The Ultimate Conversation Activity?

I’m always on the lookout to find ways to get my ESL (English as a Second Language) students to speak more.  In particular, I look for activities that…

1. Are quick and easy to set up.
2. Are usable for any # of students, including even or odd numbers of students.
3. Allow students to use authentic language.
4. Give students enough conversation time.
5. Are easily adjusted for difficulty.

I’ve found an activity that fits the bill.  A modified version of “Find Your Partner”.  Here’s how it works.

1. Pass out a short text (article or story) to each student. Some are duplicates.
2. Tell the students to read the text and make sure they understand it. They cannot write anything down or share it with other students.
3. When done, the students write their names on the text and return them.
4. Now the students must find the person(s) who read the same text.
5. When they think…