English Teaching

ELT365 · Day 193 — Roleplay: building a context learners believe

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Idea — Roleplay works when the scenario is specific and plausible. Vague roles produce vague language. Specific roles with real stakes generate genuine negotiation.

Example — Compare: ‘Roleplay a complaint’ vs ‘You ordered a birthday cake. It arrived late and the wrong flavour. The bakery is offering 10% off. You want a full refund.’ The second has stakes.

Try — Take a roleplay from a coursebook. Rewrite the scenario with three concrete details: the product, the problem, the gap between what each party wants. Compare the language generated.

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