
Useful Vocabulary
Instructions: Go through the vocabulary below with your students. Next, ask them to use this vocabulary in the conversation section below.
Useful Phrasal Verbs
- To do something over – to do something again or to repeat.
Example Sentence: “This setup won’t work; I’ll have to do it over (again).”
- To look back on – To reflect or to think about the past.
Example Sentence: “I like to look back on my childhood and reminisce about the happy memories.”
- To mix something up – to confuse one person or thing with another.
Example Sentence: “Mrs. Albert was always mixing up the two boys even though they didn’t look very much alike..”
- To get by – to have just enough of something such as money or knowledge so that you can do what you need to do.
Example Sentence: “Even though I don’t speak much Spanish, I can still get by in Mexico..”
- To drop in – To visit someone unexpectedly or without prior arrangement.
Example Sentence: “When I was traveling in Europe, I dropped in on a friend I hadn’t seen in years.”
Useful Vocabulary Words
- Nomad
- Work permit
- Citizenship
- Language barrier
- Expat
- Culture shock
- Cuisine
- Cultural norms
- Values
- Rituals
ESL Conversation Questions
- What are some things that define a culture?
- Can you share some tips for getting by in a foreign country with limited language skills or local knowledge?
- What do you think is the most interesting thing about your culture?
- What are some traditional foods or dishes in your culture?
- Do you enjoy dropping in on friends or relatives unexpectedly? Why or why not?
- How would you feel if someone dropped in on you without prior notice? Is it a common practice in your culture?
- When people from other countries think about your culture, what do they usually think of?
- Have you ever mixed up important dates or appointments? How did you resolve the situation?
- Have you ever mixed up the meanings of words in English? Which words or phrases have confused you the most?
- When you look back on your childhood, what are some of your fondest memories?
- When you look back on your life, what are some of the biggest accomplishments you’re proud of?
- Have you ever had to do a project or assignment over because it didn’t meet the requirements? How did you feel about it?
- Can you recall a time when you had to do a task over again due to a mistake or error? What did you learn from that experience?
- What do you like about your culture?
- What do you think is important when visiting another culture?
- If you could change one thing about your culture, what would it be?
- What cultures do you admire? Why?
- Have you ever tried any exotic or unusual cuisines? How was the experience?
- Are there any rituals related to major life events like births, weddings, or funerals in your culture?
- What is culture shock? Have you ever experienced it?
- What were some of the biggest cultural differences or surprises you encountered when you first arrived in this country?
- What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about moving to another country?
- Have you ever needed a work permit or visa to work in another country? Can you describe the process and any challenges you faced?
- What are some examples of cultural traditions in your country?
- How does culture influence the way people communicate with each other?
- If someone visited your country from another country, what advice would you give them??
- How do people in your country typically greet each other? Are there any specific greetings or gestures?
- Can you share a funny or memorable experience you had while trying to adapt to the customs or traditions of your new country?
- Do you think “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” is always good advice? Why or why not?
- What are some common challenges you face due to the language barrier in your daily life?