Practising Grammar Through Conversation, Speaking Skills

Conversation Questions for learning English: Past Simple and Present Perfect

Student A

Below you have a set of questions to ask Student B, and Student B has a set of questions too. Take it in turns to ask each other these questions and try to ask follow-up questions to the answers the other student gives.

Here’s an example:

Student A: What’s the best film you’ve seen so far this year?
Student B:  “Palm Springs”
Student A:  “Who’s in it?”   (….What’s it about? Where did you see it? Did you see it in English? etc)

Student A’s questions

  • So far this year what’s the most interesting book you’ve read?
  • Who was the last person you rang or texted on your phone?
  • What’s the best new song you’ve listened to recently?
  • When did you last go to a picnic or a barbecue with friends?
  • What was the most useful course you took last year? (eg. computing, languages, driving, etc)
  • What’s the most exciting city you’ve ever visited?
  • When did you last use the Internet to practise your English?
  • What was the last thing you complained about?

Student B

Below you have a set of questions to ask Student A, and Student A has a set of questions too. Take it in turns to ask each other these questions and try to ask follow-up questions to the answers the other student gives.

Here’s an example: 

Student A: What’s the best film you’ve seen so far this year?
Student B:  “Palm Springs”
Student A:  “Who’s in it?”   (….What’s it about? Where did you see it? Did you see it in English? etc)

Student B’s questions

  • What’s the best TV programme or series you’ve watched so far this year?
  • When did you last go out with friends? 
  • What’s one of the worst films you’ve ever seen?
  • Who was the last person who sent you an email?
  • What was the best thing you did last year?
  • (If it’s after 4pm ask:) Have you had a productive day today?
  • (If it’s before 4pm ask:) Did you have a productive day yesterday?
  • What’s the most useful English word or phrase you’ve learnt lately?
  • What’s the best thing you’ve done this month?

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EXERCISES ON IDIOMS

Learn and review idioms with these exercises:

Parts of the Body Exercise 1

Animals  Exercise 1

Idioms with ‘Give’  Exercise 1

Idioms with ‘Make’  Exercise 1  Exercise 2

Idioms with ‘Take’  Exercise 1

Idioms with ‘Keep’  Exercise 1

Idioms with ‘Think’  Exercise 1

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