If I woke up earlier

This version of the popular activity is a bit more complicated. Students should start with the phrase, "If I woke up earlier", and complete the sentence with a consequence that could happen. The next statement starts with the previous result as a reason of possible things. Everyone says 5-6 sentences to complete the chain of events.

For example, "If I woke up earlier, I wouldn't be late for work. If I weren't late for work, I would complete the project on time. If I finished the project on time, I would celebrate it with my family."

Such an exercise helps not only to tame the second conditional but also logical thinking.

Guilty pleasures

It's time to confess and admit watching some trashy TV shows and eating junk food. Let your students speak out their preferences they are ashamed of. This task will make them laugh and add humor to learning English.

Summer bucket list

People tend to plan everything, weddings, holidays, and even weekends. Depending on the season you may assign writing a bucket list. Don't forget to tell the story about the title, why it's called like that. While students add some activities to their list, they expand vocabulary in terms of traveling and hobbies.

5 things you've learned recently

Sometimes we are stuck in a rut. It seems there is nothing that can amuse us. But changes start with thoughts. Ask participants to write down all things they have accomplished recently. It might be a small step to a huge goal. It helps to be proud of yourself and value all attempts.

Zodiac signs

Everybody should check their sign in advance and read a description. Then, a person may agree or disagree with some points and add own comments in terms of personality or events.

The best decision

Another way to be proud of yourself is to recall all best moments in life. What decisions made you? Students may start with childhood to use Past Tenses in English.

30 days left

How often do people put their life off? We always promise to ourselves, "When I have more time, I will do it". Let's imagine you have only one month to live. Such sudden news causes people to think of their dreams and wishes. Make a list of must-do things with your students.

Advice

• What should parents do to bring up honest and kind children?
• What would you advise to yourself if you could go back in time?
• How to be happy

Appearance

• Don’t judge a book by its cover. What is this idiom about?
• When is appearance important?
• What three things are there in your appearance you take care of?

Books

• What is your favorite book? Why?
• Why is reading important?
• What three books are there everyone should read?

Challenges

• What challenges do you want to try?
• What challenges do people face every day?
• Why do people go through challenges?

Choices

• Would you rather be smart or talented?
• If you could choose a supernatural power, what would you choose? Why?
• If you could pick a country to live, where would you stay?

Dreaming

• Do you think dreams have meanings?
• Can dreams tell the future?
• Do animals have dreams too?

Habits

• What are your pet peeves?
• What annoying habits do your family members have?
• What are your annoying habits?

Friendship

• Is making friends easier in childhood?
• What personal traits do you value in people?
• Describe your best friend.

Motivation

• What activity do you have no motivation to do?
• What can help to raise motivation?
• What motivates you to pursue goals?
• Why do you want to speak English?

Personality

• Describe your personality.
• What type of people do you get on well with?
• What personality trait would you like to develop? Why?

Environment

• Are you environmentally friendly? What do you do to take care of the planet?
• What danger do people pose to the global environment?
• What are five things individuals can do to help the environment?

Society

• Do you give money to homeless people? Do you think people should give money to homeless people?
• Should rich people and corporations be forced to give to charity?
• Do you think it is better to give time or money?
• Does culture influence your personality? How?
• Are bad people bad because of circumstances or choices? What about good people?
• Do you care about others’ opinion about you?

Fashion

• Are you addicted to fashion?
• How often do you buy new items of clothes?
• Do you read fashion magazines?
• What do you pay attention to when you meet someone for the first time?

Travelling

Agree or disagree with the statements.

• I'm really scared to travel alone.
• Travelling is not only my hobby but profession as well.
• Only a few people have opportunities to travel.
• I'm always on the road.
• People should travel more in the future.
• I can't stand travelling with other people.
• Travelling has broadened my mind.

Education

• How many educational establishments have you attended?
• What was your favorite subject? Why?
• Were you ever called a teacher's pet?
• What subjects should be added or dropped?
• Who is mainly responsible for a child's academic success-parents or teachers?
• Why do people do to university?
• What makes a good student?

Technology

• Is life without computers and the internet possible these days? Why?
• Do you think the quality of life in general is better now than it used to be?
• Why do many people still use traditional forms of communication?
• Do you think robots will cause unemployment in the future or make more work?

Family

• What is the best environment to raise a family in?
• What was the worst thing you did as a child? Did you get caught?
• Is there anything funny or different about your family?
• Due to population growth and environmental problems, should families have fewer kids?
• In your country, are mothers allowed maternity leave (from work)? What about paternity leave for fathers?

Topics for ESL adult beginners

Teaching novices might be challenging because of many reasons. They aren't ready to answer questions with ease yet, because of lack of knowledge. However, it doesn't matter that such learning process comes to memorizing new words and drilling grammar. Students must get used to speaking without preparation. Obviously, it is better to have at the end of a proper unit. Let people know that they don't have to translate all words, getting the main point of a question is enough.

Questions to revise English grammar

Taming grammar tenses isn't supposed to be repetitive and dull. As soon as a class finishes typical exercises, make them use it in spontaneous speech. Usually, the most challenging topics are conditionals and Present Perfect. As we know, it takes time to tackle it. What you can do as a facilitator is create an appropriate language environment.