Free printable for teachers - Click on the link below the picture to download the PDF printable.

How do you begin your English class each semester?
Here is my favorite first day lesson. It's also a sample chapter from a conversation book that I co-wrote called Compelling Conversations: Questions and Quotations on Timeless Topics. Feel free to use and reproduce this lesson as many times as you want.

Enjoy!

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GOING BEYOND HELLO

"Accept me as I am - only then will we discover each other."�
Federico Fellini (1920-1993), Italian director/screenwriter

Telling Your Story: Please interview the person sitting next to you. Feel free to add or skip any questions that you want. Take turns talking, jot down some notes, and prepare to introduce your partner to our class. Let’s begin!

1. What's your full name? How do you spell that?

2. Who chose your name? Why?

3. Where were you born? Were you the first child? Second? Fifth?

4. Do you have any older brothers? Sisters? Younger siblings?

5. Where did you grow up? Is that a city, village, or suburb?

6. How would you describe yourself as a child? Why?

7. When did you decide to move to California? Why?

8. How long have you been in the United States?

9. Did you move here by yourself? How was the trip?

10. What possessions did you bring with you? Why did you choose these objects?

11. Can you share some of first impressions of California?

12. Do you have a favorite color? Number? Season? Why?

13. What kind of music do you listen to? Do you have a favorite singer? Group?

14. What's your favorite radio station or television channel? Why?

15. Can you recommend any movies to rent or see? Why do you like those films?

16. What do you like to do outside? Why?

17. Where do you walk, hike, jog, or bike on the weekends?

18. What's your favorite sport? Why?

19. How do you like to spend your free time? What interests you?

20. Do you have a hobby? How long have you enjoyed it?

21. How long have you studied English? Where?

22. Where do you usually speak English? Who do you usually talk with?

23. What's your best language? Where do you usually speak it? Why?

24. What makes you smile? Where do you feel most comfortable?

25. What are some things that might cause you to frown?

26. How do you express enthusiasm in a word or sound in your native language?

27. Do you have a favorite English word or expression? Why?

28. What are your goals for this year? Why? What's your plan?

29. How would your friends describe you? What would you add?

30. What are three things that you appreciate about living in Los Angeles?

See Part 2 on the next post below.