5 English speaking activities that give more learners a turn

When a speaking lesson mainly consists of the teacher asking questions and a few volunteers answering, many learners may have little speaking time. Change the organisation first: allow preparation, make turns explicit and let several pairs practise at once.

These A1–A2 activities work with short, supported turns. A shared answer to the whole class is only one stage of the task.

Set a visible speaking goal

Replace “practise conversation” with “ask two questions about preferences and answer in complete sentences”. Display “What do you like doing?” and “I like drawing”. Allow thirty to forty-five seconds for choosing ideas or writing keywords.

1. Interview and report back

A asks B “What food do you like?” and “When do you eat it?” They swap after a minute, keeping only a couple of keywords. Invite a few reports: “Hoa likes noodles. She eats them for breakfast.” Use a simpler model if third-person forms are unfamiliar.

The person being introduced confirms or corrects one detail, giving the listener a real role. Learners can answer as an imaginary character instead of sharing personal information.

2. Find picture differences

Each partner has a different picture and cannot look at the other’s copy. A asks “Is there a ball under the chair?” Prepare four to six clear differences. Simple hand-drawn room plans are enough if printing is unavailable.

Model a question and a corrected answer before starting. Let pairs see both pictures at the end. When learners are practising prepositions, accurate questions matter more than speed.

3. Pack for an imaginary trip

Groups of three choose four of six items: water, a hat, a book, a ball, a jacket and snacks. Each learner proposes an item: “We need water because it is hot.” The group hears all three suggestions before deciding.

Rotate the proposer, questioner and note-taker. Display “What do you think?” so learners can invite a quieter partner. Different choices are acceptable when the reasons fit the situation.

4. Run a small shop

A sells items and B buys two using “Can I have a pencil, please?” and “How much is it?” Use a short price list with familiar numbers, then swap roles. Written labels or sketches work as well as real objects.

Add one manageable complication, such as an unavailable item. Beginners keep complete sentence frames; confident learners work from keywords such as ask, price and thank.

5. Say it again with one new detail

Students prepare three sentences about an animal. A speaks, B asks “Where does it live?” or “What does it eat?”, then A speaks again with the new detail. The second turn has a purpose beyond repeating the same speech. Keywords are enough support.

Give feedback after the turn

During fluency practice, note common issues instead of interrupting every sentence. Afterwards, discuss two anonymous examples. If meaning is unclear, ask “Do you mean yesterday or every day?” Notice a specific success too, such as asking a follow-up question.

Keep speaking time when adding a game

If Questora provides a reward round, let all pairs rehearse before calling a representative. Set oral-answer criteria and accept sensible alternative wording. The game score describes the game; brief notes about speaking turns and target language inform your next lesson.