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:
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Develop confidence in using English naturally
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Practice grammar and vocabulary in context
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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:
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What’s the language focus? (e.g., past tense, giving opinions, question forms)
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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:
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Simple, natural language
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A clear context (e.g., at a restaurant, job interview, making plans)
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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:
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Change the dialogue to make it personal
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Use prompts to express real opinions
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Practice in pairs or small groups
4. Encourage Open-Ended Discussion
Move beyond controlled practice by giving:
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Discussion questions
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Role-play scenarios
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Problem-solving tasks
These activities allow students to think, respond, and interact more naturally.
CLICK HERE for my “English Language Songs” and Worksheets
Sample Discussion Starters
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“What makes a good friend?”
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“Do you prefer cities or the countryside?”
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“Describe a holiday you’ll never forget.”
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“What would you do if you found $1,000?”
Tips for Teachers
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Monitor without interrupting – take notes and give feedback after
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Focus on communication, not just accuracy – help students feel safe to speak
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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
Objectives
By the end of this session, teachers will be able to:
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Design level-appropriate dialogue activities
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Create prompts that promote authentic discussion
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Facilitate speaking practice that is meaningful and student-centered
Materials
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Sample dialogue worksheet (included)
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Discussion prompt handout (included)
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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)
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Dialogue: Controlled practice using set phrases and vocabulary
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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)
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Step 1: Model with another teacher
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Step 2: Identify useful expressions
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Step 3: Have pairs adapt the dialogue to their own preferences
4. Activity Demo: Discussion Task (15 mins)
Topic: “Would you rather…?”
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Hand out question prompts
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Pairs choose 3 to ask and answer
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Emphasize giving reasons and asking follow-up questions
5. Reflection & Feedback (10 mins)
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What made the activities work well?
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How would you adapt them for different levels?
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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…?
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…travel to the past or the future?
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…live in a city or the countryside?
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…be very rich or very famous?
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…never use a phone again or never eat chocolate again?
Personal Questions
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What’s your favorite way to relax?
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What is something new you’d like to try?
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Describe your perfect weekend.
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What advice would you give to a new English learner?
TIPS FOR TEACHERS
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Use real-world contexts and age-appropriate topics
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Allow thinking time before discussion
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Monitor groups and provide vocabulary support
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Focus on communication, not perfection
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Encourage clarification and repetition in conversation

Beautiful Mother Teresa.