Real Talk Conversation Cards
ESL Speaking Lab Simple Present: Verb To Be
Real Talk Conversation Cards
Grammar Focus:
am / is / are • 'm not / isn't / aren't
Instructions: Cut cards along dashed lines. Work in pairs: take turns asking and answering in full sentences. Set A: Identity & Roles
Card 01
Where Are You From?
Practice asking origins and introducing yourself.
Ask Partner:
- Where are you from?
- Is your hometown big or small?
- Are you new to this city?
Sentence Starters:
"I am from..." • "My city is..." • "No, I am not new, I..."
Card 02
Jobs & Professions
Talk about your occupation and your friends' jobs.
Ask Partner:
- What is your job?
- Is your job busy or stressful?
- What is your friend's profession?
Sentence Starters:
"I am a / an..." • "It is..." • "He / She is a..."
Card 03
How Are You Today?
Express emotions, energy levels, and physical states.
Ask Partner:
- How are you feeling right now?
- Are you tired, hungry, or energized?
- Is today a good day for you?
Sentence Starters:
"I am feeling..." • "I am not tired because..."
Card 04
Family & People
Describe family members, marital status, and age.
Ask Partner:
- Are you married or single?
- Is your family large or small?
- How old is your brother / sister / child?
Sentence Starters:
"I am..." • "My family is..." • "They are..."
Card 05
Your Home & Area
Describe your apartment, house, and local area.
Ask Partner:
- Is your apartment quiet or noisy?
- Are the neighbors friendly?
- Is there a grocery store near you?
Sentence Starters:
"My apartment is..." • "They are / aren't..."
Card 06
The Weather Today
Discuss daily climate and seasonal preferences.
Ask Partner:
- How is the weather today?
- Is it hot, warm, cold, or rainy?
- Is summer your favorite season?
Sentence Starters:
"It is..." • "It is not very..." • "No, it isn't..."
ESL Task Arena Interactive Challenges
Real Talk Challenge Cards
Task Types:
Role-Play • Error Correction • Rapid Q&A
Instructions: Practice communicative accuracy, rapid response, and correcting common mistakes with a partner. Set B: Communicative Tasks
Task 01
Hotel Check-In
Role-Play: Student A is Clerk; Student B is Guest.
Prompt Cues:
Clerk: "Hello! What is your name?"
Guest: "I am [Name]. Is my room ready?"
Clerk: "Yes, it is! Your room is 304."
Goal:
Use am, is, and question forms to complete check-in.
Task 02
Mistake Detective
Read each sentence aloud and fix the error with your partner.
- "They is from Colombia."
- "I is not very tired."
- "Is you ready for class?"
- "She are a doctor."
Speaking Rule:
Say the correct sentence aloud 2 times together!
Task 03
False Statements!
Partner A reads the false statement. Partner B corrects it!
Statements to Correct:
- "Ice cream is hot." → "No, it isn't!"
- "Elephants are small."
- "Today is Sunday."
- "We are in Paris right now."
Formulas:
"No, it isn't, it is..." • "They aren't..."
Task 04
At the Clinic
Role-Play: Student A is Nurse; Student B is Patient.
Practice Dialogue:
Nurse: "Are you Mr. Davis?"
Patient: "Yes, I am. I am sick today."
Nurse: "The doctor is ready for you."
Vocabulary Cues:
sick, dizzy, late, ready, appointment, doctor
Task 05
Rapid Q&A Sprint
Ask all 4 questions in 30 seconds. Answer with short forms!
- Are you thirsty?
- Is English difficult?
- Are your shoes comfortable?
- Is your phone in your pocket?
Short Answers:
"Yes, I am." / "No, I**'m not**." • "Yes, it is."
Task 06
Mystery Person Game
Secretly think of a classmate or famous person. Partner guesses!
Allowed Questions (Yes/No only):
- Is the person a man or a woman?
- Is he / she in this room?
- Is he / she a famous actor?
Score:
Can your partner guess in 5 questions or fewer?
