Law

Role-Plays

Scenario #1:
Applying for Citizenship

Scenario Useful Expressions

Location: Law Office Here are some possible questions
and statements to include in
Characters: Permanent Resident and Lawyer
your role-play. You don’t have
to use them all.
Student A:
• What is your current status?
You are a permanent resident of the US. You want to become
• I am a permanent resident.
a naturalized citizen. Talk to an immigration lawyer. Find out
how to begin the naturalization process. Ask where to get • I want to begin the
the necessary forms. naturalization process.

• Find out if you are

Student B: eligible to apply.

A permanent resident is inquiring about citizenship. • What is the first/next step?

Explain the first three steps:
• Collect the necessary documents.
1. Review the eligibility checklist to see if you qualify.
• Follow the checklist.
2. If you are eligible, fill out the application.
3. Collect the necessary documentation, including two • Where do I get the forms?
passport-style photos. Download the forms online.
• Download the forms online.

Class Questions Writing

Your class will have to be able to answer the Optional. Use a blank piece
following questions after you perform your skit: of paper or your notebook.

1. What does the permanent resident want to do? 1. W

 ork together with your partner to
write a dialogue based on the scenario.
2. What is the first step of the process?
2. U
 se some of the expressions
3. What is the second step of the process?
above in your skit.
4. What is the third step of the process?

5. How can the applicant get the necessary forms?

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 Law
Role-Plays

Scenario #2:
Getting a Traffic Ticket

Scenario Useful Expressions

Location: Shoulder of Street Here are some possible questions and
statements to include in your role-play.
Characters: Police Officer and Driver
You don’t have to use them all.

• Driver’s license and registration, please.

Student A:
• I’m sorry. I don’t have my wallet on me.
You are a police officer. You pulled over a driver
for speeding in a school zone. Ask the driver for • Do you know how fast you were going?
his/her driver’s license and registration. Tell the
• I’m sorry. Was I speeding?
driver what he/she did wrong and what the fine
is ($60 for going 6 miles per hour over the speed • Do you realize you’re in a school zone?
limit). Explain that the driver can pay online, by
• I’m sorry. I didn’t see the sign.
mail, or at the courthouse.
• Where do I pay for this ticket?

Student B: • How long do I have to pay the ticket?

You just got caught speeding in a school zone.

A police officer pulls you over and asks you for
your driver’s license and registration. Ask what
you did wrong. Then apologize and ask how to
pay for the ticket.

Class Questions Writing

Your class will have to be able to answer the Optional.
following questions after you perform your skit: Use a blank piece of paper or your notebook.

1. Who are the speakers? 1. W

 ork together with your partner to
write a dialogue based on the scenario.
2. Why did the driver get a ticket?
2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.
3. What is the fine?

4. How does the driver react to the fine?

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 Law
Role-Plays

Scenario #3:
Eye Witness

Scenario Useful Expressions

Location: Residence Here are some possible questions and
statements to include in your role-play.
Characters: Witness and Police Officer
You don’t have to use them all.

• Can you tell me exactly what you saw?

Student A:
• Can you describe the driver?
You were a witness to an accident between a
cyclist and a motorist. A police officer comes • Did you see the color of the traffic light?
to your home to ask you about the accident.
• What time did it happen?
Explain that the motorist turned right on a red
light when the way was not clear. Provide a • I saw everything happen.
description of the bike, cyclist, and car.
• I took pictures.

• Be as detailed as possible.
Student B:
• It was the driver’s fault.
You are a police officer. You are visiting a witness
to get a statement about an accident between • It was a blue minivan.
a cyclist and a motorist. Ask the witness what
he/she saw. Then ask the witness to provide a
description of the bike, cyclist, and car. Ask the
witness to be as detailed as possible.

Class Questions Writing

Your class will have to be able to answer the Optional.
following questions after you perform your skit: Use a blank piece of paper or your notebook.

1. Who are the speakers? 1. W

 ork together with your partner to
write a dialogue based on the scenario.
2. Where does the discussion take place?
2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.
3. What did the witness see?

4. What does the police officer ask the witness to do?

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 Law
Role-Plays

Scenario #4:
Getting a Passport

Scenario Useful Expressions

Location: Government Office Here are some possible questions and
statements to include in your role-play.
Characters: Applicant and Receptionist
You don’t have to use them all.

• Do you have all of the documentation?

Student A:
• Can I see two pieces of ID?
You are applying for a passport. You brought all
of the documents to the government office for • This page is missing a signature.
processing. Explain that you need the passport
• Expedited service means you can get your
by the beginning of next month because you are
passport faster than the normal time.
going abroad on vacation.
• How much does expedited service cost?

Student B: • I’m supposed to be going

on vacation in two weeks.
You are a government worker. A person who
is applying for a passport needs it before the • Is there a way to speed up the process?
routine 4 to 6 weeks. Explain that the applicant
can pay an additional $60 for expedited service.

Class Questions Writing

Your class will have to be able to answer the Optional.
following questions after you perform your skit: Use a blank piece of paper or your notebook.

1. What is the person applying for? 1. W

 ork together with your partner to
write a dialogue based on the scenario.
2. What documents are required?
2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.
3. What is missing?

4. How can the applicant speed up the process?

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 Law
Role-Plays

Scenario #5:
Fighting a Ticket or Bill

Scenario Useful Expressions

Location: Court Here are some possible questions and
statements to include in your role-play.
Characters: Ticket Recipient and Receptionist
You don’t have to use them all.

• I received a parking ticket in the mail.

Student A:
• I don’t want to pay this fine.
You received a parking ticket in the mail for
parking overnight on the street. You want to fight • How do I fight this ticket?
the ticket because there was no sign telling you
• There weren’t any signs posted.
not to. Go to the government office to complain.
Express frustration that there was no sign. • It is your responsibility to know the rules.
Ask how to pay.
• You can’t park on the street overnight.

• This is not fair.

Student B:
• If you don’t pay by the due date,
A motorist does not want to pay his/her parking
the fine will go up.
ticket. He/she says there was no sign that said
“No Overnight Parking.” Explain that a sign cannot
be posted on every street. The motorist needs to
know the parking rules of the city or town he/she
is parking in. Explain that the fine will go up $20 if
the driver doesn’t pay within 30 days.

Class Questions Writing

Your class will have to be able to answer the Optional.
following questions after you perform your skit: Use a blank piece of paper or your notebook.

1. What type of ticket did the motorist receive? 1. W

 ork together with your partner to
write a dialogue based on the scenario.
2. Why doesn’t the driver want to pay the ticket?
2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.
3. What does the receptionist explain?

4. How does the ticket recipient react?

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 Law
Role-Plays

Scenario #6:
Applying for Legal Aid

Scenario Useful Expressions

Location: Legal Aid Office Here are some possible questions and
statements to include in your role-play.
Characters: Tenant and Paralegal
You don’t have to use them all.

Student A: • The heat was turned off.

You live in an apartment that the landlord does • The landlord does not pay the bills.
not look after. The heat does not work. You can’t • Do I have to pay rent?
afford to pay for a lawyer. Ask the legal aid office
about your rights. Find out if you qualify for their • I only make minimum wage.
services. Tell the paralegal your monthly income • Do I qualify for legal aid?
is $1,200.
• You can pay the utility bill yourself.

Student B: • What is your monthly income?

A low-income tenant needs legal representation. • You qualify for legal aid.
There is no heat in his/her apartment because
the landlord is not paying the bills. Tell the tenant
that he/she can use rent money to pay the utility
bill. Find out what the tenant’s monthly income
is. Then tell the tenant he/she qualifies for legal
aid if the case goes to court.

Class Questions Writing

Your class will have to be able to answer the Optional.
following questions after you perform your skit: Use a blank piece of paper or your notebook.

1. Who are the speakers? 1. W

 ork together with your partner to
write a dialogue based on the scenario.
2. Where does the discussion take place?
2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.
3. What do the speakers talk about?

4. What will probably happen next?

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 Law
Role-Plays

Scenario #7:
Fender Bender

Scenario Useful Expressions

Location: Side of the Road Here are some possible questions and
statements to include in your role-play.
Characters: Two Motorists
You don’t have to use them all.

• I’m very sorry.

Student A:
• It was my fault.
You didn’t notice a traffic light turning yellow,
and you hit the car in front of you. Nobody was • What happened?
hurt, but there is some damage to both vehicles.
• I didn’t notice the light changing.
You pulled over to the side of the road to talk
to the other driver. Apologize and provide your • I wasn’t paying attention.
insurance and contact information.
• Are you okay?

• I’ll need your license plate

Student B:
and insurance number.
You got hit from behind at a traffic light. Nobody
• There is some damage. Let’s call the police.
was hurt, and it was not your fault. You pulled
over to the side of the road to talk to the
other driver. Exchange insurance and contact
information. Take some pictures and discuss
whether or not to call the police.

Class Questions Writing

Your class will have to be able to answer the Optional.
following questions after you perform your skit: Use a blank piece of paper or your notebook.

1. What happened? 1. W
 ork together with your partner to
write a dialogue based on the scenario.
2. Whose fault was it?
2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.
3. What information do the drivers exchange?

4. Do they decide to call the police or not?

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 Law
Role-Plays

Scenario #8:
Inquiring about Legal Fees

Scenario Useful Expressions

Location: On the Phone Here are some possible questions and
statements to include in your role-play.
Characters: Applicant and Paralegal
You don’t have to use them all.

• I’m looking for representation

Student A:
from an immigration attorney.
You need a lawyer to help you become an
• There is a consultation fee.
American citizen. Call a lawyer’s office and ask
the paralegal some questions. Ask if there is a • Do you have a flat fee?
consultation fee. Ask if the lawyer charges a flat
• What is your hourly rate?
fee or an hourly fee. Ask for an estimate of the
total legal fees. • The estimated total cost per person is $1,200.

• The hourly rate is $150.

Student B:

You are a paralegal for an immigration attorney.

Explain that there is a $200 fee for an initial
consultation. Explain that the cost is about
$150/per hour. Explain that the average cost
per person is $1,200.

Class Questions Writing

Your class will have to be able to answer the Optional.
following questions after you perform your skit: Use a blank piece of paper or your notebook.

1. Who are the speakers? 1. W

 ork together with your partner to
write a dialogue based on the scenario.
2. Why does this person need a lawyer?
2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.
3. What type of fee does the person need to pay first?

4. How does the lawyer bill his/her clients?

5. What is the total estimated charge?

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 Law
Role-Plays

Scenario #9:
Taking the Oath

Scenario Useful Expressions

Location: Government Office Here are some possible questions
and statements to include in
Characters: Permanent Resident and USCIS agent
your role-play. You don’t have to
use them all.
Student A:
• How will I know the
You are going to be taking the oath of allegiance at a date of my ceremony?
naturalization ceremony. Find out how the ceremony works.
• Your ceremony date
Ask about the dress code and if you have to memorize the
will come in the mail.
oath. Ask if family and friends can attend the ceremony.
• What’s the dress code?

Student B: • Arrive early.

You work at a citizenship office. Tell the applicant he/she will • Dress appropriately.
receive a date in the mail for the naturalization ceremony.
• Do I have to memorize the oath?
Explain the dress code (dress respectfully—no jeans) and tell
the applicant to be on time. Explain that an official will read • Can my family attend?
the oath line by line and the applicants will repeat it. Explain
• Guests are welcome to attend.
that family and friends are welcome, but warn that children
may find it boring.

Class Questions Writing

Your class will have to be able to answer the Optional. Use a blank piece
following questions after you perform your skit: of paper or your notebook.

1. Who are the speakers? 1. W

 ork together with your partner to
write a dialogue based on the scenario.
2. When will the ceremony take place?
2. U
 se some of the expressions
3. Who can attend the ceremony?
above in your skit.
4. What is the dress code?

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 Law
Role-Plays

Quick Cards

Scenario #1 Scenario #1
APPLYING FOR CITIZENSHIP APPLYING FOR CITIZENSHIP

Location: Law Office Location: Law Office

Characters: Permanent Resident and Lawyer Characters: Permanent Resident and Lawyer

Student A: Student B:

You are a permanent resident of the US. You want to
become a naturalized citizen. Talk to an immigration
lawyer. Find out how to begin the naturalization
process. Ask where to get the necessary forms.
Expressions:
• I am a permanent resident.
• I want to begin the naturalization process.
• What is the first/next step?
• Where do I get the forms?
A permanent resident is inquiring about citizenship.
Explain the first three steps:
1. Review the eligibility checklist to see if you qualify.
2. If you are eligible, fill out the application.
3. Collect the necessary documentation,
including two passport-style photos.
Download the forms online.
Expressions:
• What is your current status?
• Find out if you’re eligible to apply.
• Collect the necessary documents.
• Follow the checklist.
• Download the forms online.

Scenario #2 Scenario #2
GETTING A TR AFFIC TICKET GETTING A TR AFFIC TICKET

Location: Shoulder of a Street Location: Shoulder of a Street

Characters: Police Officer and Driver Characters: Police Officer and Driver

Student A: Student B:

You are a police officer. You pulled over a driver for
speeding in a school zone. Ask the driver for his/her
driver’s license and registration. Tell the driver what
he/she did wrong and what the fine is ($60 for going
6 miles per hour over the speed limit). Explain that the
driver can pay online, by mail, or at the courthouse.
Expressions:
• Driver’s license and registration, please.
• Do you know how fast you were going?
• Do you realize you’re in a school zone?
• You can pay online, by mail, or
in person at the courthouse.
You just got caught speeding in a school zone. A police
officer pulls you over and asks you for your driver’s
license and registration. Ask what you did wrong.
Then apologize and ask how to pay for the ticket.
Expressions:
• I’m sorry. I don’t have my wallet on me.
• Did I do something wrong? Was I speeding?
• I’m sorry. I didn’t see the sign.
• How do I pay the ticket?
• How long do I have to pay the ticket?

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 Law
Role-Plays

Quick Cards cont.

Scenario #3 Scenario #3
EYE WITNESS EYE WITNESS

Location: Residence Location: Residence
Characters: Witness and Police Officer Characters: Witness and Police Officer

Student A: Student B:

You were a witness to an accident between a cyclist
and a motorist. A police officer comes to your home to
ask you about the accident. Explain that the motorist
turned right on a red light when the way was not clear.
Provide a description of the bike, cyclist, and car.
You are a police officer. You are visiting a witness to get
a statement about an accident between a cyclist and a
motorist. Ask the witness what he/she saw. Then ask
the witness to provide a description of the bike, cyclist,
and car. Ask the witness to be as detailed as possible.

Expressions: Expressions:

• I saw everything. • Can you tell me exactly what you saw?

• I took pictures. • Can you describe the driver/cyclist/car?
• It was the driver’s fault. • Did you see the color of the traffic light?
• It was a blue minivan. • Be as detailed as possible.

Scenario #4 Scenario #4
GETTING A PASSPORT GETTING A PASSPORT

Location: Government Office Location: Government Office

Characters: Applicant and Receptionist Characters: Applicant and Receptionist

Student A: Student B:

You are applying for a passport. You brought all of the
documents to the government office for processing.
Explain that you need the passport by the beginning
of next month because you are going abroad on
vacation.
Expressions:
• I brought all of my documentation.
• How much does expedited service cost?
• I’m supposed to be going
on vacation in two weeks.
• Is there a way to speed up the process?
You are a government worker. A person who is
applying for a passport needs it before the routine
4 to 6 weeks. Explain that the applicant can pay an
additional $60 for expedited service.
Expressions:
• Do you have all of the documentation?
• Can I see two pieces of ID?
• This page is missing a signature.
• Expedited service means you can get your passport
faster than the normal time.

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 Law
Role-Plays

Quick Cards cont.

Scenario #5 Scenario #5
FIGHTING A TICKET FIGHTING A TICKET

Location: Court Location: Court
Characters: Ticket Recipient and Receptionist Characters: Ticket Recipient and Receptionist

Student A: Student B:

You received a parking ticket in the mail for parking
overnight on the street. You want to fight the ticket
because there was no sign telling you not to. Go to the
government office to complain. Express frustration
that there was no sign. Ask how to pay.
Expressions:
• I received a parking ticket in the mail.
• I don’t want to pay this fine.
• There weren’t any signs posted.
• This is not fair.
A motorist does not want to pay his/her parking ticket.
He/She says there was no sign that said “No Overnight
Parking.” Explain that a sign cannot be posted on
every street. The motorist needs to know the parking
rules of the city or town he/she is parking in. Explain
that the fine will go up $20 if the driver doesn’t pay
within 30 days.
Expressions:
• You can’t park on the street overnight.
• It is your responsibility to know the rules.
• You can pay here or send a payment by mail.
• If you don’t pay by the due date, the fine will go up.

Scenario #6 Scenario #6
APPLYING FOR LEGAL AID APPLYING FOR LEGAL AID

Location: Legal Aid Office Location: Legal Aid Office

Characters: Tenant and Paralegal Characters: Tenant and Paralegal

Student A: Student B:

You live in an apartment that the landlord does not
look after. The heat does not work. You can’t afford
to pay for a lawyer. Ask the legal aid office about your
rights. Find out if you qualify for their services. Tell the
paralegal your monthly income is $1,200
Expressions:
• The landlord does not pay the bills.
• The heat was turned off.
• Do I have to pay rent?
• I only make minimum wage.
• Do I qualify for legal aid?
A low-income tenant needs legal representation.
There is no heat in his/her apartment because the
landlord is not paying the bills. Tell the tenant that
he/she can use rent money to pay the utility bill. Find
out what the tenant’s monthly income is. Then tell
the tenant he/she qualifies for legal aid if the case
goes to court.
Expressions:
• You can pay the utility bill yourself.
• Take the bill off your rent.
• What is your monthly income?
• You qualify for legal aid.

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 Law
Role-Plays

Quick Cards cont.

Scenario #7 Scenario #7
FENDER BENDER FENDER BENDER

Location: Side of the Road Location: Side of the Road

Characters: Two Motorists Characters: Two Motorists

Student A: Student B:

You didn’t notice a traffic light turning yellow, and
you hit the car in front of you. Nobody was hurt,
but there is some damage to both vehicles. You
pulled over to the side of the road to talk to the
other driver. Apologize and provide your insurance
and contact information.
Expressions:
• I’m very sorry. Are you okay?
• It was my fault.
• I didn’t notice the light changing.
• I wasn’t paying attention.
You got hit from behind at a traffic light. Nobody was
hurt, and it was not your fault. You pulled over to the
side of the road to talk to the other driver. Exchange
insurance and contact information. Take some
pictures and discuss whether or not to call the police.
Expressions:
• What happened?
• Are you okay?
• I’ll need your license plate
and insurance information.
• There is some damage. Let’s call the police.

Scenario #8 Scenario #8
INQUIRING ABOUT LEGAL FEES INQUIRING ABOUT LEGAL FEES

Location: On the Phone Location: On the Phone

Characters: Applicant and Paralegal Characters: Applicant and Paralegal

Student A: Student B:

You need a lawyer to help you become an American
citizen. Call a lawyer’s office and ask the clerk some
questions. Ask if there is a consultation fee. Ask if the
lawyer charges a flat fee or an hourly fee. Ask for an
estimate of the total legal fees.
You are a clerk for an immigration attorney.
Explain that there is a $200 fee for an initial
consultation. Explain that the cost is about
$150/per hour. Explain that the average cost
per person is $1,200.

Expressions: Expressions:

• I’m looking for representation. • There is a consultation fee.

• Is there a flat fee? • The estimated cost per person is $1,200.
• What is the hourly rate? • The hourly rate is $150.

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 Law
Role-Plays

Quick Cards cont.

Scenario #9 Scenario #9
TAKING THE OATH TAKING THE OATH

Location: Government Office Location: Government Office

Characters: Permanent Resident and USCIS agent Characters: Permanent Resident and USCIS agent

Student A: Student B:

You are going to be taking the oath of allegiance at a
naturalization ceremony. Find out how the ceremony
works. Ask about the dress code and if you have to
memorize the oath. Ask if family and friends can
attend the ceremony.
Expressions:
• How will I know the date of my ceremony?
• What’s the dress code?
• Do I have to memorize the oath?
• Can my family attend?
You work at a citizenship office. Tell the applicant he/
she will receive a date in the mail for the naturalization
ceremony. Explain the dress code (dress respectfully—
no jeans) and tell the applicant to be on time. Explain
that an official will read the oath line by line and
the applicants will repeat it. Explain that family
and friends are welcome, but warn that children
may find it boring.
Expressions:
• Your ceremony date will come in the mail.
• Arrive early.
• Dress appropriately.
• Guests are welcome.

Teachers’ Notes
Be sure to print out our Role-Play Teachers’ Notes for tips and
ideas on using the Role-Play section in class. You may also want to
use these cards with our Living in English lesson on Law and Order:
https://esllibrary.com/courses/75/lessons/1658

SPELLING NOTE:

This lesson shows the American spelling of the words Inquiring,

License, and Color. Most other English-speaking countries spell
these words this way: Enquiring, Licence, and Colour. Make it
a challenge for your students to find these words in the lesson
and see if they know the alternate spellings.

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