Routine Tasks & Small Talk
Review the language you already know and expand it for more natural everyday conversations. This unit focuses on speaking + listening: greetings, “How’s it going?”, short updates, and routine-task language (appointments, errands, schedules).
SWBAT (Objectives)
- Start and maintain small talk using natural greetings and follow-up questions.
- Give short, clear updates about routine tasks (appointments, errands, schedules).
- Use time phrases and frequency language to talk about everyday routines.
- Listen for key details in short workplace/public conversations and respond appropriately.
Language Focus (A2)
- How’s it going?
- How have you been?
- Good to see you / Long time no see
- What’s new?
- I’m just heading to…
- I’ve got to run an errand.
- I’m on my way to an appointment.
- I’m a bit busy today, but…
- usually / often / sometimes / hardly ever
- on Mondays / at 8:30 / after work
- this morning / tonight / later / right now
- once a week / twice a month
Teacher tip: encourage follow-up questions (Really? / Why? / When? / How long?) to keep the conversation going.
Model Dialogue (Small Talk)
A: Hey! How’s it going?
B: Pretty good—just busy. How about you?
A: Same. I’m heading to the bank after work. I’ve got a couple errands.
B: Oh yeah? What do you have to do?
A: I need to pick up a package and then I’ve got an appointment at 5:30.
B: Sounds like a full day. Want to grab coffee tomorrow?
A: Sure! I’m free after 10. Text me.
Optional upgrade: students replace 3 lines with their own details (real errands, real times).
Listening (Speaking → Listening → Speaking)
- Where are they? (street / office / store)
- Are they busy or free?
- What’s the plan?
- 2 routine tasks mentioned
- 1 time mentioned
- 1 follow-up question
- Students answer: “What are you doing later?”
- They ask 2 follow-up questions.
Controlled Practice (Accuracy)
Match starters to endings, then say them aloud:
• I’m just… / I’ve got to… / I need to…
→ pick up a package / run an errand / call the clinic / stop by the bank
Put the words in order (100% → 0%), then create 4 true sentences:
always / usually / often / sometimes / hardly ever / never
Choose the best follow-up:
A: “I’m heading to an appointment.” → B: (When? / Where? / Why? / How long?)
Communicative Speaking Task (Fluency)
- Student A: you are busy today (3 tasks + 2 times).
- Student B: start small talk + ask 4 follow-up questions.
- Switch roles. Try again with new tasks.
- Add a problem (late bus / lost wallet / wrong address).
- Invite someone: “Want to…?” “Are you free…?”
- Polite closing: “Anyway, I should run…”
- One “strong” phrase used
- One follow-up question
- One time/frequency phrase
Exit Ticket (5 minutes)
- Write 2 sentences about what you’re doing later (include 1 time).
- Write 2 follow-up questions you can ask a classmate.
- Pair-share for 60 seconds using your sentences/questions.
Homework
- Audio task: record 60–90 seconds. Start with a greeting, then give 3 routine tasks + 2 times, and end politely.
- Worksheet: complete the Unit 1 practice sheet (frequency + follow-up questions).
- Optional: listen to the dialogue again and shadow (repeat) 5 lines for rhythm.
Materials & Downloads
- Unit 1 Slides — PPTX
- Dialogue — PDF · Audio — MP3
- Listening Worksheet — PDF · Listening Pack — MP3
- Practice Worksheet — PDF · Role-Play Cards — PDF
- Exit Ticket — PDF · Homework — PDF
Swap placeholders with real file paths. Keep links relative (e.g., /levels/a2/assets/ and /audio/a2/).