Small Talk in English Class
A student recently asked me what questions they could ask at the beginning and end of our English classes, which would constitute small talk. Small talk is essential in most social situations to build a relationship and in an English class, it’s a way of relaxing into the class and getting comfortable with the language.
So let’s take a look at some typical questions and answers for small talk in English class.
How was your day?
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Good, thank you / Very busy today, but good / I’m on holiday today
Have you had a busy day / week?
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Not too busy / It’s a normal day / week for me / Yes, it’s a bit chaotic at the moment
Have you already eaten today?
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Yes, I’ve had breakfast - lunch - dinner / No, not yet
How was the weekend?
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It was great, we went to … / It was good, nice and relaxing / I didn’t do much, I had a chilled weekend at home and spent time with my family / I had to work over the weekend
Did you do anything interesting / exciting (at the weekend)?
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Yes, we visited … / Yes, we went on a trip to .. / We met up with .. / No, nothing exciting, just a normal weekend / No, I had a quiet weekend in
What’s the weather like with you?
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It’s beautiful/ miserable weather today / It’s about 20ºC at the moment, which isn’t normal for this time of the year
Did you have a nice holiday?
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I did, thank you, it was lovely / Unfortunately I was unwell so it wasn’t the best
And what about the end of class?
Do you have any plans for the rest of today?
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Mostly work / Yes, I’m going to … / Nothing planned yet / I have the day off, so I’ll probably …
Are you doing anything this weekend?
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I haven’t thought that far ahead yet! / Yes, we’re going to / visiting / seeing / meeting up with … / No, nothing planned yet / I’ll see what we do at the weekend
Do you have a busy week ahead?
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Yes, it’s very busy at the moment because … / Not really, it’s a normal week for me / I’m not sure yet!
So, hopefully you can feel a bit more confident having small talk with your English teachers at the beginning and end of class.
I like it. This is an excellent exercise to improve communication in English class. Thanks .