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General English · Speaking · A2

Keeping an everyday conversation going

Use reactions, follow-up questions and a small detail of your own to keep talking.

Lesson 12 · About 18 minutes

Learn: your objectives

  • Follow up on what the partner actually said.
  • Balance listening and sharing.

Warm-up

Think about these questions. Say a short answer aloud.

  • What can you ask after someone mentions a new hobby?
  • What makes a conversation feel like an interview?

Useful language

React, ask, share

That sounds …

Show a brief reaction to the news.

That sounds exciting.

How did you get into …?

Ask how an interest began.

How did you get into photography?

I've tried that too.

Connect with a small relevant experience.

I've tried that too, but only with my phone.

Notice: model speaking

Read aloud. Notice how the speakers use the phrases and respond to each other.

Sam: I've started taking photos on weekend walks.

Nilufar: That sounds fun. How did you get into photography?

Sam: My brother showed me some of his photos, and I wanted to try.

Nilufar: I've tried that too, but only with my phone. What do you like taking photos of?

Sam: Mostly old buildings. Do you know any interesting streets nearby?

Nilufar: Yes, there's a quiet street behind the market with colourful doors.

Speaking strategy

React to one detail, ask one connected question, then share something relevant. Avoid firing several questions before your partner can answer.

Pronunciation & fluency focus

Leave a short gap after a question so the other person can take a turn. Practise brief reactions without filling every silence.

Teaching guidance, not an analysis of your voice.

Use: controlled practice

Choose a useful response for each situation. Check when all questions are answered. These are phrase exercises, not a speaking assessment.

1. A partner says ‘I've started drawing.’ Choose a connected follow-up.
2. Which response balances a question with sharing?
3. Your partner says they lost their bag. Choose an appropriate reaction.
4. You did not catch the name of a hobby. Ask for clarification.
5. Your partner finishes a story about a new class. Keep the same topic going.

Build your answer

Write a few keywords. Then look away and speak. Notes stay on this page only.

Speak: your challenge

Perform a one-minute conversation about a new hobby. Include both speakers, two relevant follow-ups and one detail each person shares. Leave space between turns.

Choose a hobby you can describe simply. Do not memorise the model word for word.

Speak aloud. This page does not record, listen to or assess your speech. There is no automatic speaking score.

Self-check

Open to everyone. Answers, notes and checklists are not saved to an account. These original lessons use level labels to organize learning; completion is not official CEFR certification or proof of a level.