Useful Vocabulary
Instructions: Go through the vocabulary below with your students. Next, ask them to use this vocabulary in the conversation section below.
- To get together
- Approachable
- Break the ice
- Open up
- Small talk
- Pet peeves
- Eye contact
- Body Language
- Formality
- Rapport
- Invite over
Useful Phrasal Verbs
To Be Into Something – To be interested in something or to really like something.
Example Sentence: “I used to be really into playing the guitar, but lately, I’ve been more interested in learning how to play the piano.”
To Tag Along – to go somewhere with a person or group, usually when they have not asked you to go with them.
Example Sentence: “My little sister always wants to tag along with me when I go to the park.”
To Lean On Someone – to rely on them for emotional or practical support during challenging times.
Example Sentence: “After the loss of her loved one, she leaned on her best friend for emotional support and found solace in their comforting words and presence.”
To Butt In – to interrupt a conversation or discussion or someone who is talking.
Example Sentence: He kept on butting in with silly comments.
To turn down something – to refuse an offer/invitation
Example Sentence: She decided to turn down the job offer because the salary wasn’t competitive enough.
ESL Conversation Questions
1. How would you describe your closest friend?
2. How do you usually spend time with your friends?
3. Do you prefer having a small circle of close friends or a large group of friends? Why?
4. How often do you invite friends or family over to your home?
5. What kind of activities or entertainment do you usually plan when you invite people over?
6. What are some occasions or reasons for which you would invite someone over?
7. Do you find it easy or challenging to break the ice in social situations? Why?
8. What are some qualities that you value in a friend?
9. Do you find it easy to open up to others about your thoughts and feelings? Why or why not?
10. Can you tell me about a memorable experience you’ve had with a friend?
11. Do you think it’s possible to maintain a strong friendship with someone you rarely see or communicate with?
12. Do you believe in the concept of “opposites attract” when it comes to making friends?
13. Do you think it’s easier to make friends as a child or as an adult? Why?
14. Can you name a book, movie, or TV show that you are really into at the moment?
15. What are some outdoor activities that you are into, such as hiking, camping, or biking?
16. Can you name a hobby or activity that you used to be really into?
17. What are some common small talk questions you ask when meeting someone for the first time?
18. Do you prefer initiating small talk or being approached by others for small talk? Why?
19. Are there any cultural differences you have noticed when it comes to small talk?
20. What are some common formalities you observe when meeting someone for the first time?
21. How do you usually address people in formal settings, such as business meetings or official events?
22. How do you typically greet someone formally in your culture?
23. How do you feel about using titles and last names in formal conversations? Do you find it necessary or outdated?
24. Do you prefer to have someone tag along with you or do you prefer going alone? Why?
25. Can you recall a time when you tagged along with someone and had a great experience?
26. How important do you think eye contact is in maintaining a conversation?
27. Are there cultural differences in the use of eye contact during conversations that you’re aware of?
28. Have you ever encountered any challenges or awkward moments when attempting to break the ice with someone?
29. Do you think it’s easier or harder to break the ice in a professional setting compared to a social setting? Why?
30. Do you have any go-to conversation starters or icebreaker lines that you find effective in different situations?
31. How do you feel when someone constantly butts into your personal matters or decisions?
32. What strategies do you use to politely address someone who is constantly butting into your discussions?
33. How do you differentiate between someone genuinely trying to help and someone who is just butting into your affairs?
34. Are there cultural differences in how people perceive and respond to others butting into their conversations?
35. During difficult times, do you find it easier to lean on someone for support or prefer to deal with it on your own?
36. How do you determine who you can lean on for support during challenging times?
37. Have you ever turned down an opportunity that you later regretted? What happened?
38. What are some common reasons people give for turning down a job offer?
39. How do you politely turn down someone who asks you for a favor?
40. Have you ever had to turn down an invitation? Why did you do so?
41. Do you think it’s easier to turn down something in writing (like an email) or in person? Why?
