Interrupt Politely and Effectively (Speaking)

Activity Name: “Breaking in”
Students will pair off. One will speak on a chosen topic for a limited time (like two minutes). The other will have to interrupt politely at least three to four times using phrases like “Excuse me, can I add something?” or “Sorry, do you mind if I jump in for a moment?”
Using this activity, students will practice their skill of interruption in a controlled environment, where they also learn timing and using respectful phrases.

Negotiate Meaning / Clarify Meaning / Check Understanding / Set Parameters (Speaking)

Activity Name: “Clarify the Message”
Students are divided into teams. Each team gets an ambiguous message or instruction. They have to ask the teacher clarifying questions until they fully understand the message. The team which correctly deciphers the message first, wins.
This activity introduces students to the concept of negotiating meaning by asking questions, giving them the opportunity to practice checking understanding and setting parameters.

Change Subject (Speaking)

Activity Name: “Topic Jumper”
One student starts speaking about a predefined subject. When the teacher rings a bell, the student must smoothly transition to a new, related subject. The teacher will judge based on how smoothly and sensibly students can shift the topic.

Express Agreement and Disagreement (Writing)

Activity Name: “Concord and Discord”
Students will be given a topic. They are required to write two short paragraphs, one agreeing with the topic and another disagreeing with it. Students will use phrases like “I agree because…” or “On the contrary, I disagree because…” 
The aim is for students to experience writing both sides of an argument, encouraging the use of expressions to show agreement and disagreement.

Express Contradiction (Writing)

Activity Name: “Contrary Views”
Students are given a statement. They need to write a paragraph contradicting the statement using “Although” and “yet” phrases. This activity helps students to practice using a variety of sentence structures to express contradiction.

Express Sarcasm and Irony (Writing)

Activity Name: “The Irony Thorn”
Students will write a short story, which incorporates at least three instances of sarcasm or irony. The intention behind this activity is to give students the chance to practice writing sarcasm and irony in a creative and flexible context.

Persuade (Writing)

Activity Name: “Making the Case”
Students will choose a controversial topic. They will write a persuasive essay convincing the recipient by using elements such as statistics, references, and emotional appeal. This activity gives students the opportunity to practice persuasive writing techniques.