspx?name=public
20. Randall’s ESL Cyber Listening Lab
Bank of ESL listening activities. The sound clips have pre and post-listening exercises, and comprehension questions too. Most of the content would suit low-to-high intermediate students, but there are some resources for beginners and advanced learners too. http://esl-lab.com
21. Scholastic
Offers teacher resources including student activities, computer lab favorites, interactive whiteboard activities, new teacher support, daily starters, Everything you need for: lesson plans, planning calendar, printables, mini-books, and more. http://teacher.scholastic.com/commclub/animal_moves_activity/ http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/bll/nina/home/
22. BrainPop
BrainPOP ESL uses lively, engaging content to teach English to ESL’s. Lessons are built around animated movies and supporting features that reinforce vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, reading comprehension, and writing skills. New concepts are couched in everyday situations, adding context for learners and helping them master idiomatic and cultural nuances. Versatile and easy to use, BrainPOP ESL assumes no prior knowledge of English, and effectively addresses diverse learning styles. http://www.brainpop.com/free_stuff/ http://www.brainpopesl.com/level1/unit1/lesson1/
23. Storyline
Online streaming video program featuring Screen Actors Guild members reading children’s books aloud. Each book includes accompanying activities and lesson ideas. http://www.storylineonline.net/
24. Abcfastphonics
This program presents the basics of phonics, including rules for vowels, consonants, and blends along with practice pages. Young children and other beginning readers of all ages can navigate the site just by using the hand buttons. Click and hear the sound of each alphabet letter, consonants, vowels long and short, rules, common words, and more. http://www.abcfastphonics.com/ http://www.abcfastphonics.com/letter-names.html
READING
25. GCFLearnFree
GCFLearnFree helps improve English vocabulary with their Reading program. Fun activities and videos will help you master 1,000 common English words. Reading and listening to texts will improve your ability to speak, read, and understand English. You can even choose your native language to learn English! http://www.gcflearnfree.org/learnenglish http://www.gcflearnfree.org/reading/play/2
26. American English
American English is a resource center for teaching and learning about American English language and culture. This website provides a variety of engaging materials and resources for teachers’ professional development and for students in the classroom. Both teachers and students will find new ways to practice English and learn more about the United States. http://americanenglish.state.gov/materials-learning-english http://americanenglish.state.gov/resources/build-fire-and-other-stories#child-360
27. Scribd
This bank of “did they really happen?” stories has a good selection of offbeat reads about topics like animal heroism and dumb burglars. The content reminds me of Reader’s Digest; it’s nothing groundbreaking, but the mass appeal is great for structuring classroom activities. Some stories have a good deal of supplementary exercises for students. Reading articles with vocabulary and follow up questions. http://www.scribd.com/ http://www.scribd.com/fullscreen/117748668?access_key=key-25kb6t3j5d1rroeh65nt
28. British Council Learn English Teen
This website is sponsored by the British council and it is for teenagers. The website is divided into English skills practices, grammar and vocabulary, exams, free time, and magazines. http://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/ http://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/english-skills-practice/read-your-level/la-skaters-interviewlevel-1
29. Starfall
You can teach children to read with phonics. Systematic phonics approach, in conjunction with phonemic awareness practice, is perfect for preschool, kindergarten, first grade, second grade, special education, homeschool, and English language development (ELD, ELL, ESL). http://www.starfall.com/ http://www.starfall.com/n/comics/lemonade-girl/load.htm?f
30. PBS Teachers
Free Resources for Teaching & Learning for preK-12. Here you’ll find classroom materials suitable for a wide range of subjects and grade levels, thousands of lesson plans, teaching activities, on-demand video assets, and interactive games and simulations. These resources are correlated to state and national educational standards. http://www.pbs.org/teachers/ http://www.pbs.org/teachers/connect/resources/7873/preview/
31. Colorincolorado
Colorín Colorado is a free web-based service that provides information, activities and advice for educators and Spanish-speaking families of English language learners. http://www.colorincolorado.org/educators/ http://www.colorincolorado.org/webcasts/reading/
32. Scholastic
Offers teacher resources including student activities, computer lab favorites, interactive whiteboard activities, new teacher support, daily starters, Everything You Need for, lesson plans, planning calendar, printables, mini-books and more. http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/adventure/spanish1.htm
33. Readinglesson
Lessons, stories to read, coloring sheets, and games. http://www.readinglesson.com/
34. Sesame Street Sesame workshop is the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street. Our projects bring critical lessons in literacy & numeracy, emotional well being, health & wellness, and respect and understanding to children in over 150+ countries. http://www.sesamestreet.org/home http://www.sesamestreet.org/games#media/game_955a4838-3ce1-4029-99f6-e983a3654419
35. Children’s Story Books Online
Illustrated children’s stories for kids of all ages http://www.magickeys.com/books/ http://www.magickeys.com/books/noblegnarble/index.html
36. Free Reading
Free Reading is a high-quality, open-source, free reading intervention program addressing literacy development. Includes a library of lessons in phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing. The site is also filled with free, downloadable supplemental materials including flashcards, graphical organizers, illustrated readers, decodable texts, audio files, videos and more. http://www.free-reading.net/ http://www.free-reading.net/index.php?title=Introduce_th
37. Oxfordowl
With over 250 free e-books, Oxford Owl is a free website built to help you with your child’s learning, It is full of great support for reading and math. Extended to provide practical advice and top tips up to age 11 to help you support your child’s reading all the way through their primary school years. Special Kids’ barn area jam-packed with games and fun activities to make reading more fun. http://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/Reading/ http://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/EBooks/Big_Game_Adventure/
ELT Resources: WRITING
38. PaperRater
This website can be an aid for the students to develop their English writing. The site shows most of the grammar, punctuation, and spelling mistakes. Also, it evaluates the word choice and then gives the writer an estimated grade. http://www.paperrater.com/
39. Study Zone
The Study Zone is for students of the English Language. The English-language lessons and practice exercises are created by teachers. The site is designed to support our adult English-language learners. http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/courses/elc/studyzone/ http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/courses/elc/studyzone/410/grammar/2cond.htm
40. Academic English Café
Learn English online at your own pace in the Academic English Cafe! English language quizzes on grammar and writing topics, practice with real academic vocabulary, read model essays on many academic topics, listen to authentic English language programs. Quizzes, writing, essays, handouts, and lessons. http://www.academicenglishcafe.com/index.html http://www.academicenglishcafe.com/writing-quiz-1.html
41. John Fleming’s ESL Grammar help
College professor’s writing lab. http://faculty.deanza.edu/flemingjohn/stories/storyReader$22
42. Readwritethink
Provides educators, parents, and afterschool professionals with access to the highest quality practices in reading and language arts instruction by offering the very best in free materials. In this writing section you will find lesson plans, student interactive, calendar activities, and printouts. http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/ http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/bear-poem-composing-performing835.html
43. TeacherTube
An online community for sharing instructional videos. Educationally focused, safe venue for teachers, schools, and home learners. Provides anytime, anywhere professional development with teachers teaching teachers. Teachers can also post videos designed for students to view in order to learn a concept or skill. http://teachertube.com/ http://teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=25156
44. Hubforteachers
The Hub, a new destination dedicated to bringing kids and families together, is partnering with Discovery Education to support teachers with comprehensive lesson plans, activities and a writing contest to inspire storytelling in the classroom. http://hubforteachers.discoveryeducation.com/storytelling-in-classroom/ http://hubforteachers.discoveryeducation.com/media/pdf/sensory-details.pdf
45. Discovery Education
Provides high quality, dynamic, digital content, interactive lessons, real time assessment, virtual experiences with some of Discovery’s greatest talent, classroom contest & challenges, professional development and more – Discovery is leading the way in transforming classrooms and inspiring learning. http://www.discoveryeducation.com/teachers/index.cfm?campaign=flyout_teachers http://puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com/WordSearchSetupForm.asp
46. British Council Learn English Kids
This website is sponsored by the British council and it is for kids. The website is divided into six main sections, kids games, listen and watch, read and write, make, speak and spell, and grammar. http://learnenglishkids.britishcouncil.org/en/ http://learnenglishkids.britishcouncil.org/en/word-games/make-the-sentences/letter-santa
47. Scholastic Offers teacher resources including student activities, computer lab favorites, interactive whiteboard activities, new teacher support, daily starters, Everything you need for: lesson plans, planning calendar, printables, mini-books and more. http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/story-starters/
You’ve probably come across a couple of articles that shared
some funny grammar rules such as:
“Verbs has to agree with their subjects.”
or
“Don’t overuse exclamation marks!!!”
I found the original list written by William Safir and published
in 1979 in the New York Times.
Years later they were shared on the internet and became a sort of a meme.
The rules are funny and brilliant, and I think they can be used in any
ESL/EFL class as perfect examples of common grammar mistakes.
So here’s a little activity that you can do with your higher level students.
My students loved this speaking activity. It is fun, it is competitive and it kept the students engaged for a loooong time. It is easy to use, just print the worksheet and you are ready to go.
This is a great ESL group speaking activity (16+/adults, intermediate/upper intermediate).
It covers various topics: education, jobs, communication.
It teaches the students to co-operate, voice their opinion, it fosters creativity and gives the students enough room to make their own decisions and maintain a certain level of independence.
It is suitable for groups of 4 or 5 students, each of them will choose their role in company management and together they have to plan their language centre business.
Stronger classes need minimal supervision and encouragement, weaker students might need some help (especially when your students are not very creative).
