ESL Role-play Cards (Free Sample)

Intermediate (B1) to Advanced (C1)

Product Description

These sample roleplay cards are designed for discussing a variety of situations. Each scenario has
two speakers (pair-work). The cards focus on the following skills:
 Speaking (main skill)
 Active listening
 Persuasion
 Problem-solving
 Negotiation
 Empathy

File Contents
 7 Roleplay Scenarios (two roles per scenario)

Preparation: Print and cut cards (5 minutes)

Notes
 Pre-read the cards to ensure they are appropriate to your class.
 To get more out of the cards, you could pre-teach useful expressions for each situation.

If you like these sample cards and would like more, please browse the other roleplay products in
my TPT store .

I hope you find these situations useful for your ESL classes. If you have questions, please reach
out on TPT.

Matthew Barton | Creator of EnglishCurrent.com

- ESL roleplay cards are copyright Matthew Barton. This material be copied and edited for classroom
purposes. Permission is not given to rebrand the activity, redistribute it on another platform, or sell it
commercially.
General Speaking Roleplays (Easy to Harder -- Each student receives only his/her own
role.)
(1A) Student: You need an English
teacher. You have decided to phone a
person named “Kelly”, whose name you
found in an ad in a newspaper.
Call Kelly. Ask about: his/her experience,
pricing, availability, teaching style, etc.
Try to decide if you want to hire her/him.
(2A) Restaurant Manager: You are a
manager at a restaurant in the United
States. A customer wants to speak with
you. Go to his/her table, introduce
yourself, and see if there is something
you can help him/her with.
(3A) Neighbor A: The family next to your
house has a dog. The dog barks loudly
every night, and you can’t sleep.
Discuss the issue with your neighbor.
Request a solution.
(4A) 12-year-old child: You want a pet.
Think of reasons why your family should
have one. When ready, present your
argument to your parent. Try to convince
him/her to let you get one.
(5A) Apartment-hunter: You're looking for
a new place to live. You have made an
appointment with a landlord to look at
one.
Ask about the apartment, the
neighborhood, and any other details.
(6A) Engaged person: You are getting
married in six months. You want to get
in shape and look your best. You were
given the name of a person who
specializes in fitness and nutrition.
Talk to her/him. Get advice on how to
meet your goal.
(1B) English Teacher: Your name is Kelly.
You have decided to become an English
teacher. You have no experience but
English is your native language. You put
an ad recently in the newspaper to get
students.
Soon your phone will ring.
(2B) Customer: You are on holiday in the
U.S. and you are at a restaurant. You had
a horrible experience at the restaurant.
Think of problems that you can
complain about. Then, talk to the
manager of the restaurant, tell him/her
your problems, and try to get a refund.
(3B) Neighbor B: Your neighbor has
come to talk with you about your lovely
dog.
(4B) Parent: Your child wants a pet.
However, you don’t think it’s a good
idea. Think of reasons why a pet
wouldn’t be good for your family. Your
child will start the conversation.
(5B) Landlord: You have an apartment
available for rent. Explain the features
of the apartment, the rent, and any
terms of the lease.
You are looking for someone reliable.
Ask apartment hunter questions to get
an idea if s/he’s responsible.
(6B) Health expert: You are a health and
nutrition (food) specialist. Someone who
is engaged and preparing for their
wedding will call you for advice. Give
them some advice and resources.
(7A) Student A: You want to take your
wife/husband on a trip this weekend.
However, you are not sure about where
to go. Phone your travel agent to get
ideas and book your trip.
Also: ask for recommendations of things
to do there
(7B) Travel Agent: Student A needs help
planning a trip. Give him/her advice. Try
to sell one of these packages:
Option 1: Dubai, roundtrip, first class,
$1950. Hotel: Burj Aj Arab Hotel,
$650/night, *****
Option 2: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia,
roundtrip, economy class, $310. Hotel:
Bat-Erdene's Inn, $39/night, ***