1. I didnt like the film because

A. It was very spicy

2. The meal was nice but

B. Its too complicated

3. Karens party was

C. Hes popular with the other students

4. I dont like David

D. Humid

5. I dont understand this exercise

E. Very luxurious

6. The songs on this CD are

F. Good fun

7. The rooms in the hotel were

G. It was a bit scary

8. The weather in Hong Kong is often

H. Really catchy

Susan Marsh - Student AHello. My name is Susan and I'm a teacher at the _____________ School. I started working there four years ago and I have been the sports teacher there for _____________. I'm 28 years old and married with _____ children. My husband's name is David and he's a __________. He has worked in the library in the centre of the town for about six years.At the moment, my husband is reading in ___________ and my two children are playing on the computer in their bedroom. Darren, my son, is nine and Michelle, my daughter is six. They both go to the same school where I teach. Next year, Darren ______________________ which is in the next town.I'm very happy at the moment because yesterday we bought ___________________. Were going to Lisbon. We went there last year with ____________ for three weeks. We are leaving at the beginning of ________ and staying there for two weeks. If the weather is bad, we ____________ and go to the marvellous restaurants there.We try to go on holiday at least three times a year if it is possible. My husband ________________ so we always go by train. I prefer it too because it is cheaper. We have been to ________ by train and even went to India by train 5 years ago when the children were very young. My favourite country is _______ and we have been there maybe ten times.My favourite holiday was ____________ ago when we visited my uncle in Australia. The weather was hot and sunny. We could only stay for _____ days which was a pity. Next year, I want to visit my nephew in Switzerland.

Susan Marsh - Student BHello. My name is Susan and I'm a teacher at the Two Rivers Primary School. I started working there __________ ago and I have been the sports teacher there for nearly two years. I'm _____ years old and married with two children. My husband's name is _______ and he's a librarian. He has worked in the library in the centre of the town for _______ years.At the moment, my husband is reading in the garden and my two children are playing on the computer in ______________. Darren, my son, is nine and Michelle, my daughter is six. They both go to the same school where I teach. Next year, Darren will go to the secondary school which is in ______________.I'm very happy at the moment because yesterday we bought our holiday for the summer. Were going to ________. We went there last year with my sister for _____________. We are leaving at the beginning of August and staying there for __________. If the weather is bad, we will go shopping and go to the marvellous restaurants there.We try to go on holiday at least _________ times a year if it is possible. My husband doesnt like flying so we always go by train. I prefer it too because ______________. We have been to Russia by train and even went to India by train _______ years ago when the children were very young. My favourite country is Spain and we have been there maybe _____ times.My favourite holiday was four years ago when we visited my uncle in ___________. The weather was hot and sunny. We could only stay for 12 days which was a pity. Next year, I want to visit my __________ in Switzerland.

Advice Mingle ActivityGive two or three to each student.The type of dialogue you should be aiming for is as follows:A:Hello Davide, can you give me some advice? My cat is very fat.B:Oh, I think you should put it on a diet. I also have a problem. My hair is too dry. What should I do?A:You should change your shampoo. And I think you should ask your hairdresser for advice.B:OK, thank you. Bye.Afterwards, have some feedback on who gave the best advice to different problems.My ex-girlfriend invited me to the cinema for tomorrow night.My boss doesn't want to give me a pay rise.

I haven't studied for my exam next week.I want to improve my English conversation.

I want to go to the best restaurant in town.I lost my best friend's telephone.

I need to find $50 by tonight.It's my mother's birthday tomorrow and I don't know what gift to get.

I can't sleep very well at night.I feel tired all day.

I have terrible backache.There's nothing on TV tonight.

My computer doesn't work anymore.When our teacher speaks, I don't understand very well.

I am too intelligent for this class.My bedroom is very cold at night.

True or false?Organise the class into two teams. A member of Team A takes a card, and secretly writes T or F on that card. If T, then the student gives a true account; if F, a made up one. Team B guess if the story is true or false. If they are wrong, Team A get a point. Then a member of Team B takes a card, and so on. If the class is too big for everybody to have a turn at speaking, perhaps divide it up into two or more sub-groups.

Tell the class what you did yesterday evening.Tell the class how you spent your last summer holiday.

Tell the class about an accident you had.Tell the class about your great-grandfather.

Tell the class about a memorable journey you made.Tell the class about something strange that happened to you.

Tell the class about a famous person you met.Tell the class about your first school.

Tell the class about your apartment.Tell the class about a public performance you did.

Tell the class about a time when you spoke English on the phone.Tell the class about your ambitions for the future.

ShoppingPut students into pairs to take turns to ask and answer the questions. Encourage pairs to discuss the questions rather that giving brief yes/no answers. When pairs have finished, perhaps have a whole-class discussion on some of the topics..

$STUDENT AAsk a partner what they think and answer your partners questions.Dont forget to ask What about you? when you answer their questions.

1. Do you enjoy shopping? Why / Why not?2. Do you prefer shopping on your own or with someone? Why?3. Do you ever watch TV shopping channels?Have you ever bought anything from them?4. Do you every buy clothes and then not wear them?Do you often make shopping mistakes?5. Has shopping changed much in your country in the last ten years? How?6. Do you have an eye for a bargain? Are you a good bargain hunter?- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -$STUDENT BAsk a partner what they think and answer your partners questions.Dont forget to ask What about you? when you answer their questions.

1. Do you like shopping in the sales?Why/ why not?2. Do you ever buy things from the internet or from catalogues?What do you buy?3. Do you ever argue about the price with the shop keeper?What kind of things can you haggle for when you are shopping?4. Are labels or brand names important for you when you are shopping?Is price or quality more important for you?5. Do you think that English / American people go shopping more often thanin yourown country?6. Do you ever buy things second hand? If so, what kind of things do you buy? ELTgames.com 2007

TravelPut students into pairs, give each their respective handout, and get them to take turns asking and answering the questions. Encourage pairs to discuss the questions rather that giving brief yes/no answers. When pairs have finished, perhaps have a whole-class discussion on some of the topics.

STUDENT A.Ask a partner what they think and answer your partners questions.Dont forget to askWhat about you?when you answer their questions.1.If you found a good job where you often had to fly to the USA, would you take it?2.How long does it take you to get to work ? How do you get there?3.Whats the worst journey you can remember? Tell me about it.4.Do you think your city has any transport problems?5.If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

STUDENT B.Ask a partner what they think and answer your partners questions.Dont forget to askWhat about you?when you answer their questions.1.Do you ever had to travel for work? If so, when? How is it?2.If you had to go to the capital on business, would you prefer to travel by air or by rail?3.What is the longest journey you have ever had? Tell me about it.4.What form of transport do you use most often? Why?5.If you could travel to anywhere in this country, where would you go and why?

Dont say the word! (Pre-intermediate)Copy and cut up one set of cards. Divide the class into two teams. Bring one member of the first team to the front of the class. They have to try to define the word in capitals at the top of the card without using any of the words written on the card. Dont allow translation or hand gestures. Allow a minute for the first student, then bring a students from the second team to the front. Continue until you run out of cards, then get the teams to make their own cards for a second round of the game, using recently learned words.

ELEPHANTnosegreyAfricaTEACHERschoolteachstudentBIGlargesmallenormous

YELLOWcoloursunbananaTODAYyesterdaytomorrownowWEEKsevendaymonth

HOTcoldtemperaturesunHAPPYsadlaughsmileYESnoagreepositive

PLEASEhelpthank youpoliteGOODBYEgoleavesayCARwheeldrivetravel

DOCTORsickhospitalhelpHOTELsleepholidaybedSWIMseawaterfish

BANANAeatyellowmonkeyHORSEanimalridefourHEADbodyfacetop

Dont say the word! 2 (Intermediate)Copy and cut up one set of cards. Divide the class into two teams. Bring one member of the first team to the front of the class. They have to try to define the word in capitals at the top of the card without using any of the words written on the card. Dont allow translation or hand gestures. Allow a minute for the first student, then bring a students from the second team to the front. Continue until you run out of cards, then get the teams to make their own cards for a second round of the game, using recently learned words.

SKINcoverbodyprotectionENCYCLOPAEDIAbookinformationreferencePARTYcelebratebirthdaychampagne

ROMANcivilisationancientRomeCOMEDYfunnylaughjokeARMYmilitaryuniformsoldier

BODYGUARDprotectfamousstrongMOUSEcomputercatanimalSOFAsitfurnituresitting room

PARENTmotherfatherfamilyCLEANdirtywashshowerISLANDseaSicilyland

COFFEEdrinkexpressocupBICYCLEwheelridetransportFLYbirdairplanewings

BABYchildcryinfantKEYlockdooropenSHOULDERbodyarmneck

Whats the right question?Cut up the cards and put them face down. Divide the class into two teams. One student from Team A comes to the front of the class and takes a card. This student has one minute to ask a (grammatically accurate) question to their team, to get the answer of the word or phrase on the card. If the team answers correctly, usingexactlythe words printed on the card, the team wins a point and the student can take another card, until the minute is up. Change teams and repeat.

The day before yesterday.No thanks.No, I cant.Next week.

New York.Yes, you have.Twelve.Lemons.

Fine, thanks.No, I wouldnt.Your grandfather.This morning.

Last year.Of course I do!In bed.Over there.

Carrots.No, never.Not very often.No, I wont.

Tuesday.On your right.Yes, they do.A rabbit.

Since last week.For ages.At school.Yes, I would.

Fifty-two.In the summer.Elvis Presley.Australia.

Making comparisonsPut students into pairs or small groups. Give each pair a set of cards face down. Students take it in turns to make comparative statements about the items on their cards. Encourage groups to discuss the topics together, agreeing and disagreeing, rather than just making short statements.

emailsletterscatsdogsjazzpop music

carsbikesspringautumnholidays by the seaholidays in the city

being a studentworkingfootballbasketballliving in the cityliving in the country

watching TVreading a bookyour languageEnglishtaking a planetaking a train

fast foodeating in restaurantsbathsshowersteacoffee

New YorkLondonlarge supermarketssmall shopsbreadrice

cinematheatrepublic transportyour own carwriting text messagesmaking phone calls

Hotel problemsCut up the cards. Tell students that they are in a hotel but they have lost their voice. Students are given a card and have to pretend that they are at a hotel reception desk, They need to mime the things they need, while the class tries to guess what it is.

There are no towels in my hotelroom. Im in room 15.Id like a wake up call at 6.30 am tomorrow.

Theres a mouse in my bathroom.I asked for a double room but this key is for a single room.

All the lights on the third floor ofthe hotel have gone out.I dropped a bottle of wine on myhotel room floor and I need someone to come and clean it for me.

The heating doesnt work in my room and its freezing!The lift doesnt work and Im on the tenth floor. I dont want to carry my suitcases up all those stairs.

Id like a taxi for nine oclocktomorrow morning.I want to know what time breakfastis served in this hotel and where.

I ordered a drink and a sandwichfrom room service an hour ago and it still hasnt arrived.Id like to know the name of a good restaurant near the hotel.

I went to the room you told me to,but the key doesnt fit the lock.Ive locked myself out of my hotel room.

The man in the room next tomine has his TV on very loudly andI want to go to sleep.The air conditioning has stoppedworking in my room. Its so hot!

Theres a horrible smellcoming from under the bed inmy room.Theres no remote control for theTV in my hotel room.

At the airportCut up the cards. Tell students that they are in at the airport but they have lost their voice. Students are given a card and have to pretend that they are at the information desk. They need to mime their problems, while the class tries to guess what it is.

I dont know which boardinggate to go to.I want to know how muchmy luggage weighs.

Someone has stolenmy passport.I want to know what time theflight from New York arrives.

Ive lost my mobile and I needto use a public phone.Id like to rent a car but I dont knowwhere to go in the airport.

Ive just arrived from Australia,but my luggage hasnt arrived in the baggage hall.My friend has just gone through to departures, but I have his important medicine in my bag. He really needs this medicine.

I need to take a taxito the city centre.I need to borrow a wheel chairfor my great grandfather.

Ive just found a three year old girlalone in the departure lounge.My coat has got stuck onthe luggage carousel.

Ive just realised that I left mycomputer on the plane.Theres a large dog inthe arrivals hall.

I want to get something to eatbefore I take off.Ineed to changesome money.

Im meeting my six year old nephewbut he hasnt arrived yet. He should have arrived an hour ago.Someone has spilt a large bottle of oilon the floor of the departure lounge.

Half a crossword JobsPut students into pairs. Students take turns to define a word from their crossword so their partners can add the word to their versions of the puzzle. Make sure that students understand that they should not look at each others crosswords or say the words written in the crosswords.

STUDENT A1D

2MUSICIAN

N

34C5

6E

R

7B8

9TEACHER

N

K

E

10R11DOCTOR

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -STUDENT B1

2

3P4S5A

I6ENGINEER

LNC

O7GH8F

9TEIA

RTR

EM

CE

10NURSE11TR

Half a crossword The FamilyPut students into pairs. Students take turns to define a word from their crossword so their partners can add the word to their versions of the puzzle. Make sure students understand that they should not look at each others crosswords or say the words written in the crosswords.

STUDENT A1

2G3

R

4A5A6

NU

DN

MT

O7B8

9SISTER10UNCLE

HO

ET

RH11FATHER

E

12R

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -STUDENT B1W

23COUSIN

F

4GRANDF5AT6HER

U

S

B

7A8N

910NE

DP

H

11E

W

12MOTHER

Question timeEach student receives a handout and chooses five topics. Briefly check their questions are personal rather than general quiz-type questions, and encourage questions which will generate interesting answers. The class stand and mingle, asking each other the questions on their handouts.

Question timeChoose five topics, and write questions to ask other students about their lives.1. A question about this town/city._________________________________________2. A question about food._________________________________________3. A question about music._________________________________________4. A question about TV or films_________________________________________

5. A question about sport or exercise_________________________________________6. A question about clothes_________________________________________7. A question about family or friends_________________________________________8. A question about learning English_________________________________________9. Any other question_________________________________________Agree or Disagree?Give each group of 4 6 a set of cards. The cards are dealt out, the first student selects one of his/her cards, reads it out, and the group discuss it. Then the next student selects a card, and so on.

Agree or disagree?Schools should teach a wider variety of subjects.Agree or disagree?It is very important to save declining languages from extinction.

Agree or disagree?Small shops are better than supermarkets.Agree or disagree?Blood sports such as bullfighting and hunting are cruel, and should be banned.

Agree or disagree?Smoking should be banned in all public places.Agree or disagree?Money is the root of all evil.

Agree or disagree?It is essential to have a guidebook when travelling.Agree or disagree?Tourism is making everywhere seem the same.

Agree or disagree?Fashion only exists to make people spend more money on clothes.Agree or disagree?Employers should never expect employees to work for more than 40 hours a week.

Agree or disagree?It is cruel to keep a cat or a dog in an apartment.Agree or disagree?Censorship is never justifiable.

Agree or disagree?Computers waste more time than they save.Agree or disagree?Capital punishment is unjustifiable and barbaric.

Agree or disagree?The best age to get married is around 25.Agree or disagree?It is reasonable for employers not to give jobs to people with piercings or tattoos.

Agree or disagree?It would be better if TV had never been invented.Agree or disagree?All advertising is dishonest.

Agree or disagree?It is fair that famous people should be pursued by the press.Agree or disagree?The more security cameras, the better.

Agree or disagree?National museums which buy expensive works of art are wasting taxpayers money.Agree or disagree?Famous actors and sports celebrities are paid far too much.

Agree or disagree?There is nothing wrong with being able to choose the sex of your baby.Agree or disagree?People are less superstitious than they used to be.

Agree or disagree?You can tell a lot about a person from the way they dress.Agree or disagree?Military service for both sexes is a good idea.

Dont say the word! (Upper Intermediate)Copy and cut up one set of cards. Divide the class into two teams. Bring one member of the first team to the front of the class. They have to try to define the word in capitals at the top of the card without using any of the words written on the card. Dont allow translation or hand gestures. Allow a minute for the first student, then bring a students from the second team to the front. Continue until you run out of cards, then get the teams to make their own cards for a second round of the game, using recently learned words.

BORROWcoverbodyprotectionCONVERSATIONbookinformationreferenceCONGRATULATIONScelebratebirthdaychampagne

HELMETcivilisationancientRomeEMPLOYMENTfunnylaughjokeGHOSTmilitaryuniformsoldier

BODYGUARDprotectfamousstrongMOUSEcomputercatanimalSOFAsitfurnituresitting room

PARENTmotherfatherfamilyCLEANdirtywashshowerISLANDseaSicilyland

COFFEEdrinkespresso/cappuccinocupBICYCLEwheelridetransportFLYbirdairplanewings

BABYchildcryinfantKEYlockdooropenSHOULDERbodyarmneck

Expressing preferencesPut students into pairs or small groups. Give each pair a set of cards face down. Students take it in turns to pick a card for the group to talk about their preferences and dislikes. Encourage groups to discuss the subjects in detail, agreeing and disagreeing, and giving reasons for their views.

mountain climbingplaying chessworking outdoorsworking in an officeliving in the suburbsliving in the city centre

formal partiesstudent partiesgardeningDIYdoing the houseworkcooking

studying at homestudying at collegea country childhooda city childhoodsingle-sex schoolsmixed-sex schools

using a keyboardwriting with pen and inkEnglish pronunciationEnglish spellingzooscircuses

game showsreality TVlarge hotelsbed and breakfastscience fictiondetective stories

buying CDsdownloading Mp3sromantic filmsaction filmsgreedstupidity

vanityjealousybeing nice to peopletelling the truthbeing self-employedbeing an employee

Science and TechnologyIn pairs, ask students to take turns to ask and answer each others questions. Encourage pairs to discuss the questions in detail, rather than giving yes/ no answers. After pairs have finished, bring the discussion together with the whole class and feedback any vocabulary problems you have noticed.

STUDENT ATake turns to ask and answer these questions with your partner.Do you agree with each other?1.Do you think technology makes our lives easier?How much do you depend on technology?2.When you buy gadgets how do you choose them? (by the latesttechnology,the most famous brand name, the cheapest, the coolest-looking, etc)3.How often do you use the internet? What kinds of things do you use itfor? Do you enjoy it or is it only a useful tool?4.What do you think of cosmetic surgery?Would you ever consider it for yourself?5.What do you think is the most important invention or innovation in the lastfifty years?

STUDENT BTake turns to ask and answer these questions with your partner.Do you agree with each other?1.Do you think that email will completely replace writing letters?Which do you think is better?2.Do you think that genetic engineering is a good idea?What problems could there be? What are the advantages?3.Do you worry about the amount of chemicals in your food and drinks?Do you think that there should be more regulations about this?4.Do you think that in the next hundred years our methods of transport willchange? How will they be different?5.How technical - minded are you? Can you take gadgets apart and repair them?Do you understand how all your technological possessions work?

Half a crossword MusicPut students into pairs. Students take turns to define a word from their crossword so their partners can add the word to their versions of the puzzle. Make sure students understand that they should not look at each others crosswords or say the words written in the crosswords.

STUDENT A1P

2CI3

4OR5CHE6STRA

NLIN

CANO

ESG

RSE7

TI8R

C

A9

10VIOLIN

11

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -STUDENT B1

23S

456A

X

O

P

7GH

8GROUPO

IN

9TUNE

10A

11DRUMS

Mini-dramas 1: situations for short role plays (theme: WORK)Put students into pairs. Ask the pairs to role play the first situation with their partner, then change partners for the next situation. Pick some of the most interesting mini-dramas to perform for the whole class at the end of the activity.

STUDENT ASituation 1:Youre really worried about a job interview. Tell your friend about it. (What job is it? When is the interview? Why are you worried?)Situation 2:You are your partners boss. Your employee is going to ask you a favour. Its a very busy time at work at the moment.Situation 3:You are late for work. Explain to the boss why you are late, and apologise.Situation 4:Your friend has a problem. Ask some questions and give some advice. Try to make your partner feel better about the problem.

STUDENT BSituation 1:Your friend is telling you about a problem. Ask some questions and give advice. Try to make your partner feel better about the problem.Situation 2:You want to go to a friends wedding next week. Ask your boss if you have some time off. Tell them about how long you need and why its important to you.Situation 3:You are your partners boss. This employee is always late. Ask questions about why and listen to his / her answers.Situation 4:You really want to change your job. Tell your friend why you are fed up and ask for advice.

Mini-dramas 2 - situations for short role plays (various themes)

STUDENT ASituation 1:You have left your wallet at home. You really need to make a phone call and take a bus back home. Explain this to your friend and ask to borrow the money.Situation 2:You left your bag in a caf and now its not there. Tell the caf owner about it (What was in the bag? What did the bag look like? ) Ask if he/ she saw anyone take it.Situation 3:Your son / daughter never tidies his/her bedroom and you are very annoyed about it.Situation 4:You are twelve years old. You promised your mother / father to be home by seven oclock but you are late. You didnt get home until after ten oclock at night. Apologise and explain.Situation 5:You bought a CD player in a department store last week but it doesnt work. Try to get your money back.

STUDENT BSituation 1:Your friend has a problem. Listen to him / her and decide if you want to help.Situation 2:You are the owner of a caf. You are very busy. A customer wants to talk to you about something but you dont really have time to listen.Situation 3:You are twelve years old.You have a lot of homework to do, but every time you try to do it, your mom/ dad wants you to do chores at home. Talk to your mother / father about your problem.Situation 4:Your son / daughter promised to be home by seven oclock but she didnt get home until after ten oclock at night. You are angry.Situation 5:You work in a department store in the complaints department. You are very bored with your job. A customer wants to complain about something but you are not very interested.

Problem solvingOrganise the class into groups of 4 to 6, and give each student a worksheet. Each student chooses the three problems that she/he would most like to discuss. The groups then compare their results the problem with the most votes is chosen, and the groups discuss it. Then the problem with the next highest number of votes is discussed, and so on.

Problem SolvingWork in small groups. Choose the three problems you would most like to discuss.Then discuss the problems with the most votes.1. Next Sunday we have to discuss an important matter. Should we do it over the internet, by telephone, by meeting or some other method? What time would be best for all of us?

2. We are architects. We have been appointed to divide this building up into flats. The developer wants to make as much profit as possible.

3. We are architects. We have been appointed by the local council to divide this building up into flats. They want to benefit the local community as much as possible.

4. Were going to open a restaurant together in this area. What type of restaurant should it be? Which jobs will each of us take?

5. Were going start a new magazine. What type of magazine should it be? Which jobs will each of us take?

6. We have $100,000 to invest. How should we invest it to get the best return over five years?

7. We have $100,000 to give away. Who should we give it to?

8. We have to prepare a magnificent meal for a group of ten people. What should we cook?