Using dialogues to help students develop their conversation skills is common practice in most English classes. One of the main advantages to using dialogues is that students are given a rubric as a basis on which they can then build. Once they have become comfortable using a dialogue, students can then go on to have related conversations building on their familiarity with the dialogue and the vocabulary specific to the situation.

Dialogues can be used in many ways in a classroom. Here are a few suggestions for using dialogues in the classroom:

• To introduce new vocabulary and help students become familiar with standard formulas used when discussing various topics
• As gap fill exercises for students as a listening exercise
• Use dialogues for role-plays
• Have students write dialogues to test key vocabulary and language formulas
• Have students memorize simple dialogues as a way of helping them improve their vocabulary skills
• Ask students to finish a dialogue

Here are links to various dialogues which can use in the classroom or on your own with a partner. Each dialogue is presented in full and focuses on a specific topic. Key vocabulary is listed at the end of the dialogue. The first set of dialogues is for beginners. Dialogues for other levels will be introduced over the next few weeks.

Dialogues For Beginners

• Introductions
• Telling the Time
• Giving Personal Information
• In a Shop
• In an Airport
• Asking for Directions
• In a Motel / Hotel
• In a Restaurant

By Kenneth Beare, About.com Guide

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