ESL students need to have confidence while talking about books in English. Teaching them involves helping them discuss themes of different books and express opinions about them.
Students often struggle to start these conversations due to limited vocabulary and fear of mistakes.
How can teachers help students overcome these challenges?
This post provides 15 conversations for students to practice discussing books. It helps them gain confidence, expand their vocabulary, and improve their conversation skills. Teachers can use these conversations to guide students in class discussions and address their difficulties.
Table of Contents
Discussing a Book (Formal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: Two students in a library
Sophie: Hello, Alex. Read any good books recently?
Alex: No, not really. Any recommendations?
Sophie: How about “Harry Potter”? It’s famous.
Alex: What is it about?
Sophie: A boy who learns magic. Very exciting.
Alex: Sounds interesting. I’ll try it.
Sophie: You won’t regret it. It’s a great story.
Alex: Thank you, Sophie. I’ll borrow it today.
Sophie: You’re welcome. Enjoy your reading, Alex.
Asking for Book Recommendations (Formal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: A student seeking advice from a librarian
Ana: Excuse me, can you suggest a book?
Librarian: Of course. What genre do you like?
Ana: I like adventure stories.
Librarian: How about “Treasure Island” by Robert Louis Stevenson?
Ana: What’s it about?
Librarian: Pirates searching for treasure. Very thrilling.
Ana: Sounds exciting. I’ll try it.
Librarian: Enjoy your reading, Ana.
Sharing Book Recommendations (Informal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: Two neighbors chatting about books they enjoyed
Emma: Hi, James! Have you read any good books lately?
James: Hi, Emma! Yes, I read a funny book last week.
Emma: Oh, what’s the title? I need a good laugh.
James: It’s called “The Silly Adventures of Bob the Bear.”
Emma: That sounds hilarious! I’ll borrow it from you.
James: Sure, I’ll bring it over later today.
Emma: Thanks, James! I’ll lend you my favorite book too.
James: Great, I look forward to it. See you later, Emma.
Emma: See you, James. Happy reading!
Discussing a Book Report (Informal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: Two classmates talking about their recent book reports
Sophie: Hi, Ben! Did you finish your book report?
Ben: Hi, Sophie! Yes, I completed it last night.
Sophie: How was the book? I haven’t read it yet.
Ben: It was interesting. I can lend it to you.
Sophie: That would be great. Thanks, Ben!
Ben: No problem. Let me know if you need help.
Sophie: Sure thing. I’ll start reading it tonight.
Ben: Okay, I’ll bring it to school tomorrow.
Sophie: Thanks again, Ben. You’re the best!
Ben: You’re welcome, Sophie. Happy reading!
Book Club Meeting (Formal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: Two classmates discussing a book club.
Liam: Hi, Emma. Going to club?
Emma: Yes. Read the book?
Liam: Not yet. Like it?
Emma: Okay. Starts at 4.
Liam: Will finish by then.
Emma: Prepared for talk?
Liam: Yep. See you, Emma.
Emma: Bye, Liam.
Recommending a Classic Novel (Informal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: Two friends chatting at a bookstore
Sophie: Hi, Emily! Have you read any good books lately?
Emily: Hey, Sophie! I just finished “Pride and Prejudice.”
Sophie: Oh, that’s a classic! What did you think?
Emily: Loved it! Jane Austen’s writing style is captivating.
Sophie: Totally agree. Have you read her other works?
Emily: Not yet. Any recommendations?
Sophie: “Sense and Sensibility” is another great one by her.
Emily: I’ll add it to my reading list. Thanks, Sophie!
Sophie: You’re welcome, Emily. Enjoy your reading journey!
Book Club Meeting Preparation (Informal)
Level: High Intermediate
Context: Two book club members discussing their upcoming meeting.
Nathan: Hi Julia, are you ready for the book club meeting?
Julia: Hey Nathan! Almost. I just need to jot down some discussion points.
Nathan: Same here. Did you find any relevant articles or reviews?
Julia: Yes, I found a couple of insightful analyses online.
Nathan: Great. Let’s share them with the group during our discussion.
Julia: Definitely. I also prepared some questions to spark conversation.
Nathan: Excellent. We’ll keep the discussion lively and engaging.
Julia: I’m excited to hear everyone’s perspectives on the book.
Nathan: Me too. It’s always enriching to hear different interpretations.
Julia: Indeed. See you at the meeting, Nathan.
Nathan: See you, Julia. Looking forward to it.
Debating Book Adaptations (Informal)
Level: High Intermediate
Context: Friends discussing movie adaptations of their favorite books.
Emma: Hey Alex, have you seen the movie based on our favorite book?
Alex: Hi Emma! Yes, I watched it last night.
Emma: How was it? Did it stay true to the book?
Alex: It was okay, but they changed a lot of details.
Emma: That’s disappointing. I prefer faithful adaptations.
Alex: Me too. Some changes didn’t make sense.
Emma: Which scenes did you like the most?
Alex: I enjoyed the climax, though it differed from the book.
Emma: Yeah, movie endings often get altered. It’s frustrating.
Alex: Agreed. I think the book’s ending was more impactful.
Emma: Definitely. Let’s stick to the original version next time.
Alex: Sounds like a plan. Book first, movie later.
Book Club Discussion (Informal)
Level: High Intermediate
Context: Friends meeting to discuss their latest book club pick.
Sophie: Hi David, what did you think of the book?
David: Hi Sophie! I found it captivating, especially the plot twists.
Sophie: I agree, the suspense kept me hooked until the end.
David: Did you have a favorite character or scene?
Sophie: Yes, I really liked the protagonist’s development throughout the story.
David: Me too. I also enjoyed the vivid descriptions of the settings.
Sophie: What about the ending? Did it satisfy you?
David: It did, although I wished for a bit more closure.
Sophie: I understand. Overall, would you recommend it?
David: Definitely. It’s a compelling read worth discussing.
Sophie: I’ll make sure to recommend it for our next book club meeting.
David: Great idea. Looking forward to our discussion.
Library Book Recommendations (Formal)
Level: High Intermediate
Context: Librarian assisting a patron in selecting books.
Librarian: Good afternoon. Can I help you find a book?
Emily: Yes, please. I’m looking for historical fiction novels.
Librarian: We have a wide selection. Any particular time period?
Emily: I’m interested in World War II era stories.
Librarian: I recommend “The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah.
Emily: I’ve heard of it. Do you have any other suggestions?
Librarian: Certainly. “All the Light We Cannot See” is also excellent.
Emily: Thank you. I’ll borrow both. Can you recommend non-fiction too?
Librarian: Of course. We have biographies and documentaries on that topic.
Emily: Perfect. I’ll explore those as well. Thank you for your help.
Librarian: You’re welcome. Enjoy your reading.
Discussing Literary Themes (Informal)
Level: Advanced
Context: Two book club members conversing during a meeting
Max: Hi, Lily. Thoughts on the theme of identity in “The Catcher in the Rye”?
Lily: Hey, Max. Salinger explores it through Holden’s alienation and search for authenticity.
Max: Exactly. His constant rebellion against societal norms highlights the struggle.
Lily: And his longing for genuine connections emphasizes the importance of human bonds.
Max: Precisely. It’s a timeless exploration of adolescence and existential angst.
Lily: Agreed. Holden’s journey resonates with readers across generations.
Max: It’s fascinating how literature can provoke such introspection and reflection.
Lily: Absolutely. “The Catcher in the Rye” remains relevant in its portrayal of the human condition.
Max: Indeed. It’s a testament to Salinger’s insight and narrative prowess.
Lily: Cheers to timeless literature and meaningful discussions.
Recommending Diverse Reads (Informal)
Level: Advanced
Context: Colleagues, Mia and Jake, sharing recommendations for culturally diverse literature during a coffee break.
Mia: Hey Jake! Do you have any recommendations for culturally diverse reads?
Jake: Hi Mia! Absolutely. Have you read “Americanah” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie?
Mia: Yes, it’s on my list! How about “The Sympathizer” by Viet Thanh Nguyen?
Jake: Fantastic choice. I also suggest “Pachinko” by Min Jin Lee for a deeper exploration of Korean culture.
Mia: Oh, I’ve heard great things about that one. Have you read “The God of Small Things” by Arundhati Roy?
Jake: Not yet, but it’s been on my radar. Let’s exchange recommendations and discuss them next week.
Mia: Agreed. I’m eager to broaden my literary horizons with these diverse perspectives.
Jake: Likewise, Mia. Here’s to embracing cultural diversity through literature!
Mia: Cheers, Jake! Let the reading journey begin.
Book Adaptations Debate (Formal)
Level: Advanced
Context: A panel discussion at a film festival where industry experts, Amanda and Marcus, debate the merits of book-to-film adaptations.
Amanda: Good evening, Marcus. Shall we explore the perennial debate surrounding book adaptations?
Marcus: Indeed, Amanda. The synergy between literature and cinema offers fertile ground for discourse.
Amanda: I contend that fidelity to the source material is paramount in preserving the integrity of the author’s vision.
Marcus: A compelling argument. However, cinematic reinterpretations can enrich the narrative tapestry, transcending literary confines.
Amanda: Yet, deviations from the original text risk diluting thematic depth and alienating purist audiences.
Marcus: Conversely, cinematic adaptations afford filmmakers the opportunity to reimagine narratives for contemporary audiences, fostering renewed interest in classic works.
Amanda: Valid point, Marcus. However, commercial pressures often prioritize box office success over artistic integrity.
Marcus: True, Amanda. Yet, successful adaptations can introduce literary gems to broader audiences, fostering a renewed appreciation for the source material.
Amanda: Indeed, Marcus. Let us continue to navigate the intricate landscape where literature and cinema converge.
Marcus: Agreed, Amanda. Here’s to bridging the gap between page and screen through thoughtful adaptation.
Analyzing Literary Themes (Formal)
Level: Advanced
Context: A university literature seminar where students, Sarah and Adam, discuss themes in a recent novel.
Sarah: Good afternoon, Adam. Shall we delve into the novel’s thematic elements?
Adam: Indeed, Sarah. I find the theme of identity particularly intriguing.
Sarah: Agreed. The protagonist’s struggle with self-discovery resonated deeply.
Adam: I also noticed the recurring motif of societal conformity versus individuality.
Sarah: Yes, that dynamic added layers of complexity to the narrative structure.
Adam: Furthermore, the juxtaposition of tradition and modernity sparked thought-provoking discourse.
Sarah: Absolutely. It prompted me to reflect on contemporary social paradigms.
Adam: Indeed, the author’s nuanced portrayal invites readers to ponder multifaceted existential questions.
Sarah: Precisely. It’s rare to encounter such a rich tapestry of thematic exploration.
Adam: I concur. The novel’s thematic depth elevates it beyond mere entertainment to profound literary discourse.
Sarah: Agreed. I look forward to our seminar discussion on these thematic intricacies.
Adam: As do I, Sarah. It promises to be intellectually stimulating and enlightening.
Talking About Books at Book Club Meeting (Informal)
Level: Advanced
Context: A casual gathering of friends, Emma and Liam, to discuss their latest book club read.
Emma: Hi Liam! Ready to dissect the book’s narrative intricacies?
Liam: Absolutely, Emma. The author’s storytelling prowess merits thorough examination.
Emma: I found the narrative structure particularly compelling, don’t you think?
Liam: Indeed, the nonlinear timeline added layers of depth to the characters’ development.
Emma: And the unreliable narrator technique? It kept me guessing until the end.
Liam: Yes, it effectively blurred the lines between reality and perception, enhancing suspense.
Emma: I couldn’t agree more. It challenged readers to question the authenticity of every narrative thread.
Liam: Furthermore, the thematic exploration of memory and identity resonated profoundly.
Emma: Definitely. It prompted introspection and philosophical contemplation.
Liam: Overall, a masterfully crafted work that transcends genre conventions.
Emma: Absolutely. Cheers to another thought-provoking read!
Liam: Cheers, Emma! Here’s to many more engaging discussions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, practicing conversations about books is essential for ESL learners to improve their English skills. By practicing these 15 tailored conversations, students can gain confidence, expand their vocabulary, and engage more effectively in discussions about literature. By incorporating these conversations into their lessons in ESL classes, teachers can help students overcome their challenges of talking about books and enhance their ESL classes.
