TESOL/Conversation strategies

Conversation strategies in ESL

 * Debate: Any type of discussion where partners have opposing views.
 * Speculation: Discuss a situation where the outcome is unknown.
 * Consensus: Partners must reach the same view.
 * Information gap: One partner must ask questions to discover some secret information, e.g. 20 questions.
 * Ranking or Rating: Arranging in some order (ranking) or assigning a value on some scale (rating).
 * Simulation or Role play: Acting out a situation as oneself (simulation) or as an imaginary character (role play).

These methods are especially useful for a broad range of mid-level students but can often be used for beginners or advanced students.

As always, key techniques to use with these are to:


 * scaffold
 * model
 * personalize
 * start with examples
 * introduce kick-start phrases if necessary