Role-plays are useful when it comes to introducing EFL/ESL students to English in real world situations. Here are three free activities that are engaging and make use of imagination and creation. Leave them how they are or combine them with the latest news stories to come up with your own version.
YOUR BOSS SWEARS AT YOU
You’re a journalist for a local newspaper. You’re talking with your boss about an editorial piece you’re writing. He tells you that he doesn’t agree with the position you’ve taken in the piece. As you walk out of your boss’ office, he swears at you, thinking that you’re not able to hear him. But…you do hear him. What do you say and do?
THE PHARMACY
You’ve just arrived in The United States. You don’t speak English too well. You’re sick. You have pain in your throat and stomach, and, you have a severe case of diarrhea. You go to the pharmacy to get some medicine. What do you say and do?
MY FRIENDLY ALIEN EXPERIENCE
Tell students that they’re going to meet a small delegation of friendly aliens. Invite students to think of three objects that they’d bring to the meeting. Each object should represent mankind as a whole and/or the country from where the students are from. Allow students some time to think of some ideas. Call on students to share their ideas and reasons why they choose the object.
USEFUL LINKS
Here’s a link that contains additional free ESL role-plays.