Practice
Fun things to learn in English class
An English class can give you more than a worksheet. A short conversation, a careful description, or a small problem to solve can make you use words that you might only recognize on a page.
Choose a class activity that helps you practice a clear English skill, and use simple phrases to ask questions, explain ideas, and reflect on what you learned.
Read and practice
Read the examples and try the written questions in this guide. Listening recordings are not available for this lesson yet.
Try the written questions
Could you repeat that, please? /kʊd ju rɪˈpiːt ðæt pliːz/
The short answer
Choose activities that make you speak, listen, read, or write for a real purpose. A good activity has one small goal, such as asking for clarification, describing a photo, or giving a reason for an opinion.
In pairs, describe your route to school while your partner draws it on a simple map.
Why it works: This activity practices directions, questions, and careful listening at the same time.
5 more examples
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Could you repeat the last question, please?
Use this polite question when you did not hear or understand a question.
Not this:I heard the question, but I
need a moment to think. What changes: Ask for thinking time when the problem is choosing an answer, not hearing the words. -
I chose this picture because the people look relaxed.
Because introduces the reason for the choice.
Not this:I chose this picture,
andthe people look relaxed. What changes: And adds information, but it does not clearly show that the second idea is the reason. -
First, the traveler missed the train. Then she called her friend.
These sequence words make the order of a story easy to follow.
Not this:The traveler called her friend
beforeshe missed the train. What changes: Before changes the order, so use it only when that order is correct. -
What do you mean by a quiet neighborhood?
This question asks a classmate to explain a word or phrase.
Not this:
How do you spellneighborhood? What changes: Ask about spelling when you know the meaning but need to write the word. -
I see it differently because public transport is cheaper for me.
This phrase lets you disagree politely and gives you space to explain why.
Not this:I
do not understandyour opinion yet. What changes: Say this when you need an explanation before you decide whether you agree.
Read the full guide
Start by naming the skill you want to practice. If you want to speak more easily, choose an activity that gives you several short turns. If you want to understand spoken English, listen for one detail before you listen for every word.
Choose one skill to practice
A class task is easier to use when you know its purpose. Decide whether you want to practice listening, speaking, reading, writing, or a small part of one of those skills. A discussion can practice speaking, but it can also practice giving reasons.
Today I want to practice asking one follow-up question after each answer.
This goal is specific. I want to improve my English is too broad for one short activity.
Which goal fits a photo discussion: learn every new word or describe what you can see and ask one question?
Describe what you can see and ask one question. That goal gives you a clear action during the discussion.
Turn a picture into a conversation
A photo gives two people something to look at together. Begin with details that you can see, then make a careful guess. Your partner can agree, add a detail, or ask why you think that.
I think they are waiting for a bus because they are standing beside a sign.
They are waiting for a bus states a guess as a fact. I think makes the uncertainty clear.
What can you say after a classmate describes a picture?
Ask a connected question, such as Why do you think they are waiting? or What do you notice in the background?
Use role plays for everyday language
A role play works best when each person has a reason to speak. One learner may need information, while the other has it. Keep the situation simple so that you can focus on the language instead of acting.
Excuse me, could you tell me where the library is?
Where is the library? is understandable, but Excuse me and could you make the request more polite for a stranger.
What should the person giving directions do after saying Turn left?
Add the next useful step, such as Walk past the bank, then cross the street. This gives the listener a complete route.
Build a short story together
In a story chain, each learner adds one sentence. The goal is to connect the new sentence to the last idea. Sequence words and reasons help the story stay clear, even when the details are surprising.
First, Maya found a lost key. Then she looked for the owner.
Maya found a lost key. Maya looked for the owner. This is clear, but sequence words show the connection more smoothly.
Which word can show the result of an event in a story?
Use so when the second event is the result, as in The door was locked, so Maya called the manager.
Review the language after the activity
Finish with one small review. Write down a phrase you used successfully and a phrase you needed but did not know. This turns a class activity into a plan for the next one.
Next time, I want to use Could you give me an example? when I need more information.
I need better English does not tell you what to practice. A full phrase gives you a useful next step.
What should you record after a pair discussion?
Record one phrase you used and one phrase you want to try. Keep the notes short enough to use again.
Before you go
Remember this
Pick one small language goal before an activity. Use a phrase to ask for help, give a reason, or show the order of an idea. Afterward, name one expression you used and one expression you want to use next time.
Practice with the written examples
You can practice with the written questions in the Learn tab. Each answer includes an explanation.
Try the written questionsListening test not available yet
This lesson does not have the recordings needed for a listening test. Use the written questions in the guide to check your understanding.
Try the written questionsQuestions about "Fun things to learn in English class"
Do English class activities need to be games to be fun?
No. An activity can be enjoyable because it gives you a clear task and a chance to use English with other people. A short photo discussion, a role play, or a shared story can work well when you know what language you are practicing.
Could you repeat the last question, please?
How can I speak more during an English class?
Choose one small speaking goal before the activity. You might plan to ask one follow-up question, give one reason with because, or use a phrase for clarification. A small goal gives you a reason to speak even when you are still thinking about your answer.
I heard the question, but I need a moment to think.
What can I say when I do not understand a classmate?
Ask a direct, polite question. Could you repeat that, please? is useful when you did not hear clearly. What do you mean by ...? is useful when you heard the words but need an explanation. These questions keep the conversation moving.
I chose this picture because the people look relaxed.
Why should I give reasons in a class discussion?
A reason makes your opinion easier for another learner to understand and answer. Use because to connect the opinion and the reason, as in I prefer the first idea because it saves time. Your partner can then agree, disagree, or ask another question.
I chose this picture, and the people look relaxed.
What should I review after an English class activity?
Write down one complete phrase that you used and one phrase that you wanted to use. Keep the phrase with a short situation, so you remember when to say it. This review gives you a practical target for the next activity.
First, the traveler missed the train. Then she called her friend.