The Business Pre-int tb indd

exTenSIOn ACTIVITy

Here is another version of a small-talk roleplay. Pre-

teach the phrase 

to have (something) in common with 

(someone)

. Give a couple of examples, e.g. 

We both like 

romantic films / like football / know London

. 

Set the scene: tell students they are at a three-day 

conference. It’s the evening of the first day. They are in a 

large room with a buffet and a bar. They need to circulate, 

meet as many people as they can and try and find out one 

thing they have ‘in common’ in their lives outside of work / 

the classroom. Set a time for the activity, e.g. five minutes. 

Let the exercise run on if students are having fun and 

practising the target language. Be ready to step in and help 

by introducing another pair of students to the ones who are 

having difficulties. 

After the exercise, ask how students found the task. Did 

they find something in common with the people they 

spoke to? Did this help the conversation flow? Then, give 

students language feedback.

F:  I’m an engineer, I work for a large Spanish engineering 

company. I’m the research and development manager. I’m 

in charge of a group of six scientists who work in the lab. 

We’re responsible for developing new ideas and products 

for the company.

E:  That sounds really interesting. Do you like your job?

F:  Well, every day is different, so yes, I love it. Some days I’m 

in the lab while others I’m out doing research. We’re always 

working on new and exciting products so I never have a 

chance to get bored. At the moment we’re working on a 

new software program for the Indian market.

E:  That sounds very exciting. Are you going to visit India?

F:  Yes, I’m flying out there next week. Have you been there?

E:  Yes, …