Talking about the news in English is one of the essential language functions your ESL students must be able to perform in their daily lives. When they meet people during the class break, office lunch hour, or at any public place, they can start a small conversation by talking about current events.
But what activity can help you achieve better outcomes when you’re teaching talking about the news?
If you’ve been teaching speaking skills for a while, you know that ESL teachers face at least a few, if not many, challenges while preparing their speaking lessons. One of the primary challenges is selecting the right activity for your ESL speaking class. In order to boost my students’ conversational skills, I often use sample conversations as a role-play activity in my classes.
And guess what? My students truly enjoy them!
In my experience, students often struggle to ask about recent news, share their opinions, or ask follow-up questions in news conversations.
You can help your students by giving them the following practice conversations on news discussions. It helps them improve their conversational skills and news-related vocabulary, and improve their social life once they’re apt to initiate a talk on current events with anyone.
These conversations are curated for lower-intermediate, higher-intermediate, and advanced-level students.
Table of Contents
Talking About Sports News (Informal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: Two friends chatting at a coffee shop.
John: Hey, Mary! Did you see the game yesterday?
Mary: Yeah, it was amazing! Our team won!
John: I know, right? That last-minute goal was epic.
Mary: I jumped up and down when it happened!
John: Same here! We should celebrate somehow.
Mary: How about watching highlights together tonight?
John: Sounds like a plan. Let’s do it!
Mary: Great! I’ll bring some snacks.
John: Perfect. See you tonight then!
Talking About Current Events (Formal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: Two colleagues discussing news in the office break room.
David: Hello, Sarah. Did you catch the news this morning?
Sarah: Yes, I did. The headlines were quite shocking.
David: Indeed. The situation seems concerning.
Sarah: I hope there’s a solution soon.
David: Agreed. It’s affecting many aspects of our lives.
Sarah: We must stay informed and support each other.
David: Absolutely. Let’s hope for positive changes.
Sarah: Definitely. Let’s keep an eye on updates.
David: Will do. Thanks for discussing this with me.
Talking About Local Events (Informal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: Two neighbors chatting outside their houses.
Sophie: Hey, Tom! Anything exciting happening in the neighborhood?
Tom: Not much, just the upcoming street fair.
Sophie: Oh, I heard about that! Can’t wait!
Tom: Yeah, it’s always fun. Are you going?
Sophie: Of course! I wouldn’t miss it.
Tom: Great! We should go together.
Sophie: Sounds like a plan. Let’s meet up there.
Tom: Perfect. See you then, Sophie!
Talking About Entertainment News (Formal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: Two classmates chatting after school.
Emma: Hi, Jack. Did you hear about the new movie?
Jack: Yes, I did. It’s getting rave reviews.
Emma: I’m excited to watch it. How about you?
Jack: Me too. Let’s plan a movie night.
Emma: That sounds like a great idea.
Jack: We could invite a few friends.
Emma: Definitely! I’ll check everyone’s availability.
Jack: Awesome. Let me know what works.
Emma: Will do. Looking forward to it!
Talking About World News (Informal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: Two friends chatting while walking in the park.
Carlos: Hey, Ana. Did you see the news about the new president?
Ana: Yeah, it’s all over the internet.
Carlos: What do you think about it?
Ana: I’m not sure. Time will tell, I guess.
Carlos: True. Let’s hope for the best.
Ana: Definitely. Anyway, how’s your day been?
Carlos: Not bad. Just glad to be out here.
Ana: Me too. The fresh air feels nice.
Carlos: Agreed. Let’s enjoy our walk.
Talking About The News On Environmental Issues (Formal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: Two environmental activists planning a community event.
Emma: Hello, James. Have you heard about the latest environmental report?
James: Hi, Emma. Yes, it’s concerning. The pollution levels are alarming.
Emma: Absolutely. We need to raise awareness and take action.
James: I agree. Let’s organize a cleanup campaign in our neighborhood.
Emma: That’s a great idea. We can involve local schools and businesses too.
James: Excellent. We should also promote recycling and tree planting.
Emma: Definitely. I’ll draft a proposal outlining our plans.
James: Perfect. We can present it at the next community meeting.
Emma: Sounds like a plan. Let’s make a positive impact together.
Talking About Technology Advancements (Informal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: Two friends chatting over lunch about recent tech developments.
Alex: Hey, Maya! Have you seen the new smartphone features?
Maya: Hi, Alex! Yes, they’re pretty impressive. I love the camera upgrades.
Alex: Me too. And did you hear about the latest VR gaming headset?
Maya: Yeah, it’s supposed to offer a more immersive experience.
Alex: I can’t wait to try it out. Maybe we should get one.
Maya: That sounds like a fun idea. We could have game nights.
Alex: Definitely! Let’s research prices and reviews first.
Maya: Good plan. We don’t want to invest in something unreliable.
Alex: Agreed. Let’s make informed decisions.
Talking About Global Economic Trends (Formal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: Two economists analyzing recent economic data.
David: Hello, Sarah. What are your thoughts on the latest GDP figures?
Sarah: Hi, David. They indicate steady growth, but inflation concerns remain.
David: Indeed. The supply chain disruptions are contributing to price hikes.
Sarah: Absolutely. We need to monitor consumer spending patterns closely.
David: Agreed. And keep an eye on employment rates too.
Sarah: Definitely. Rising unemployment could further impact consumer confidence.
David: I’ll prepare a report outlining potential policy recommendations.
Sarah: Great. Let’s schedule a meeting with stakeholders to discuss our findings.
David: Sounds like a plan. We must address these economic challenges effectively.
Talking About Health and Wellness News (Informal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: Two gym buddies chatting after a workout session.
Emily: Hey, Max! Have you heard about the benefits of intermittent fasting?
Max: Hi, Emily! Yeah, I’ve read some articles about it. Sounds interesting.
Emily: I’m thinking of giving it a try. Want to join me?
Max: Sure, why not? It could help with our fitness goals.
Emily: Exactly. Plus, it’s supposed to have other health benefits too.
Max: Let’s do some research and plan our fasting schedule.
Emily: Sounds like a plan. We can support each other along the way.
Max: Definitely. Here’s to our health and wellness journey!
Talking About Cultural Events and Festivals (Formal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: Two event organizers discussing upcoming cultural festivals.
Carlos: Hello, Maria. How are the preparations for the multicultural festival going?
Maria: Hi, Carlos. They’re progressing well, but we need more volunteers.
Carlos: I’ll put out a call for volunteers on social media and community forums.
Maria: Great idea. We also need to finalize the performance schedule.
Carlos: Agreed. Let’s ensure we have a diverse range of cultural performances.
Maria: Definitely. I’ll reach out to local artists and groups.
Carlos: Perfect. And don’t forget to arrange food stalls representing various cuisines.
Maria: Of course. It’s essential to offer a culinary experience too.
Carlos: Absolutely. Let’s make this year’s festival memorable for everyone.
Analyzing Political Developments (Formal)
Level: Advanced
Context: Two political analysts discussing recent election outcomes and their implications.
Dr. Patel: Good morning, Professor Thompson. Have you had a chance to review the election results?
Prof. Thompson: Good morning, Dr. Patel. Yes, I’ve examined the data closely. The outcome is quite significant.
Dr. Patel: Indeed. The shift in voter demographics appears to have influenced the outcome significantly.
Prof. Thompson: Agreed. It’s crucial to analyze how these changes will shape future policy agendas.
Dr. Patel: Absolutely. We must also consider the impact on international relations and diplomatic strategies.
Prof. Thompson: Precisely. The geopolitical landscape is evolving rapidly, necessitating agile responses.
Dr. Patel: I concur. Let’s convene a seminar to delve deeper into these matters.
Prof. Thompson: Excellent idea. We can invite experts from various disciplines to offer diverse perspectives.
Dr. Patel: Agreed. Collaboration and interdisciplinary dialogue will enrich our understanding of the situation.
Prof. Thompson: Thank you for initiating this discussion, Dr. Patel. I look forward to our collaboration.
Debating Climate Change Policies (Informal)
Level: Advanced
Context: Two environmental activists engaged in a passionate debate about climate change policies.
Sophie: Hey, Mark! Have you read the latest proposal for combating climate change?
Mark: Hi, Sophie! Yes, I have. I’m not convinced it goes far enough.
Sophie: Really? I think it’s a step in the right direction.
Mark: But we need more ambitious targets to address the urgency of the situation.
Sophie: I understand your point, but realistic goals are essential for garnering widespread support.
Mark: True, but we can’t afford to compromise on the planet’s future for the sake of political expediency.
Sophie: Agreed. We must continue advocating for bold and transformative policies.
Mark: Absolutely. Let’s mobilize grassroots movements to pressure policymakers for meaningful change.
Sophie: I’m on board. Together, we can make a difference.
Mark: Thank you for this stimulating discussion, Sophie. Let’s keep pushing for progress.
Exploring Technological Innovations (Informal)
Level: Advanced
Context: Two tech enthusiasts discussing the latest advancements in artificial intelligence.
Liam: Hey, Emma! Have you seen the latest AI applications showcased at the tech expo?
Emma: Hi, Liam! Yes, they’re mind-blowing. The potential for AI in healthcare is revolutionary.
Liam: Absolutely. From early disease detection to personalized treatment plans, the possibilities are endless.
Emma: And the integration of AI in autonomous vehicles is reshaping transportation systems globally.
Liam: It’s fascinating how AI is transforming various industries and enhancing efficiency and productivity.
Emma: Indeed. However, ethical considerations surrounding AI governance and data privacy must be addressed.
Liam: Agreed. We need robust regulatory frameworks to ensure responsible AI development and deployment.
Emma: Let’s stay informed and advocate for ethical AI practices in our respective fields.
Liam: Absolutely. Our engagement is crucial in shaping the future of AI for the better.
Evaluating Economic Policies (Formal)
Level: Advanced
Context: Two economists exchanging perspectives on monetary policy decisions.
Dr. Nguyen: Good afternoon, Professor Jackson. What are your thoughts on the recent interest rate adjustments?
Prof. Jackson: Good afternoon, Dr. Nguyen. I believe the decision was prudent given the inflationary pressures.
Dr. Nguyen: Indeed. It reflects the central bank’s commitment to maintaining price stability amid economic uncertainties.
Prof. Jackson: Agreed. However, the potential impact on consumer spending and investment warrants close monitoring.
Dr. Nguyen: Absolutely. We must assess the effectiveness of these measures in stimulating economic growth without fueling inflation.
Prof. Jackson: Precisely. It’s a delicate balancing act requiring careful consideration of multiple factors.
Dr. Nguyen: I propose conducting a comprehensive analysis to evaluate the policy’s short-term and long-term effects.
Prof. Jackson: An excellent suggestion, Dr. Nguyen. Let’s collaborate on conducting empirical research to inform our recommendations.
Dr. Nguyen: Thank you, Professor Jackson. I look forward to our collaboration on this important endeavor.
Discussing International Relations (Formal)
Level: Advanced
Context: Two diplomats engaged in a diplomatic dialogue regarding bilateral relations between their countries.
Ambassador Smith: Your Excellency, Ambassador Lee. I appreciate this opportunity to discuss bilateral cooperation initiatives.
Ambassador Lee: Likewise, Ambassador Smith. Strengthening ties between our nations is paramount for regional stability and prosperity.
Ambassador Smith: Agreed. I believe there’s immense potential for collaboration in various sectors, including trade, education, and technology.
Ambassador Lee: Absolutely. We should explore avenues for mutual benefit while respecting each other’s sovereignty and cultural heritage.
Ambassador Smith: Precisely. Dialogue and diplomacy are essential for resolving differences and advancing shared interests.
Ambassador Lee: I propose establishing joint working groups to identify concrete projects and action plans.
Ambassador Smith: An excellent initiative, Ambassador Lee. Let’s work together to deepen our bilateral partnership for the benefit of our peoples.
Ambassador Lee: Thank you, Ambassador Smith. I look forward to fruitful cooperation between our countries.
Conclusion
In conclusion, practicing discussions about news topics is essential for ESL learners to improve their English skills. With these conversations, both students and teachers can work together to overcome challenges and enhance their communication abilities.
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