Speaking Exercise

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo
• Leerjaar 5

Speaking Exercise 14/10/2024

Speed dating English version

Today, we’re going to do something fun to practice your speaking skills. We’re doing a 'Speed Dating' activity which is about having short conversations with different classmates on interesting topics. Don’t worry, it’s all very low-pressure, and there are no wrong answers!

Instructions

We’ll sit in two rows, where you’ll be facing a classmate. You’ll have short conversations, and after each round, you’ll switch to a new partner. Each round will last 4 to 5 minutes, and then you’ll move to the next person to your left. The left row will rotate, while the right row stays seated.

I’ll give you different topics and questions to talk about. Choose one and start answering or discussing it. Questions like, 'How difficult is it for young people to find jobs nowadays in your country?' will be on the card in front of you. Pick a topic or question and discuss it together. If you get stuck, ask follow-up questions like 'Why?' or 'How come?' The goal is for you to speak with each other in English. It’s okay if you make mistakes sometimes—what’s important is that you try.

If you get stuck, no problem! You can ask simple questions like 'What about you?' or 'Can you explain that?' Remember, this is just practice, so feel free to make mistakes and learn from them.

Tip: Think of the signal words!

First round

Alright, let’s start the first round! I’ll give you the first topic, and you’ll have 4-5 minutes to talk. After that, you’ll hear a bell and move one place to your left to your next partner.

Work/Jobs

Conversation Questions

In what ways can training change people’s attitudes in the workplace?

Some people think that school does not train young people adequately for the world of work today. Do you agree?

Which is more important to teach people: a sense of team spirit or individual initiative? Why?

How difficult is it for young people to find jobs nowadays in your country? 

What can be done to create jobs for young people?

Tourism/Holidays/Travel

Conversation Questions

Would it be a good idea to build new tourist attractions or facilities, such as hotels, resorts, or theme parks, in your area? Why or why not?

Where do you think the best place to build it would be?

 What environmental considerations should one think about when building holiday developments like this?

Do people overestimate the importance of holidays?

Are there any places where you think it is inappropriate to build theme parks and specially designed holiday resorts?

What are the advantages of going abroad on holiday?

Technology

Conversation Questions

How has technology made our lives more dangerous?

New technology often leads to unemployment.

What should governments do about this?

 Do you believe that one-day technology will provide solutions to all our problems? Why (not)?

What effect has modern technology had on the lives of young children

Some people say life was better and simpler fifty years ago.

To what extent would you agree with them?

Money (and ways to spend it)

Conversation Questions

 Is it possible to have too many possessions? What is your opinion?

Why would people buy things that they cannot afford?

Often, people make assumptions about others based on the clothes they are wearing. How do you feel about this?

Shopping is therapeutic. Do you agree?

What are the risks involved when using credit cards?

Are people properly prepared to handle their own finances after secondary school?

What are your thoughts about this speed dating and why?