Starting conversations

It is hard for a newcomer to start a conversation with an English speaking neighbor or co-worker. Here are 5 questions to get them started. These also help them to understand how they might respond to questions asked of them. Practice them in class and give them an assignment of trying them out on someone they meet. Let them report back their experiences to the class

What is your name?
Where do you live?
What do you do?
Are you married?
Where are you from?

But then what? Here are some suggestions for continuing the conversation.

What is your name?
It's a pleasure to meet you. Where are you from?
That's an interesting name. Is it Chinese / French / Indian, etc.?

Where do you live?
How long have you lived there?
Do you like that neighborhood?
Do you live in an apartment or house?

What do you do?
Which company do you work for?
How long have you had that job?
Do you like your job?
What's the best / worst thing about your job?
What do you like best / least about your job?

Are you married?
How long have been married?
Where did you get married?
What does your husband / wife do?
Do you have any children?

Where are you from?
Where is ....?
How long did you live there?
What is your country like?
Do you like living here?

These questions will help you ask for more detail.

What do you like doing in your free time?
How often do you (listen to music, eat out in restaurants, etc.)?
Where do you (listen to music, eat out in restaurants, etc.) in this town?
Why do you like (listening to music, eating out in restaurants, etc.) so much?

Can you play tennis / golf / soccer / etc.?
Do you enjoy playing tennis /golf /soccer /etc.?
How long have you played tennis /golf /soccer /etc.?
Who do you play tennis /golf /soccer /etc. with?

What kind of films / food / vacations do you enjoy?
What's the best place to see /eat / go on vacations?
What's the best type of film /food / vacation, etc. in your opinion?
How often do you watch films / eat out / go on vacation?

What do you do on weekends / Saturdays?
Where do you go to ...?
Could you recommend a good place to (go shopping / take my children swimming / etc.)?
How long have you done that?

All of these questions also helps your students to understand how they might respond to questions asked of them. Practice starting conversations in class and give them an assignment of trying them out on someone they meet. Let them report back their experiences to the class