ESL WORKSHEET - Socializing

LESSON PLAN FOR ENGLISH TEACHERS

SMALL TALK

LinguaHouse

May 27, 2024

Level: Upper-intermediate (B2-C1)
Type of language: Business English
Tags: Making Small Talk; Social Expressions; Getting to Know People; People and Places; Business People; Speaking; Situation Based; Socializing; 16-18 Years Old; 18+ Years Old
Publication date: 05/27/2023

This updated lesson teaches expressions and techniques for making conversation. The students study vocabulary for describing different types of social interaction as well as typical conversation openers and responses. Through listening and role play, the learners practice greeting each other and making small talk. (by Luca Burns)

• CLICK HERE to download the student’s worksheet in American English.
• CLICK HERE to download the teacher’s lesson plan in American English.
• CLICK HERE to download/listen to the audio in American English.
• CLICK HERE to download the student’s worksheet in British English.
• CLICK HERE to download the teacher’s lesson plan in British English.
• CLICK HERE to download/listen to the audio in British English.

AUDIO TRANSCRIPT

Dialogue 1
A: Haven't we met somewhere before?
B: Yes, I think so. I can't quite remember where though.
A: Anyway, my name's Helen Rice, from Global Training Solutions.
B: Oh right, it was probably at the management skills development conference in London last year. Nice to meet you, I'm Sam Clarke.

Dialogue 2
A: Mind if I join you?
B: Not at all. Be my guest.
A: Wonderful cafeteria you have here.
B: Yes, we just remodeled. I see you've ordered the mushroom soup. Good choice!

Dialogue 3
A: How do you like our new location?
B: Well, it's certainly a nice change. I see you have a splendid view of the cathedral from your conference room.
A: Yes, it certainly beats all those gray apartment blocks that surrounded our previous headquarters. Whereabouts are you located?

Dialogue 4
A: How are you enjoying the conference?
B: I've found it very practical so far. I can't wait to implement some of the ideas that have been discussed.
A: Yes, we've certainly had our fair share of marketing experts today. Speaking of marketing, how's your new campaign coming along?

Dialogue 5
A: What are you having?
B: Whatever you're having is fine.
A: Right, two beers it is then.

Dialogue 6
A: Daniel, long time no see. It must be 6 years or so.
B: That's right. It's good to see you again. You haven't changed a bit.
A: Neither have you. I'm told that you are now the regional manager.
B: Yes, that's right. It's quite a challenge, you know.
A: I bet!

Dialogue 7
A: Do you two know each other?
B: Yes, we're old friends. We go back about seven years.
C: Actually it's more like eight. We first started working together during the company merger.

Adapted from: https://www.linguahouse.com/esl-lesson-plans/business-english/small-talk. Accessed on March 18, 2026. LinguaHouse.com © 2008–2026. All rights reserved.