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

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)

âś… 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

đź’ˇ 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?”

đź‘‚ 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

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

âś… 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?

đź“„ 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

đź’¬ 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

 

(image from 96three.com.au)

Beautiful Mother Teresa.

CLICK HERE for my “English Language Songs” and Worksheets