If students can talk about household tasks in English, they can easily manage chores and chat with others at home. You can effectively teach “talking about household tasks” to your ESL students by presenting chores vocabulary and common phrases through practice conversations.
Students often make mistakes with verb forms or struggle with the right words, causing confusion when talking about chores.
How can teachers help students improve their conversation skills about household tasks.
This post offers 15 conversations demonstrating talking about household tasks for different English levels. It helps students practice and builds their confidence. Teachers can use these dialogues to help students overcome common challenges and speak more fluently about chores.
Table of Contents
Discussing Laundry Chores (Informal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: Two roommates discussing household chores in their shared apartment.
Anna: Hey Mark, have you done the laundry?
Mark: No, I forgot. I’ll do it tomorrow.
Anna: Okay, just remember to separate colors.
Mark: Got it, whites and colors separate.
Anna: And don’t forget the detergent.
Mark: I won’t. Do we have fabric softener?
Anna: Yes, it’s on the shelf.
Mark: Great, thanks. I’ll do it tomorrow.
Anna: Perfect, thanks for helping out.
Mark: No problem, we share the chores.
Asking About Cleaning Supplies (Formal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: A customer in a household goods store asking a salesperson about cleaning supplies.
Emily: Excuse me, where are the mops?
Salesperson: Aisle three, on your left.
Emily: Thank you. Do you have dish soap?
Salesperson: Yes, it’s right next to the mops.
Emily: Great, and where are the sponges?
Salesperson: They’re on the same aisle, near the soap.
Emily: Okay, thank you for your help.
Salesperson: You’re welcome, anything else?
Emily: No, that’s all for now, thanks.
Salesperson: Alright, have a nice day.
Negotiating Vacuuming Duties (Informal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: A couple discussing household tasks on a lazy Sunday morning.
Liam: Honey, can you vacuum the living room?
Sophia: I vacuumed last time. Your turn.
Liam: Alright, I’ll do it today.
Sophia: Thanks, I’ll clean the kitchen then.
Liam: Sounds fair. We’ll finish quickly.
Sophia: Yes, then we can relax together.
Liam: Perfect, teamwork makes it easy.
Sophia: I agree, let’s get started.
Liam: Okay, after breakfast.
Inquiring About Recycling (Formal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: A neighbor asking another neighbor about recycling procedures in their building.
Carlos: Hello, do we recycle here?
Mrs. Martinez: Yes, we do. Bins are downstairs.
Carlos: Separate bins for paper and plastic?
Mrs. Martinez: Exactly, and one for glass.
Carlos: Good to know, thanks.
Mrs. Martinez: You’re welcome. It’s important to separate.
Carlos: I’ll make sure to do it right.
Mrs. Martinez: Thank you, it helps a lot.
Carlos: No problem, glad to help.
Mrs. Martinez: Have a nice day.
Discussing Dishwashing Routine (Informal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: Friends chatting about household chores while having coffee.
Nina: How do you wash dishes, Sue?
Sue: I rinse, then use soap and water.
Nina: Do you use a dishwasher?
Sue: No, I prefer handwashing.
Nina: Me too, it’s more eco-friendly.
Sue: And I like doing it manually.
Nina: Same here, it’s therapeutic.
Sue: Exactly, it’s like a mini-break.
Nina: Let’s wash together sometime.
Sue: Sounds fun, let’s plan it.
Nina: Great, next week?
Planning a Weekend Cleaning Schedule (Informal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: Two friends discussing their weekend plans and chores over coffee.
Emma: Hey, Jake! Do you have plans for the weekend?
Jake: Hi, Emma! Not much, just some household chores.
Emma: Me too. I need to deep clean the bathroom.
Jake: That sounds like a project. Need help?
Emma: Sure, it would be great to have some help.
Jake: Okay, I can help with the vacuuming.
Emma: Thanks! I’ll take care of the kitchen.
Jake: Perfect. What time should we start?
Emma: How about 10 am on Saturday?
Jake: Sounds good. I’ll bring some snacks.
Emma: Awesome! See you then.
Negotiating Laundry Duties in a Shared Apartment (Formal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: Two roommates discussing their shared responsibilities and creating a cleaning schedule.
Sophie: Hello, Max. Can we discuss the household chores?
Max: Of course, Sophie. What’s on your mind?
Sophie: I noticed the laundry hasn’t been done for a while.
Max: You’re right. How about we create a schedule?
Sophie: That sounds fair. How often should we do it?
Max: Once a week, each taking turns?
Sophie: That sounds reasonable. Who starts this week?
Max: I can do it this week if you like.
Sophie: Great! I’ll take next week then.
Max: Perfect. We’ll alternate from there.
Sophie: Agreed. Thanks for discussing this.
Max: No problem, teamwork makes it easier.
Discussing Recycling and Sustainability (Informal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: Two neighbors chatting about household waste management and sustainable practices.
Lucas: Hi Mia, have you started recycling?
Mia: Yes, I’ve been separating plastics and paper.
Lucas: That’s great! Do you compost food waste too?
Mia: Yes, it reduces our trash significantly.
Lucas: I’ve thought about composting. Is it easy?
Mia: It’s simple once you get the hang of it.
Lucas: Maybe I’ll give it a try then.
Mia: You should! It’s good for the environment.
Lucas: I agree. Small changes can make a big difference.
Mia: Absolutely. Every bit helps.
Lucas: Thanks for the tips, Mia.
Mia: You’re welcome, Lucas.
Organizing a Home Repair Task (Formal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: A homeowner talking to a handyman about fixing a leaky faucet.
David: Hello, are you the handyman?
Alex: Yes, I’m here to fix your faucet.
David: Great! It’s been leaking for days.
Alex: I’ll take a look and assess the issue.
David: Thank you. Please let me know if it’s fixable.
Alex: I’ll do my best to repair it.
David: If it needs replacement, can you do that too?
Alex: Yes, I have the necessary parts with me.
David: Perfect. How long will it take?
Alex: About an hour should do it.
David: Alright, I’ll leave you to it.
Alex: I’ll get started right away.
David: Thanks, Alex. I appreciate it.
Discussing Home Organization and Decluttering (Informal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: Two friends sharing tips on home organization and decluttering over lunch.
Nina: Hey Leo, have you tried decluttering lately?
Leo: Not recently, but I need to.
Nina: It feels great once it’s done.
Leo: I can imagine. Any tips?
Nina: Start with one room at a time.
Leo: That sounds manageable. What about old clothes?
Nina: Donate what you don’t wear anymore.
Leo: Good idea. I have a pile ready.
Nina: Great! You’re on the right track.
Leo: Thanks. It’s time for a fresh start.
Nina: Absolutely. Less clutter, more peace.
Leo: I agree. Thanks for the motivation.
Nina: Anytime, Leo. Happy organizing!
Planning a Sustainable Home Renovation (Formal)
Level: Advanced
Context: Emma and Ethan, homeowners, are discussing the renovation plans for their house with an architect, focusing on sustainable and eco-friendly options.
Emma: Good morning, Ethan. Have you reviewed the eco-friendly materials list?
Ethan: Good morning, Emma. Yes, I’ve looked into recycled wood and solar panels.
Architect: That’s a great start. Have you considered energy-efficient windows as well?
Emma: Yes, we’re thinking of double-glazed windows for better insulation.
Ethan: It’s crucial for reducing energy consumption.
Architect: Absolutely. What about rainwater harvesting?
Emma: We’re planning a system to collect and reuse rainwater.
Ethan: It aligns with our sustainability goals.
Architect: Excellent. I’ll incorporate these ideas into the design.
Emma: Thank you. We aim for a green renovation.
Ethan: Sustainability is key for us.
Architect: I admire your commitment to environmental responsibility.
Discussing Smart Home Integration (Informal)
Level: Advanced
Context: Sofia and Leo, tech-savvy friends, are discussing integrating smart home devices into their households over coffee.
Sofia: Leo, have you tried integrating smart lights into your home?
Leo: Yes, I have smart bulbs, they adjust based on the time of day.
Sofia: That sounds convenient. Do they also connect with other devices?
Leo: Absolutely, they sync with my thermostat and security system.
Sofia: That’s impressive! I’m considering installing a smart lock.
Leo: It’s a game-changer for security and convenience.
Sofia: Have you faced any compatibility issues?
Leo: Initially, but now most brands are more compatible.
Sofia: Good to know. I’ll start researching brands.
Leo: I can recommend some that work well together.
Sofia: That would be helpful. Thanks, Leo.
Leo: Anytime, Sofia. Smart homes are the future.
Organizing a Community Recycling Initiative (Formal)
Level: Advanced
Context: Alex and Mia, community leaders, are planning a recycling initiative meeting with local residents to promote recycling practices.
Alex: Good evening, Mia. Have you prepared the agenda for our recycling initiative meeting?
Mia: Yes, I’ve outlined topics like sorting, composting, and electronic waste recycling.
Alex: Excellent. We need to emphasize the importance of proper waste management.
Mia: Agreed. I’ve also invited a local expert to speak about sustainable practices.
Alex: That’s a great addition. It’ll provide valuable insights.
Mia: I believe it’ll encourage more residents to participate.
Alex: We should also discuss community outreach and education.
Mia: I’ve allocated time for a Q&A session for residents to clarify doubts.
Alex: Perfect. Let’s ensure the meeting is informative and engaging.
Mia: Absolutely, Alex. I’ll send out reminders and the agenda tomorrow.
Alex: Thank you, Mia. Let’s make this initiative successful.
Planning a Zero-Waste Kitchen (Informal)
Level: Advanced
Context: Oliver and Ava, environmentally conscious friends, are sharing ideas on creating a zero-waste kitchen during a lunch break.
Oliver: Ava, have you tried reducing waste in your kitchen?
Ava: Yes, I’ve started composting and using reusable containers.
Oliver: That’s commendable! I’m looking into compostable packaging.
Ava: It’s a small step, but it makes a difference.
Oliver: Absolutely. I’m also considering a water filtration system.
Ava: It’s a great way to reduce plastic bottle waste.
Oliver: Have you found any challenges in maintaining a zero-waste kitchen?
Ava: Meal planning and bulk shopping require more organization.
Oliver: I can imagine. Do you have any tips?
Ava: Start small and gradually incorporate eco-friendly habits.
Oliver: Thanks, Ava. I’ll begin with composting.
Ava: You’re welcome, Oliver. Every effort counts.
Negotiating Household Chores and Responsibilities (Formal)
Level: Advanced
Context: Clara and Noah, partners, are discussing the division of household chores and responsibilities to ensure a fair distribution of tasks.
Clara: Noah, can we discuss our household responsibilities?
Noah: Of course, Clara. I’ve noticed the laundry has been piling up.
Clara: I agree. How about we create a chore schedule?
Noah: That sounds fair. Should we assign specific tasks to each person?
Clara: Yes, let’s categorize chores based on preference and ability.
Noah: Okay, I can take care of groceries and vacuuming.
Clara: I’ll handle laundry and meal planning then.
Noah: Should we include a rotation system for more equitable distribution?
Clara: That’s a good idea, Noah. It ensures flexibility.
Noah: We can review and adjust the schedule monthly.
Clara: Perfect. Let’s finalize and implement it this weekend.
Noah: Agreed, Clara. Thanks for addressing this.
Clara: Thank you, Noah. Teamwork makes a harmonious home.
Conclusion:
Practicing conversations about household tasks helps students improve their English skills and feel more confident in daily interactions. These guided conversations offer valuable practice for learners, making it easier for them to communicate effectively about chores and responsibilities.
