Alphabet Conversation Drama

This activity allows for creative, spontaneous dialogue construction for learners, but includes a constraint so learners really need to think before responding to their partner.

Preparation

None necessary

Procedure

1. Put learners in pairs and give them a situation for which to create a dialogue on the spot. 2. The first sentence of their scene must start with the letter A, the next line with letter B, the following with letter C, and this continues up to the letter Z until they finish the dialogue. Examples of situations: • On the bus. There is an old woman sitting and reading on the bus and suddenly a smelly, old man sits next to her. • Someone you dislike sits next to you at work, in class, etc. • A parent is asking his/her daughter/son why s/he arrived home after curfew. • At school. A teacher is testing a student who is not prepared. • Life situation. A young man asks his girlfriend to marry him. • Excuses. A driver is trying to explain to a police officer why he was speeding.

When to Use It

• To practice spontaneous, creative use of language • To expand a textbook dialogue • To promote oral fluency

Level

Skills

Practice

Materials

Situation cards optional

Preparation Time

None

Activity Time

15–35 minutes, depending on groups presenting

Variations

1. Learners in pairs decide on the situation. They act out the dialogue with little to no preparation. 2. Have learners do this in pairs without the pressure of being in front of the class and performing. 3. Start the conversation with Z and have learners move through the alphabet backwards. 4. Put the letters of the alphabet in a hat and learners select the letter with which they need to start their response in the dialogue. 5. Allow use of the Drama Box to enhance the dialogue.