Talking about sports in English helps students join fun conversations and understand sports news. Teaching sports talk to ESL students is fun and easy to connect learning with students’ interests resulting in better outcomes.
Students sometimes struggle with using the right sports words, understanding sports sayings, and talking naturally about sports.
How can ESL teachers help students talk about sports more confidently and correctly?
This post provides 15 simple conversations about sports for learners at different English levels. These examples help teachers give students real practice, making it easier to talk about sports in English. This resource is useful for both teachers and students to improve sports-related English skills.
Table of Contents
Discussing a Soccer Match (Informal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: Two friends talking after watching a soccer game
Anna: Did you watch the soccer match yesterday?
Ben: Yes, it was very exciting!
Anna: I liked the second half more.
Ben: Me too, there were many goals.
Anna: Which team did you support?
Ben: I supported the blue team.
Anna: Oh, I supported the red team.
Ben: That’s okay, both teams played well.
Anna: Yes, it was a good game overall.
Ben: Let’s watch the next match together.
Talking About Basketball Practice (Formal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: A student asking the coach about basketball practice
Carlos: Coach, when is basketball practice?
Coach Smith: It’s on Monday and Wednesday at 4 pm.
Carlos: Can I join the team?
Coach Smith: Yes, of course. We welcome new players.
Carlos: What do I need to bring?
Coach Smith: Just bring comfortable sports clothes and shoes.
Carlos: Do we have a game this weekend?
Coach Smith: Yes, we have a game on Saturday.
Carlos: I’m excited to play.
Coach Smith: Great, see you at practice on Monday.
Discussing Gym Membership (Informal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: Two friends talking about joining a gym
Emma: I want to join a gym.
Liam: That’s a good idea for staying fit.
Emma: Which gym do you recommend?
Liam: I go to FitLife Gym, it’s great.
Emma: Is it expensive?
Liam: It’s affordable with good facilities.
Emma: Do they have yoga classes?
Liam: Yes, they have yoga and other classes.
Emma: I might join next month.
Liam: Let me know, we can go together.
Talking About Sports: Tennis Lessons (Formal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: A parent inquiring about tennis lessons for their child
Mrs. Garcia: Hello, do you offer tennis lessons for kids?
Coach Davis: Yes, we have tennis lessons for children.
Mrs. Garcia: What are the timings?
Coach Davis: Lessons are on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5 pm.
Mrs. Garcia: Is there a beginner class?
Coach Davis: Yes, we have classes for beginners.
Mrs. Garcia: How much is the fee?
Coach Davis: It’s $50 per month for weekly lessons.
Mrs. Garcia: That sounds reasonable.
Coach Davis: Would you like to register your child?
Mrs. Garcia: Yes, I’d like to enroll my son.
Discussing a Running Event (Informal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: Two friends talking about participating in a running event
Olivia: Are you joining the running event next week?
Sam: Yes, I’ve registered for it.
Olivia: Me too! How long is the race?
Sam: It’s a 5K race.
Olivia: That’s a good distance for me.
Sam: We can train together this week.
Olivia: Sounds like a plan!
Sam: Let’s meet at the park tomorrow.
Olivia: Okay, see you there!
Sam: Good luck with your training!
Discussing a Local Soccer Tournament (Informal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: Two friends discussing an upcoming local soccer tournament they want to attend
Lucas: Hi Sofia, have you heard about the soccer tournament this weekend?
Sofia: Yes, I saw the poster at the community center.
Lucas: I’m thinking of joining. Are you interested?
Sofia: I might join too, it sounds fun.
Lucas: We could form a team with some friends.
Sofia: That’s a great idea!
Lucas: Do you have any soccer gear?
Sofia: Yes, I have my cleats and jersey.
Lucas: Perfect! Let’s meet tomorrow to discuss the details.
Sofia: Sounds like a plan!
Lucas: I’ll check the registration deadline tonight.
Sofia: Great, let’s not miss it.
Inquiring About Gym Membership Benefits (Formal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: A person asking a gym representative about the benefits of a gym membership
Daniel: Hello, I’m interested in a gym membership.
Gym Rep: Welcome! Our memberships offer various benefits.
Daniel: What facilities do you have?
Gym Rep: We have a gym, pool, and fitness classes.
Daniel: Are there any personal trainers available?
Gym Rep: Yes, we offer personal training sessions.
Daniel: What are the membership fees?
Gym Rep: We have different packages starting from $30/month.
Daniel: Do you offer a trial period?
Gym Rep: Yes, we offer a one-week trial for new members.
Daniel: That sounds good. I’ll consider joining.
Gym Rep: Let me know if you have any more questions.
Daniel: Thank you, I’ll think about it.
Planning a Tennis Match with a Friend (Informal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: Two friends planning to play tennis together over the weekend
Elena: Hey Marco, want to play tennis this weekend?
Marco: Sure, I’d love to!
Elena: Great! What time works for you?
Marco: How about Saturday morning?
Elena: Sounds good. Where should we play?
Marco: There’s a court at Elm Park.
Elena: Perfect! I’ll bring my racket.
Marco: I’ll bring some extra balls.
Elena: Should we invite others to join?
Marco: Let’s keep it just the two of us this time.
Elena: Okay, see you on Saturday!
Marco: Looking forward to it!
Asking About Basketball Training Sessions (Formal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: A person inquiring about basketball training sessions at a sports academy
Nina: Hello, I’m interested in your basketball training sessions.
Academy Rep: Welcome! We offer various training programs.
Nina: Is there a beginner’s class?
Academy Rep: Yes, we have classes for all skill levels.
Nina: What is the schedule like?
Academy Rep: Classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Nina: How long is each session?
Academy Rep: Each session is 90 minutes long.
Nina: Are there any discounts for long-term commitments?
Academy Rep: Yes, we offer discounts for quarterly subscriptions.
Nina: That sounds reasonable. I’ll consider signing up.
Academy Rep: Feel free to reach out if you have more questions.
Nina: Thank you, I’ll think about it.
Discussing a Recent Running Event (Informal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: Two friends discussing their experience at a recent running event they participated in
Oscar: Hey Maya, how was the running event last weekend?
Maya: It was great! The route was scenic.
Oscar: That sounds amazing. How was your time?
Maya: I finished in just under 30 minutes.
Oscar: Wow, that’s impressive!
Maya: Thanks! Did you participate too?
Oscar: Yes, I finished in 35 minutes.
Maya: That’s a good time too!
Oscar: We should train together for the next one.
Maya: Definitely! Let’s plan some practice runs.
Oscar: Sounds like a plan!
Discussing the Evolution of Women in Sports (Formal)
Level: Advanced
Context: Two scholars discussing the historical evolution of women’s participation in sports during an academic conference.
Dr. Patel: Good afternoon, Professor Williams. Have you noticed the increasing prominence of women in sports over the years?
Prof. Williams: Indeed, Dr. Patel. The progression has been remarkable, from restricted participation to leading major sports events.
Dr. Patel: It’s fascinating how societal perceptions have shifted, allowing for greater inclusivity and recognition.
Prof. Williams: Absolutely. The efforts of pioneering female athletes have paved the way for future generations.
Dr. Patel: And the media’s role in highlighting these achievements cannot be understated.
Prof. Williams: Absolutely, media coverage has been instrumental in changing public perceptions and breaking stereotypes.
Dr. Patel: Do you think there are still challenges to overcome?
Prof. Williams: Undoubtedly. Although progress has been made, gender disparities in pay and representation persist.
Dr. Patel: It will require collaborative efforts from stakeholders to ensure continued progress.
Prof. Williams: Agreed, advocacy, education, and policy reforms are crucial moving forward.
Dr. Patel: Indeed, let’s hope for a future where gender equality in sports is the norm.
Planning a Community Sports Event (Informal)
Level: Advanced
Context: Two community organizers discussing plans for an upcoming sports event aimed at promoting physical fitness and community engagement.
Emma: Hi Alex, I’ve been thinking about organizing a community sports event to promote fitness and unity. What are your thoughts?
Alex: That sounds like a fantastic idea, Emma! It could be a great way to bring people together.
Emma: I was thinking of incorporating various sports like soccer, basketball, and even yoga sessions. Any suggestions?
Alex: How about adding workshops on sports nutrition and injury prevention? It could add value to the event.
Emma: That’s an excellent idea, Alex! It would educate participants on the importance of holistic health.
Alex: We could also invite local athletes to give motivational talks and engage with the community.
Emma: Brilliant! It would inspire participants and create a memorable experience.
Alex: Let’s also consider collaborating with local businesses for sponsorships and donations to enhance the event.
Emma: Great suggestion, Alex! Their support could significantly boost the event’s impact and reach.
Alex: I’m excited about this, Emma. Let’s work together to make it a grand success!
Analyzing Sports Performance Metrics (Formal)
Level: Advanced
Context: Two sports analysts reviewing performance metrics of a professional soccer team to assess player efficiency and strategic effectiveness.
Dr. Garcia: Good morning, Mr. Thompson. I’ve analyzed the performance metrics of our soccer team for the past season.
Mr. Thompson: Excellent, Dr. Garcia. What insights have you uncovered regarding player efficiency and strategic effectiveness?
Dr. Garcia: It appears that our midfielders have excelled in ball retention and distribution, contributing significantly to our offensive strategies.
Mr. Thompson: That’s promising. What about our defensive strategies and goalkeeper performance?
Dr. Garcia: Our defensive line has demonstrated resilience, with a notable decrease in opposition shots on target. However, there’s room for improvement in goalkeeping.
Mr. Thompson: I see. Based on these insights, how can we optimize our training regimen and tactical approach for the upcoming season?
Dr. Garcia: We could focus on enhancing goalkeeper reflexes and implementing more dynamic offensive plays to capitalize on midfield strengths.
Mr. Thompson: That sounds like a solid plan. Let’s collaborate with the coaching staff to implement these strategies effectively.
Dr. Garcia: Agreed. By leveraging data-driven insights, we can enhance our team’s performance and competitive edge.
Mr. Thompson: Thank you, Dr. Garcia. Your analysis provides valuable direction for our team’s improvement.
Discussing the Impact of Technology on Sports Broadcasting (Informal)
Level: Advanced
Context: Two sports enthusiasts discussing the evolving role of technology in enhancing the viewer experience of sports broadcasting.
Sophia: Hey Liam, have you noticed how technology has transformed sports broadcasting?
Liam: Absolutely, Sophia! The introduction of high-definition cameras and virtual reality has revolutionized the viewing experience.
Sophia: And don’t forget about instant replays and real-time statistics. It adds depth and engagement to the game.
Liam: True, it provides viewers with a more immersive and interactive experience.
Sophia: I also appreciate how streaming platforms have made sports more accessible to global audiences.
Liam: Indeed, it has democratized access, allowing fans from around the world to enjoy their favorite sports.
Sophia: Do you think there are any drawbacks to this technological advancement?
Liam: While technology enhances the experience, it can sometimes detract from the live atmosphere of the game.
Sophia: That’s a valid point, Liam. It’s essential to strike a balance between innovation and preserving the authentic sporting experience.
Liam: Absolutely, Sophia. As technology continues to evolve, finding this balance will be crucial.
Debating the Role of Politics in Sports (Formal)
Level: Advanced
Context: Two political science professors engaging in a debate about the intersection of politics and sports, exploring the implications of political activism by athletes.
Prof. Lewis: Good afternoon, Dr. Martinez. The recent political activism by athletes has sparked significant debate. What are your views on this?
Dr. Martinez: It’s a complex issue, Prof. Lewis. While athletes have the right to express their views, some argue that sports should remain apolitical.
Prof. Lewis: Indeed, Dr. Martinez. However, sports have historically been a platform for social change and advocacy.
Dr. Martinez: That’s true. Athletes like Muhammad Ali and Colin Kaepernick have used their platform to raise awareness about social injustices.
Prof. Lewis: Absolutely, their activism has catalyzed meaningful conversations and inspired change.
Dr. Martinez: On the other hand, some argue that mixing politics with sports can detract from the game and alienate fans.
Prof. Lewis: That’s a valid concern, Dr. Martinez. It’s essential to strike a balance between advocacy and maintaining the integrity of sports.
Dr. Martinez: Agreed, Prof. Lewis. It’s a nuanced issue that requires thoughtful consideration and dialogue.
Prof. Lewis: Indeed, Dr. Martinez. The intersection of politics and sports presents both challenges and opportunities for societal progress.
Conclusion
Learning to talk about sports in English can be both fun and practical for ESL students. Using these conversations as a guide can help students build confidence and improve their English skills while discussing topics they enjoy.
