Develop Dialogue and Discussion

🧑‍🏫 How ESL Teachers Develop Dialogue and Discussion with Students

🎯 Why Dialogue and Discussion Matter

Dialogue and discussion aren’t just speaking practice—they build real-world communication skills, boost fluency, and allow students to personalize language. They help learners:

• Develop confidence in using English naturally

• Practice grammar and vocabulary in context

• Improve listening and interaction strategies

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CLICK HERE for my “English Language Songs” and Worksheets

🛠️ Step-by-Step: How to Develop Dialogue & Discussion Activities

1. Start with a Purpose

Before designing an activity, decide:

• What’s the language focus? (e.g., past tense, giving opinions, question forms)

• What’s the real-world skill? (e.g., ordering food, asking for directions, expressing feelings)

✅ Tip: Keep the language level and interests of your students in mind.

2. Build the Dialogue

Create sample dialogues to model conversation. Use:

• Simple, natural language

• A clear context (e.g., at a restaurant, job interview, making plans)

• Useful vocabulary and expressions

✅ Tip: Leave some gaps or blanks in the dialogue for students to complete—this adds flexibility and creativity.

3. Include Personalization

After the model, get students to:

• Change the dialogue to make it personal

• Use prompts to express real opinions

• Practice in pairs or small groups

4. Encourage Open-Ended Discussion

Move beyond controlled practice by giving:

• Discussion questions

• Role-play scenarios

• Problem-solving tasks

These activities allow students to think, respond, and interact more naturally.

CLICK HERE for my “English Language Songs” and Worksheets

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💡 Sample Discussion Starters

• “What makes a good friend?”

• “Do you prefer cities or the countryside?”

• “Describe a holiday you’ll never forget.”

• “What would you do if you found $1,000?”

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👂 Tips for Teachers

• Monitor without interrupting – take notes and give feedback after

• Focus on communication, not just accuracy – help students feel safe to speak

• Teach conversation strategies – like asking follow-up questions, agreeing politely, or expressing uncertainty

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how to plan and implement effective dialogue and discussion activities that build fluency, confidence, and communication skills in their students.

🏠 LESSON PLAN FOR ESL TEACHERS

Topic: Developing Dialogue & Discussion in the ESL Classroom
Audience: ESL teachers (in training or in practice)
Length: 60 minutes

✅ Objectives

By the end of this session, teachers will be able to:

• Design level-appropriate dialogue activities

• Create prompts that promote authentic discussion

• Facilitate speaking practice that is meaningful and student-centered

✏️ Materials

• Sample dialogue worksheet (included)

• Discussion prompt handout (included)

• Whiteboard, markers or digital slides

⏰ PROCEDURE

1. Warm-Up: Think-Pair-Share (10 mins)

Question: Why is speaking practice important for ESL learners?
Teachers share experiences of successful or challenging speaking activities.

2. Mini-Lecture: Dialogue vs. Discussion (10 mins)

• Dialogue: Controlled practice using set phrases and vocabulary

• Discussion: Open-ended speaking with opinions, elaboration, and interaction

3. Activity Demo: Model a Dialogue (15 mins)

Topic: “At the Coffee Shop” (see worksheet below)

• Step 1: Model with another teacher

• Step 2: Identify useful expressions

• Step 3: Have pairs adapt the dialogue to their own preferences

4. Activity Demo: Discussion Task (15 mins)

Topic: “Would you rather…?”

• Hand out question prompts

• Pairs choose 3 to ask and answer

• Emphasize giving reasons and asking follow-up questions

5. Reflection & Feedback (10 mins)

• What made the activities work well?

• How would you adapt them for different levels?

• What challenges do you anticipate?

📄 SAMPLE DIALOGUE WORKSHEET

Topic: At the Coffee Shop

Student A: Hi! I’d like a large coffee, please. Student B: Sure. Would you like cream or sugar? Student A: Just cream, thanks. Can I also get a muffin? Student B: Of course! That’s $5.50. Student A: Here you go. Student B: Thank you. Have a nice day!

Task: Practice the dialogue, then change it. What else could they order? What other questions might they ask?

CLICK HERE for my “English Language Songs” and Worksheets

💬 DISCUSSION PROMPT HANDOUT

Use these to spark pair or group discussion. Encourage full sentences, opinions, and follow-up questions.

Would You Rather…?

• …travel to the past or the future?

• …live in a city or the countryside?

• …be very rich or very famous?

• …never use a phone again or never eat chocolate again?

Personal Questions

• What’s your favorite way to relax?

• What is something new you’d like to try?

• Describe your perfect weekend.

• What advice would you give to a new English learner?

🔊 TIPS FOR TEACHERS

• Use real-world contexts and age-appropriate topics

• Allow thinking time before discussion

• Monitor groups and provide vocabulary support

• Focus on communication, not perfection

• Encourage clarification and repetition in conversation

CLICK HERE for my “English Language Songs” and Worksheets