Meeting People- Response Matching

By: Alex Case

Level: Intermediate

Theme: General

Study Area: Functions & Text

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Lesson Plan Content:

Meeting people responses matching games

Instructions for teachers

Cut up one set of cards per group of two to four students. Give out just the left-hand cards (= the cards with bold script). Ask students to brainstorm as many suitable responses to each phrase as they can. Then give out the other cards and ask them to match the different possible responses to the original cards. If this will be too difficult, you can give out fewer than all three matches (e.g. only the second and third columns) and/ or give out the columns one by one (as the right-hand column has phrases which are more difficult and/ or less common).

Give out un-cut-up copies of the worksheet for students to check their answers with, and answer any student questions.

They can then test each other on the phrases by:

Reading out a left-hand side phrase and seeing how quickly their partner can respond in an acceptable way (including any okay phrases which aren’t on the worksheet)
Reading out a left-hand side phrase and seeing how many acceptable responses their partner can come up with (including any okay phrases which aren’t on the worksheet)
Reading out a left-hand side phrase and one response with a word missing and seeing if their partner can fill in the gap
Reading out the responses on the right-hand side until their partner says something that would get (all) those responses, e.g. the phrase on the left-hand side
Reading out a left-hand side phrase, listening to their partner’s response, then roleplaying the rest of the conversation until the very end together
Dealing out the left-hand cards and trying to use as many of those phrases as they can in roleplay conversations
Dealing out the right-hand cards and trying to use as many of those phrases as they can in roleplay conversations
Dealing out all the cards and trying to use as many of those phrases as they can in roleplay conversations
Roleplaying similar meeting people for the first time and again situations with no help

The brainstorming stages below can be done before, between or after any of those oral practice activities.

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Cards to cut up/ Suggested answers

Is this seat free?

Yes, please go ahead.

Yes, it is. Please help yourself.

I’m afraid someone is sitting there. I think that one is free, though.

You must be Alex.

Yes, that’s right. And you must be Jane.

That’s right. And you are?

Actually, I’m John. That’s Alex over there.

My name is Alex.

Nice to meet you, Alex. I’m Jane.

Pleased to meet you, Alex. My name is Jane.

It’s a pleasure to meet you, Alex. I’m Jane, and this is Jayesh.

How’s it going?/ How are you doing?/

How are things?

Pretty good. I got a promotion. How about you? How’s your project going?

Great. I really enjoyed the holiday. And you? How was your long weekend?

Not bad. Same ole same ole. What about you? How’s work?

Did you have any trouble finding us?

No, the map you set was very clear, thanks.

No, no problem. I know this area quite well, actually.

Well, we took the wrong exit from the station, but it was okay in the end.

It’s really hot (today), isn’t it?

Yes, it is, isn’t it? Humid too! What’s the weather like in your country now?

Yes, but it’s always like this in August in Tokyo. Is this your first time here?

Yes, it’s never so warm! It’ll cool down tomorrow. How long are you here?

Is this your first time here (in Tokyo)?

It is, but I’ve always wanted to come. I love Japanese food!

Well, I’ve been here once before, but it was five years ago. It’s really changed!

Yes, but I’m based in Chiba, so it’s not far away. Do you live near here?

What do you do?

I sell insurance to small and medium-sized companies.

I’m an HR manager in an IT company.

I’m a network engineer.

(So,) what brings you here (today)?

We have a booth, just over there in the corner.

I’m giving a presentation later.

We’re looking for some new IT equipment.

Really well. Our latest gadget won the product of the year award.

Congratulations!

That’s great!

I’m really glad to hear that.

Not so good, actually. We’re being restructured.

That sounds awful.

I’m sorry to hear that.

That’s a pity./ That’s a shame.

Here is my business card.

Thanks. And here is mine. I’ll email you in the next few days.

Thank you. Just a moment while I look for mine. Ah, got it! Here you are.

Thanks. Oh, I see that you are based in Kawasaki. I have a few clients there.

Well, I’d love to chat more, but we should probably start the meeting.

Of course. Let’s do that.

Sure. Let’s get down to business.

Okay, let’s.

We should go out for a drink. I’ll email you about it later.

Great. Looking forward to hearing from you.

That’s a good idea. See you soon, then.

Great. Let me know when you’re free and we’ll arrange something.

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Brainstorming responses

Without looking above, write as many suitable responses as you can below. Many other phrases not above are possible.

Is this seat free?

You must be Alex.

My name is Alex.

How are things?

Did you have any trouble finding us?

It’s really hot, isn’t it?

Is this your first time here?

What do you do?

What brings you here?

Really well. Our latest gadget won product of the year.

Not so good, actually. We’re being restructured.

Here is my business card.

Well, I’d love to chat more but we should probably start the meeting.

We should go out for a drink. I’ll email you about it later.

Look at the cards to help, the first time memorising with your pens down.

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Brainstorming prompts

Without looking above, brainstorm phrases that could get all three responses. Other phrases not above are OK, but all answers must be correct for the phrase that you write.

Yes, please go ahead.

Yes, it is. Please help yourself.

I’m afraid someone is sitting there. I think that one is free, though.

That’s right. And you are?

Actually, I’m John. That’s Alex over there.

Yes, that’s right. And you must be Jane.

Glad to meet you, Alex. I’m Jane.

Pleased to meet you, Alex. My name is Jane.

It’s a pleasure to meet you, Alex. I’m Jane, and this is Jayesh.

Pretty good. I got a promotion. How about you? How’s your project going?

Not bad. Same ole same ole. What about you?

Great. Really enjoyed the holiday. And you? How was your long weekend?

No, the map you set was very clear, thanks.

No, no problem. I know this area quite well.

Well, we came out of the wrong exit, but it was okay in the end.

Yes, it is, isn’t it? What’s the weather like where you come from?

Yes, I’m afraid it’s usually like this in June. Is this your first time in Tokyo?

Yes, it’s not usually like this in May. It probably won’t last long.

It is, but I’ve always wanted to come.

Well, I have been here once before, but it was 20 years ago.

Yes, but I’m based in Chiba, so it’s not far away.