Work

Role-Plays

Scenario #1:
Rescheduling

Scenario Useful Expressions

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

• I’m afraid I have to cancel today’s meeting.

Student A:
• Due to the inclement weather, many staff
Call an employee to tell him/her that today’s
members can’t make it in.
meeting has to be postponed. There is a
snowstorm, and many of the staff members • We’re going to postpone it until Monday.
can’t make it in. Provide a new time and date
• Oh, so that doesn’t work for you?
for the meeting.
• Why can’t we have the meeting?

Student B: • It was a rough drive to work.

Your boss calls to say that today’s meeting has • Next week doesn’t work for me.
to be postponed. Ask the reason why. Explain
• I’ll be away on vacation.
that the new time and date don’t work for you
because you will be away on vacation.

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 the new time not work for the employee?
2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.
3. Why does the supervisor cancel the meeting?

4. When is the new meeting scheduled?

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Role-Plays

Scenario #2:
The Photocopier Is Jammed

Scenario Useful Expressions

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

• The photocopier is broken.

Student A:
• The paper keeps getting jammed.
The photocopier at your office is broken. The
paper keeps jamming. You need to photocopy • We need it fixed ASAP.
the company newsletter by the end of the day.
• How soon can you come in?
Call the technician and ask him/her to come
in immediately. • What seems to be the problem?

• Have you tried turning the power off and on?

Student B:
• I’m afraid I’m booked for the day.
You are a technician for a business. A staff
• The earliest I can be there is Monday morning.
member calls and asks you to come in and fix a
broken photocopier. Ask what’s wrong with it.
Explain that you can’t get there until Monday.

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. Why does the employee call the technician? 1. W

 ork together with your partner to
write a dialogue based on the scenario.
2. What is wrong with the machine?
2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.
3. W
 hy does the employee
need the photocopier today?

4. Why can’t the technician come in?

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Role-Plays

Scenario #3:
Interior Decorating

Scenario Useful Expressions

Location: Business Lobby Here are some possible questions and
statements to include in your role-play.
Characters: Staff Member and Decorator
You don’t have to use them all.

• Thanks for agreeing to come in.

Student A:
• As you can see, it’s not
You are a staff member at a business.
a very welcoming space.
You’re meeting with an interior decorator to
think about ways to brighten up the lobby. Ask • Can you make some suggestions
for suggestions. Explain that the budget is small. to brighten things up?

• We have a pretty small budget.

Student B:
• I agree. You need to make some changes.
You are an interior decorator. You have been
• The color is all wrong.
invited to a business for a possible job. The lobby
is dark and dull. Suggest some ways to brighten • Another window would help.
up the space.
• If you can’t afford a window,
some mirrors would work.

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. What is wrong with the lobby?
2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.
3. What suggestions does the
interior decorator make?

4. What does the staff member

say about the budget?

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Role-Plays

Scenario #4:
Sleeping on the Job

Scenario Useful Expressions

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

• You’ve been caught sleeping on the job.

Student A:
• Is there a medical condition
One of your staff members was caught sleeping
I should be aware of?
on the job in a ticket booth. Have a meeting with
this person. Give them a warning. Explain that • If this happens again, we’ll have to let you go.
they will lose their job if this happens again.
• That sounds like a good solution.

• Would it be okay if I
Student B:
brought a book in to read?
Your boss calls a meeting with you because
• I wish someone would bring me some coffee.
you were caught sleeping on the job. You work
in a ticket booth, and your job is very boring. • I promise it won’t happen again.
Ask if you are allowed to read a book on the
job. Explain that there is no way to leave and
get coffee.

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 employee’s job? 1. W

 ork together with your partner to
write a dialogue based on the scenario.
2. W
 hy does the boss call
the employee in for a meeting? 2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.

3. What will happen if the employee does this again?

4. What special request does the employee make?

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Role-Plays

Scenario #5:
Cell Phone Bill

Scenario Useful Expressions

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

• I need to talk to you about something.

Student A:
• Your cell phone bill has gotten out of hand.
You are a supervisor. The phone bill for one of
your employees is very high. He/she has been • Our policy is work-related calls and domestic
using his/her work phone for international calls. calls only.
Remind the employee he/she may only use the
• I’m sorry to hear that.
phone for work-related calls and domestic calls.
• Yes, I’ve been meaning
to talk to you about that.
Student B:
• I’m very sorry.
Your supervisor is upset about your work phone
bill. You have been using your work cell phone • My father is ill, and I need to
for international calls to your sick father. keep in touch with him during the day.
Apologize and offer to pay for the bill.
• I will cover the extra costs.

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 meeting about? 1. W

 ork together with your partner to
write a dialogue based on the scenario.
2. What is the cell phone policy at this place of work?
2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.
3. Why has the employee been using
his/her phone for international calls?

4. How does the supervisor react when the

employee explains the reason for the calls?

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Role-Plays

Scenario #6:
Small Talk

Scenario Useful Expressions

Location: Manager’s Office Here are some possible questions and
statements to include in your role-play.
Characters: Job Candidate and Manager
You don’t have to use them all.

• It’s such a nice day.

Student A:
• It’s great to meet you.
You are at your first interview at a restaurant.
The manager invites you to go and sit on the • The patio is beautiful.
patio. Enjoy some small talk with the manager
• Was it busy today?
before getting started.
• Thanks for coming in.

Student B: • Why don’t we go and sit on the patio?

You are about to interview someone • We can’t complain about this weather, can we?
for a position at your restaurant. Invite
• I see you have your resume with you.
the interviewee to come and join you
on the patio. Engage in some small talk
before the interview begins.

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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Role-Plays

Scenario #7:
Company Theft

Scenario Useful Expressions

Location: Coffee Shop Here are some possible questions and
statements to include in your role-play.
Characters: Two Employees
You don’t have to use them all.

• I’ve been meaning to talk

Student A:
to you about something.
There is a member of your staff that you think
• Have you noticed that our cash is
is stealing from the company. Talk to a fellow
always short when he/she is working?
employee about this person over coffee. Decide
whether or not to bring this issue up with • Something tells me that
your boss. he/she is stealing the cash register.

• Do you think we should bring

Student B: this up with the boss?

A fellow staff member talks to you about another • I’m glad you mentioned it.
staff member while you are on a coffee break.
• I have my suspicions too.
You both suspect that a staff member is stealing
from the company. Express concern that you • We don’t have any hard proof.
don’t have proof.
• I think we should say something.

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. What are they talking about?
2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.
3. W
 hat do they suspect their
fellow staff member of stealing?

4. Do they decide to approach the boss or not?

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Role-Plays

Scenario #8:
Carpool

Scenario Useful Expressions

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

• Can I ask you a favor?

Student A:
• My car broke down. It’s in the shop.
Your car broke down and is in the shop. You need
a ride to and from work for the rest of the week. • I need a ride to and from work this week.
Ask a colleague if you can carpool with them.
• I’ll pay for your gas and parking.
Offer to pay for gas and parking.
• That’s no problem at all.

Student B: • I could use the company.

A colleague asks if they can carpool with you • I’m not driving on Friday.
this week. Explain that you can do it from
• You can take the bus with me.
Monday to Thursday, but not on Friday. Your
spouse needs the car that day, and you will
be taking public transportation.

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 one of the speakers need a ride to work?
2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.
3. W
 hy can’t the driver take
their colleague to work on Friday?

4. W
 hat does the person without the
car offer to do in return for a ride?

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Role-Plays

Scenario #9:
Substitute Teacher

Scenario Useful Expressions

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

• I left off at Chapter 5.

Student A:
• Give them some time to work
You are a teacher, and you aren’t feeling well.
on their pair presentations.
Talk to a substitute teacher on the phone. Explain
what subject you are working on and which • You can park in staff space #3.
chapter to cover.
• Thanks for covering for me.

• Which textbook are you using?

Student B:
• Where is your classroom?
You are a substitute teacher. Talk to a teacher
about covering his/her class. Ask for a tip about • How are the kids?
the students. Ask about staff parking too.
• I hope you feel better soon.

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 the teacher need a substitute?
2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.
3. What subject will the substitute be covering?

4. What advice does the sick

teacher give the substitute?

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Role-Plays

Quick Cards

Scenario #1: Scenario #1:

RESCHEDULING RESCHEDULING

Location: On the Phone Location: On the Phone

Characters: Supervisor and Employee Characters: Supervisor and Employee

Student A: Student B:

Call an employee to tell him/her that today’s meeting Your boss calls to say that today’s meeting has to be
has to be postponed. There is a snowstorm, and many postponed. Ask the reason why. Explain that the new
of the staff members can’t make it in. Provide a new time and date doesn’t work for you because you will
time and date for the meeting. be away on vacation.

Expressions: Expressions:

• I’m afraid I have to cancel today’s meeting.
• Due to the inclement weather,
many staff members can’t make it in.
• We’re going to postpone it until Monday.
• Oh, so that doesn’t work for you?
• Why can’t we have the meeting?
• It was a rough drive to work.
• Next week doesn’t work for me.
• I’ll be away on vacation.

Scenario #2: Scenario #2:

THE PHOTOCOPIER IS JAMMED THE PHOTOCOPIER IS JAMMED

Location: On the Phone Location: On the Phone

Characters: Employee and Technician Characters: Employee and Technician

Student A: Student B:

The photocopier at your office is broken. The paper You are a technician for a business. A staff member
keeps jamming. You need to photocopy the newsletter calls and asks you to come in and fix a broken
by the end of the day. Call the technician and ask him/ photocopier. Ask what’s wrong with it. Explain that you
her to come in immediately. can’t get there until Monday.

Expressions: Expressions:

• The photocopier is broken. • What seems to be the problem?

• The paper keeps getting jammed. • Have you tried turning the power off and on?
• We need it fixed ASAP. • I’m afraid I’m booked for the day.
• How soon can you come in? • The earliest I can be there is Monday morning.

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Role-Plays

Quick Cards cont.

Scenario #3: Scenario #3:

INTERIOR DECOR ATING INTERIOR DECOR ATING

Location: Business Lobby Location: Business Lobby

Characters: Staff Member and Decorator Characters: Staff Member and Decorator

Student A: Student B:

You are a staff member at a business. You’re You are an interior decorator. You have been invited
meeting with an interior decorator to think about to a business for a possible job. The lobby is dark and
ways to brighten up the lobby. Ask for suggestions. dull. Suggest some ways to brighten up the space.
Explain that the budget is small.
Expressions:
Expressions:
• I agree. You need to make some changes.
• Thanks for agreeing to come in. • The color is all wrong.
• As you can see, it’s not a very welcoming space. • Another window would help.
• Can you make some suggestions • If you can’t afford a window,
to brighten things up? some mirrors would work.
• We have a pretty small budget.

Scenario #4: Scenario #4:

SLEEPING ON THE JOB SLEEPING ON THE JOB

Location: Office Location: Office
Characters: Boss and Employee Characters: Boss and Employee

Student A: Student B:

One of your staff members was caught sleeping
on the job in a ticket booth. Have a meeting with
this person. Give them a warning. Explain that
they will lose their job if this happens again.
Expressions:
• You’ve been caught sleeping on the job.
• Is there a medical condition I should be aware of?
• If this happens again, we’ll have to let you go.
• That sounds like a good solution.
Your boss calls a meeting with you because you were
caught sleeping on the job. You work in a ticket booth,
and your job is very boring. Ask if you are allowed to
read a book on the job. Explain that there is no way to
leave and get a coffee.
Expressions:
• Would it be okay if I brought a book in to read?
• I wish someone would bring me a coffee.
• I promise it won’t happen again.

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Role-Plays

Quick Cards cont.

Scenario #5: Scenario #5:

CELL PHONE BILL CELL PHONE BILL

Location: Office Location: Office
Characters: Boss and Employee Characters: Boss and Employee

Student A: Student B:

You are a supervisor. The phone bill for one of your
employees is very high. He/she has been using his/her
work phone for personal international calls. Remind
the employee he/she may only use the phone for
work‑related calls and domestic calls.
Expressions:
• I need to talk to you about something.
• Your cell phone bill has gotten out of hand.
• Our policy is domestic calls
and work-related calls only.
• I’m sorry to hear that.
Your supervisor is upset about your work phone
bill. You have been using your work cell phone for
international calls to your sick father. Apologize and
offer to pay for the bill.
Expressions:
• Yes, I’ve been meaning to talk to you about that.
• I’m very sorry.
• My father is ill, and I need to keep
in touch with him during the day.
• I will cover the extra costs.

Scenario #6: Scenario #6:

SMALL TALK SMALL TALK

Location: Restaurant Patio Location: Restaurant Patio

Characters: Job Candidate and Manager Characters: Job Candidate and Manager

Student A: Student B:

You are at your first interview at a restaurant. You are about to interview someone for a position
The manager invites you to go and sit on the patio. at your restaurant. Invite the interviewee to come
Enjoy some small talk with the manager before and join you on the patio. Engage in some small talk
getting started. before the interview begins.

Expressions: Expressions:

• It’s such a nice day. • Thanks for coming in.

• It’s great to meet you. • Should we go sit on the patio?
• The patio is beautiful. • We can’t complain about this weather, can we?
• Was it busy today? • I see you have your resume with you.

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Role-Plays

Quick Cards cont.

Scenario #7: Scenario #7:

COMPANY THEFT COMPANY THEFT

Location: Coffee Shop Location: Coffee Shop

Characters: Two Employees Characters: Two Employees

Student A: Student B:

There is a member of your staff that you think is A fellow staff member talks to you about another
stealing from the company. Talk to a fellow employee staff member while you are on a coffee break. You
about this person over coffee. Decide whether or not both suspect that a staff member is stealing from the
to bring this issue up with your boss. company. Express concern that you don’t have proof.

Expressions: Expressions:

• I’ve been meaning to talk to you about something. • I’m glad you mentioned it.
• Have you noticed that our cash is • I have my suspicions, too.
always short when he/she is working? • We don’t have any hard proof.
• Something tells me he/she is stealing from the cash • I think we should say something.
register.
• Do you think we should bring this up with the boss?

Scenario #8: Scenario #8:

CAR POOL CAR POOL

Location: Office Location: Office
Characters: Two Colleagues Characters: Two Colleagues

Student A: Student B:

Your car broke down and is in the shop. You need a
ride to and from work for the rest of the week. Ask a
colleague if you can carpool with them. Offer to pay
for gas and parking.
Expressions:
• Can I ask you a favor?
• My car broke down. It’s in the shop.
• I need a ride to and from work this week.
• I’ll pay for your gas and parking.
A colleague asks if they can carpool with you this
week. Explain that you can do it from Monday
to Thursday, but not on Friday. Your spouse
needs the car that day and you will be taking
public transportation.
Expressions:
• That’s no problem at all.
• I could use the company.
• I’m not driving in on Friday.
• You can take the bus with me.

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Role-Plays

Quick Cards cont.

Scenario #9: Scenario #9:

SUBSTITUTE TEACHER SUBSTITUTE TEACHER

Location: On the Phone Location: On the Phone

Characters: Teacher and Substitute Teacher Characters: Teacher and Substitute Teacher

Student A: Student B:

You are a teacher, and you aren’t feeling well. Talk to a You are a substitute teacher. Talk to a teacher
substitute teacher on the phone. Explain what subject about covering his/her class. Ask for a tip about
you are working on and which chapter to cover. the students. Ask about staff parking, too.

Expressions: Expressions:

• I left off at Chapter 5. • Which textbook are you using?

• Give them some time to work • Where is your classroom?
on their pair presentations. • How are the kids?
• You can park in staff space #3. • I hope you feel better soon.
• Thanks for covering for me.

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 materials from our Lesson Collection on Jobs
& Employment: https://esllibrary.com/collections/28/lessons

SPELLING NOTE:

This lesson shows the American spelling of the words Color and
Favor. Most other English-speaking countries spell these words
this way: Colour and Favour. 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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