Pass out copies of a handout that lists a set of questions/ These should be questions students can use to learn more about one another. Go over any new vocabulary on the sheet with the class. Remind students that dialogue should be quick and fluid even if mistakes are made. Ask your students to partner up and ask each other the questions in any order. If a partner answers with a simple "yes," they must ask three follow-up questions to encourage more conversation.
"I've Never" is a conversation activity adapted from a drinking game that can help intermediate to advanced ESOL students practice the present perfect and simple past tenses. For this game, use coins or tokens in place of alcohol. Begin by telling your class something you've never done. For example, "I've never gotten a tattoo." Any student who has a tattoo is asked to talk about that experience. Encourage the students to ask that person follow-up questions. Each student who tells a story receives a coin. The game continues with another person saying, "I've never..." Once your students get a feel for how to play, have them break out into small groups to continue on their own. This will allow students to have more conversation time.
Write questions about current events, history or science on slips of paper. Place them in a hat or bag. Ask each student to draw and ask a question to the class. Allow more than one student to answer and encourage other students to ask follow-up questions.
Write down 10 questions relevant to your chosen topic. For example, if you're in the midst of teaching simple past tense, create 10 questions on past tense topics. The questions could be answered with "yes" or "no." Ask the questions one at a time to your class by dictating them twice slowly, then once at a more normal speed. Have one student volunteer write out each question on the board. Have your students break up into pairs and have them ask the questions to one another. After a few minutes, ring a bell or make an announcement for the students to switch partners to facilitate communication between different classmates.