Improve Your English Speaking and Writing Skills
These conversation questions are a resource for both teachers and students. They can be used in class, or with a study buddy (= a friend you study with), or with somebody you do a language exchange with. They are great for writing practice too!
Tips for learners
✨ In those in-between times when you can’t find somebody to practise with I recommending trying to write down your answers, or even talking out loud to yourself!
✨ Ensure you make notes of useful words and phrases that you either couldn’t remember or didn’t know when you were trying to explain something. This will really help you to move forward with your English.
✨ I also highly recommend going through the questions a second or third time at a later date with somebody else, as a way of revision, and you are sure to notice that you are able to explain things faster and more effectively.
✨ Try to make your partner speak as much as possible. Remember to ask follow-up questions as this helps the conversation flow. What’s more, it’s important to react to their answers, to show interest, just as you would if you were engaging in a real conversation in your native language. For instance you can gently nod your head, or you can use expressions such as:
Wow!
Really?
That’s amazing!
Me too!
I totally agree.
You’re joking!
It may feel a little unnatural at first, especially as you might feel you are ‘overreacting’ but keep practising and you will gradually improve. And next time you are around native speakers really pay attention to how they converse.
Let’s Talk About Football*
PDF Conversation Questions – Football / Soccer
1. Can you explain the basic rules of football in English?
2. Do you play football? What position do you play?
3. Which football team do you support?
4. Who’s your favourite player at the moment?
5. Have you ever been to a first division football match? [if your partner says they’ve been to many, ask them to tell you about a particular match which stands out]
6. Have you ever watched a football match with English commentary?
7. Do you read the football pages in newspapers? Do you read football magazines?
8. Have you been to an international football match, such as a Champions League or World Cup match?
9. Why do you think people adore football so much?
10. In your opinion, who is the best footballer ever and why?
11. Do you think professional footballers have a duty to set a good example to children?
12. What would you say are some of the negative aspects of professional football?
13. Do you think that it’s necessary to train from a very early age if you want to be a successful footballer?
14. What changes would you like to see in how professional football matches are played?
15. Women’s football is becoming more and more popular. What do you think has led to this increase in popularity?
16. What do you think about the prices of football tickets and merchandise?
*In the United States they say ‘soccer’.
Quick Pronunciation Exercise: Football
MORE CONVERSATION TOPICS
Animals and Nature
Books and Reading
Films and Cinema
Social Media
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