If you’ve ever tried to get beginner ESL students talking, you know it’s no small task. They might want to speak, but the nerves, the limited vocabulary, and the fear of getting it wrong? Totally real. That’s why finding the right beginner ESL speaking activity can make all the difference.
One of my favorite low-pressure, high-engagement ways to get them chatting is with a classic game: Would You Rather?
Yep, that simple game we’ve all played at some point? It turns out it’s gold for language learners—especially at the A1 level. The beauty of it is in its simplicity: short questions, clear choices, and lots of room for fun discussion (or even laughter). Students don’t have to come up with something from scratch, but they do get to practice making choices and expressing opinions in English—two super useful skills at the beginner level.
Why “Would You Rather?” Works So Well
- It lowers the affective filter. There’s no pressure to be “correct.” The questions are silly and engaging, and there’s no wrong answer—only your answer.
- It’s flexible. You can use it as a warm-up, a brain break, a partner activity, or even a quick speaking assessment.
- It encourages full sentences. With a little prompting (“I would rather… because…”), even your quietest students can build complete thoughts in English.
- It works for all age groups. My cards are especially designed for teens—with age-appropriate topics that aren’t babyish or boring.
Try It for Free!
If you’re curious about using Would You Rather? with your students, I’ve got a free sample of my A1-level conversation starter cards available in my TpT store! They’re beginner-friendly, teen-approved, and ready to print and use.
Each card includes:
- A Would You Rather? question
- Sentence starters to support full-sentence answers
- Simple visuals to aid comprehension
👉 Grab the free sample here on TpT
Once you try them, don’t be surprised if your students start asking for more. They’re that fun—and they work!
