Hello. May I ask you something?

incl. materials

oral

45 min.

Objectives

The learner can ask for information.

Materials

Cards with sample questions, such as the opening line: Hello. May I ask you something?’.

Preparation

Think about a subject for the interview, preferably related to a treated topic. Choose a neutral subject; politics and religion are to be avoided.

Instructions

• Explain that the learners are about to interview a stranger.
• Make relevant questions, classically or in groups.
• Lower the threshold by asking what the learners need to do this exercise, e.g.
• Do you prefer to work alone or with in pairs, in trios? What to do if you did not understand the answer?
  What if the interviewee speaks too fast?
• Send the learners on their mission and tell them when to be back.
• Discuss the interviews together afterwards.
• Let them comment on the answers they got and on how it felt to interview an stranger.

Variant

• Filming the exercise makes it more exciting and difficult.
  Attention: Ask both parties for permission.

Tips for the instructor

Addressing strangers on the street is difficult. Look for a safe environment, e.g. a community centre, language school…