Free ESL Speaking Activity Grade 8

Health Advice Role-Play Speaking Activity

About This Resource

A three-page paired speaking activity for Grade 8 ESL in which students take turns describing a health problem and giving spoken advice using should/shouldn't, supported by sentence frames, a conversation-recording table, and a self/peer checklist.

Overview

Working in pairs, one student reads a problem card aloud (for example, "I can't fall asleep at night") while the partner responds with at least two pieces of should/shouldn't advice, then the roles switch for a new card. A "Useful Language" box provides natural sentence frames for both giving advice and responding to it, so the exchange sounds like real conversation rather than isolated grammar drills. Students record their partner's problem and their own advice after each round, then complete a short self/peer checklist.

Resource Details

Subject: ESL
Topic: Health Advice
Category: Speaking
File Type: PDF
File Size: 57.4 KB
Published: 06 Sep 2026
Downloads: 0

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Students will be able to describe a problem or complaint in spoken English.
Students will be able to give spoken advice using should/shouldn't in response to a partner.
Students will be able to use supporting language (e.g., "I think you should...") to sound natural in conversation.
Students will be able to reflect on their own and a partner's use of the target language using a checklist.

How to Use This Resource

Pair students and explain the five-step procedure on page one. Problem cards can be cut apart for a more game-like feel, or simply covered and revealed one at a time. Circulate while pairs are speaking to listen for accurate should/shouldn't use and note strong examples to share with the class afterward. Students complete the recording table and self/peer checklist after their rounds are finished.

Classroom Activity Ideas

After several rounds, ask two or three pairs to perform their favorite exchange for the class, then have the class vote on which piece of advice they think is most useful and explain why in one sentence.

Differentiation

Support: Allow students to read their problem card aloud rather than memorizing it, provide extra time to prepare advice silently before speaking, and pair students needing support with a stronger partner.
On-Level: Students complete all six rounds as designed, switching roles each time.
Challenge: Ask stronger pairs to add a follow-up question or a reason with "because" before switching roles, or to invent one additional problem card of their own.

Assessment

Circulate during the activity and use the Health and Healthy Habits Grading Rubric to informally score one or two exchanges per student. The completed recording table and self/peer checklist can also be collected as evidence of participation.

Teacher Tips

Model the exchange once with a confident student in front of the class before pairs begin — hearing the "Useful Language" phrases used naturally in a real exchange helps students who are hesitant to speak first.