This is a simple mingling activity that can be used with low level groups to provide practice in asking and answering questions. 

Author
Katherine Bilsborough

The lesson is designed for adults but could also be used with older teenagers.

Procedure

  • Write these two incomplete statements on the board:
    • ……………… has got a bike.
    • ……………… goes to bed late.
  • Fill the gaps with the names of two students who are present, for example:
    • (Paulo) has got a bike.
    • (Jan) goes to bed late.
  • Explain that you want to find out whether these statements are true or false. Elicit the questions that you need to ask, for example:
    • Have you got a bike?
    • Do you go to bed late?
  • Invite another student to ask the first question. If the answer is yes, write true at the end of the statement. If the answer is no, write false. Repeat the process with the second question.
  • Give each student a copy of the worksheet and tell them to fold it along the dotted line.
  • Students complete the first column by writing the names of their classmates, without turning the paper to look! They should write everybody's name at least once. They should not write their own name but they can include the teacher's name.
  • Students then unfold the worksheet and read through the statements. Explain the meaning of any unknown vocabulary as necessary.
  • In pairs, students say what they think the questions are that they will need to ask. Then get some class feedback and write the first few questions, or the ones they find tricky, on the board.
  • Students then mingle, asking and answering their questions and writing true or false.
  • Finally, get some class feedback about any surprising or interesting answers.

Extension

For stronger groups, encourage them to ask for further information about each statement. For example, if a student says they read the newspaper every day, they can ask them Which newspaper do you read? If they don't, they could ask Why not?

Language Level

Comments

Submitted by Gulshan Huseynli on Fri, 05/20/2011 - 17:14

It is very good activity. I think it can be used with upper levels. with extension activity where they ask more questions in order find out extra information. 

Submitted by Ramdane on Sun, 04/04/2010 - 12:28

I have really liked this lesson and I try to applicate it when I have a similar one.

Submitted by elya_adly on Tue, 02/16/2010 - 19:02

It's a nice activity but in my opinion it's also suitable for my prep stage students, not only adults.

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