Dialogs are a great way for English students to practice their skills and develop a better understanding of the language. This is because:

• Students can model their own conversations after dialogs.
  
• When students engage in dialogues, they are forced to practice correct language usage in a way that helps them improve.
• Students can use dialogues to inspire creativity.
• Listening comprehension exercises can be based on dialogues.

In most English classes, students use dialogues to develop their conversation skills. Dialogues can be incorporated into classroom activities in a variety of ways. Students can use the suggestions below to role-play and practice new tenses, structures, and language functions. They can then use the dialogues as models to practice writing and speaking on their own once they have become familiar with these new language elements.

Vocabulary Exercises

Dialogs can be used to teach students about standard formulas used to discuss a variety of topics. Dialogues are especially useful for teaching new expressions and idioms. Even though these expressions might seem simple on their own, introducing them through dialogues can help students apply the new vocabulary immediately.

Split students into pairs and assign each pair a topic to discuss. Each student should incorporate a few given idioms or expressions into their dialogue before time runs out.

Gap Fill Exercises

Dialogues make perfect gap-fill exercises. Take a sample dialogue and remove keywords and phrases from it. Students can be assigned to read the dialogue to the class, then other students can fill in the missing words and phrases. Students can also create their own sample dialogues and quiz each other to see how well they can fill in the blanks.

Dialogues for Role-Playing and Acting

The process of writing a dialogue for a short scene or a soap opera helps students focus on correct expressions, analyze language, and develop their writing skills. Have students act out their skits and scenes for the rest of the class once they have completed their scripts.

Dialogue Dictations

Write dialogue samples for popular TV shows such as The Simpsons or The Office. You can also write a script together as a class and assign each student a specific character to play. Students can pay attention to details as the plot unfolds during this exercise.

Memorizing Dialogues

As a way to help students improve their vocabulary, have them memorize simple dialogues. This type of rote work can help students develop good habits as their English skills improve.

Open-Ended Dialogues

Provide students with a list of responses you've provided, and create sample dialogues that show the words of only one speaker. The beginning or end of a sentence can also be provided for each speaker. For upper-level English learners, completing this type of dialogue can be difficult.

Recreating Scenes

Have students recreate their favorite movie scenes. Compare the students' version of the scene to the original by having them act it out in front of the class.