Rebus puzzles are popular games played using either words or pictures that, with a little lateral thinking, can be seen to represent a whole different word or phrase. Here are 15 examples to use with your students. After you have used these, why not make your own, or even better, have your students make their own?

A set of 10 conversation prompts for use with your English language students, useful for warm-ups and encouraging students to use the language rather than simply study it.

Stimulate discussion in English with these conversation prompt cards designed to make students talk about themselves. With this set of 30 free conversation prompts, help your students practise beginner language patterns commonly used to form and answer questions, while discussing their own preferences and abilities. This set is colour-coded to demonstrate common patterns and collocations: Key language: Do you…? Do you have…? Can you…? What is your favourite… What … do you like? Have you been to…? These conversation prompts allow you students to identify and learn common English patterns in a natural, communicative way, while making the class personal to them and their lives. These cards are suitable for beginner to pre-intermediate learners and above. This small set is provided free. Check out more of our products on Foreign Language Teachers to find materials for all levels and ages of learner. Enliven your language classroom with engaging discussions!

Challenge your students with these common phrases to describe time. How was the day before yesterday? Were you busy two Saturdays ago? What are you doing the week after next? Try these discussion cards for free with your students, and stimulate free discussion with a grammar focus in the classroom. Find many more discussion cards with Foreign Language Teachers on this site!

A selection of discussion prompts for your ESL classroom, useful for a variety of levels. This set is divided into two categories with brief grammatical explanations to help you pre-teach the language point. The two categories are; If: The first conditional Have: The present perfect

A common EFL activity that is very good for helping students practise their pronunciation and identify the differences between minimal pairs. The teacher should demonstrate the activity with the whole class first. 1. Each student receives a sound destination card 2. Students form into pairs 3. One student becomes the guide, and says either of the words on the first row. 4. The listening student must follow the line in the direction of the correct word. 5. The first student now chooses one of the next two minimal pairs, and the listening student follows again. 6. Continue along the four sets of minimal pairs until the listener identifies the city they have finished on. Easy to use and easy to understand, these cards help students to identify pronunciation points and work on them with or without supervision. This free version contains two cards: one sheet of minimal pairs students commonly need help with, and one specifically focusing on /l/ and /r/

Stimulate discussion in English with these conversation prompt cards designed to elicit discussion about all things related to health and well-being. With this set of 60 conversation prompts, help your students encounter and understand terms and phrases commonly used to talk about this topic in English, all while discussing choices and issues personal to themselves. The questions in this set are grouped into the following categories: Exercise and physical activity Diet and nutrition Mental health Health habits & lifestyle choices Health care Environmental and societal factors These categories are colour-coded, but of course you may find you own groups and subtopics! Example target vocabulary: Regular exercise Social well-being Dietary health Caloric intake Wellness Mindfulness … plus many more! Example questions: How does your community promote or prevent a healthy lifestyle? What measures can cities take to improve air quality to ensure respiratory health? How do sports contribute to both physical health and social well-being? These cards are designed for intermediate levels and above but are suitable for pre-intermediate learners with selection as appropriate and pre-study of the topic. They are especially good for advanced learners, affording the chance to discuss a challenging topic in depth. They are appropriate for all ages of learners from early teens onwards, regardless of if they are currently at school or graduated some time ago. They are also appropriate for adult learners. These cards ensure your students learn naturally, increasing the fluency, accuracy, and vocabulary while discussing their own experiences, preferences, and feelings about all forms of health. These conversation prompts allow you students to identify and learn common English patterns and collocations in a natural, communicative way, while making the class personal to them and their lives. Check out more of our products on Foreign Language Teachers to find materials for all levels and ages of learner. Enliven your language classroom with engaging discussions!

Stimulate discussion in English with these conversation prompt cards designed to elicit understanding and discussion of proverbs and sayings from all around the world! With this set of 24 conversation prompts, your students can have in depth discussions about the meaning and relevance to themselves of these powerful sayings. Each card comes with both the proverb and its origin, and discussion prompts based on the meaning of the proverb. Is a beautiful thing really never perfect (Egyptian)? If you turn your face to the sun, do the shadows fall behind you (Maori)? Does he who grasps at too much, hold onto little (Spanish)? Discuss these and more, find out what your students think, and help them improve their English communicative and idiomatic skills. These cards are suitable for intermediate level learners and above. These cards ensure your students learn naturally, increasing fluency and grasp of idiomatic language. Check out more of our products on Foreign Language Teachers to find materials for all levels and ages of learner. Enliven your language classroom with engaging discussions!

A set of 40 conversation prompts for use with your English language students, useful for warm-ups and encouraging students to use the language rather than simply study it. This set teaches a variety of grammar patterns in the same way as the set “40 TEFL conversation prompt flash cards” (https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/40-tefl-conversation-prompt-flash-cards-11649540) but uses different topics of conversation. It is recommended that you do not only use these conversation prompts to teach, but also to learn about your students: discover their language needs and any points they need further practice on.

60 conversations prompts designed to demonstrate and elicit the correct grammar patterns of make, let, and allow when used to express permission and obligation. Each question draws attention to the common English pattern of grammar for using these verbs: *make + someone + verb let + someone + verb allow + someone + to + verb* These cards allow learners to practise using these forms while talking about their experiences in a natural way, without direct feeding of language by the teacher. The prompts encourage free production and the noticing and acquisition of the grammar patterns. Made for a variety of levels, it is encouraged that teachers of lower-level students first select from these cards the prompts they feel are most appropriate for the abilities and interests of their students.

Talk about business with your English students! In this set you will find 70 conversation prompts designed to: a) demonstrate the usage of common English business vocabulary, in their common collocations. b) elicit the usage of these words and phrases. The prompts cover a diverse range of topics, from types of industry to employment concerns, and from economic issues to business ethics. Each question is carefully selected to demonstrate the vocabulary in an appropriate, natural way, eliciting open-ended responses to encourage evolving conversations among learners and teachers. Vocabulary and phrases included in this set: bankrupt blue-collar worker white-collar worker pink-collar worker foreign investment industry to invest in service industry manufacturing industry entertainment industry food industry primary sector secondary sector tertiary sector unemployment mass-unemployment employment rates unemployment rate to stem unemployment free market economy startup workforce overtime overtime culture inclusive discrimination maternity leave paternity leave ethics ethical unethical actions to take vacation work-life balance These colour-coded prompts are suitable for all learners of English of above intermediate levels of proficiency, especially for adult learners of English with experience in the world of business. Enliven your language classroom with engaging discussions! Example questions: What is a good idea for a startup company? What industry do you work in? What are some big companies in the service industry? What do you understand by the term free market economy? What actions can be taken to prevent discrimination in the workplace?

A set of 40 conversation prompts for use with your English language students, useful for warm-ups and encouraging students to use the language rather than simply study it. It is recommended that you do not only use these conversation prompts to teach, but also to learn about your students: discover their language needs and any points they need further practice on.

90 conversations prompts categorised for the teaching and elicitation of phrases to discuss personal experiences, including: I have seen… I have tried… I have been… I haven’t done… What have you…? (Who/Where/How…) These cards allow learners to practise talking about their experiences in a natural way, without direct feeding of language by the teacher. The prompts encourage free production and the noticing and acquisition of grammar patterns. They have been organised so that certain patterns and language points are noticed and developed before or after the activity, allowing their use for a variety of teaching methodologies. These cards can be divided in several ways: by the main verb used (be, do, eat, try, see) and question forms, by common collocations, and by other patterns, and several ideas have been included for teachers. Made for a variety of levels, it is encouraged that teachers of lower-level students first select from these cards the prompts they feel are most appropriate for the abilities and interests of their students.

A common EFL activity that is very good for helping students practise their pronunciation and identify the differences between minimal pairs. The teacher should demonstrate the activity with the whole class first. 1. Each student receives a sound destination card 2. Students form into pairs 3. One student becomes the guide, and says either of the words on the first row. 4. The listening student must follow the line in the direction of the correct word. 5. The first student now chooses one of the next two minimal pairs, and the listening student follows again. 6. Continue along the four sets of minimal pairs until the listener identifies the city they have finished on. Easy to use and easy to understand, these cards help students to identify pronunciation points and work on them with or without supervision. These 11 sheets cover minimal pairs that students commonly struggle with, including /l/ /r/, /th/ /s/, /v/ /b/, /i/ /ai/, and more.

70 conversations prompts categorised for the teaching and elicitation of two grammar patterns: it makes me … (40 prompts) e.g. What makes you angry at work? emotion adjective + about… (30 prompts) Are you worried about the future? These cards allow learners to share their opinions in a natural way that encourages the free production of language, while at the same time encouraging the noticing and acquisition of the core grammar patterns. Whether you choose to pre-teach or post-teach the grammar points, these cards enable you to easily set up communicative discussions between pairs or small groups of learners. Made for a variety of levels, it is encouraged that teachers of lower-level students first select the cards they feel are most appropriate for the abilities and interests of their students.

30 conversations prompts categorised for the teaching and elicitation of phrases to discuss gossip and rumours, including: I’ve heard… (some) people say… It’s been said that… Many people believe that… These cards allow learners to practise talking about rumours and gossip in a natural way while avoiding directly endorsing what they are saying. The prompts encourage the free production of language, while at the same time encouraging the noticing and acquisition of grammar patterns whether pre-taught or not, and enable teachers to easily set up communicative discussions between pairs or small groups of learners. Made for a variety of levels, it is encouraged that teachers of lower-level students first select the cards they feel are most appropriate for the abilities and interests of their students.

Stimulate discussion in English with these conversation prompt cards all about food! With this set of 70 conversation prompts, help your students practise language patterns commonly used to form and answer questions, while discussing their relationship with food, cooking, and healthy eating. What is your favourite healthy food? What time do you usually eat breakfast? You are a vegetarian, aren’t you? Each colour-coded set of questions is designed to demonstrate common patterns taught to pre-intermediate learners of English, with special phrases specifically related to food and dining delineated in italics. Key language demonstrated: Adverbs of frequency – Usually. (e.g. What time do you usually eat at the weekend?) “Will” & “going to” (e.g. Will you eat out this week? Are you going to cook tonight?) Simple past (e.g. Did you skip breakfast yesterday?) Expressing preferences (e.g. which do you prefer, Italian or Mexican food?) Superordinals in the present perfect (e.g. What is the most delicious meal you have eaten?) Question tags – do/is/are/can (e.g. you’re a good cook, aren’t you? You like ice cream, don’t you?) …and many more! These conversation prompts allow you students to identify and learn common English collocations and patterns in a natural, communicative way, while making the class personal to them and their lives. These cards are suitable for pre-intermediate learners, but are also suitable for those above. Discussion-based, they can be used to start a class or activity, before having students develop from there. Identify common errors and language needs while your students talk, and enliven your language classroom with engaging discussions!

Stimulate discussion in English with these conversation prompt cards designed to elicit the use of adverbs! One of the trickiest word forms for students to master, adverbs add descriptive nuance and detail to spoken language. With this set of 60 conversation prompts, help your students practise common adverb formation and usage. These sets are colour-coded to group specific adverbs of manner, or patterns of usage. Examples include: well badly slowly quickly fast clearly fluently professionally fashionably quietly hard/hardly carefully/carelessly perfectly/imperfectly carelessly/thoughtfully …and more! These conversation prompts allow you students to identify and learn common English usage of adverbs and their collocations in a natural, communicative way, while making the class personal to them and their lives. These cards are suitable for intermediate learners and above. Enliven your language classroom with engaging discussions!

Stimulate discussion in English with these conversation prompt cards designed to elicit discussion about all things related to travel. With this set of 90 conversation prompts, help your students encounter, notice, and practise language patterns commonly used to form and answer questions in English. These cards ensure your students learn naturally, increasing the fluency, accuracy, and vocabulary while discussing their own experiences, preferences, and feelings about travel. This set is colour-coded to separate and demonstrate common patterns and collocations: Key language patterns: How many times a year do you…? e.g. How many times a year do you travel overseas? Have you ever…? e.g. Have you ever been on a package tour? What is the <superlative phrase> you have been on? e.g. What is the longest vacation you have been on? Where would you like to visit in…? e.g. Where would you like to visit in Asia? Adverbs of frequency: e.g. Who do you usually travel with? If you could… would you…? e.g. If you could take a cruise anywhere, where would you go?* Would you like to…? e.g. Would you like to visit Machu Picchu?* Do you prefer… or …? e.g. Do you prefer long vacations at home or short vacations abroad? Where is a good place to/for…? e.g. Where is a good place to travel for a school trip?* What do you like about…?/What don’t you like about…? e.g. What do you like about travelling domestically?* Do you enjoy ….ing…? e.g. Do you enjoy trying new food when you travel overseas?* Key vocabulary and phrases: Adverbs of frequency:* Usually, normally, often, sometimes* Continents and regions:* North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania, North pole* Superlatives: most beautiful, most expensive, worst, longest, shortest, etc Take a flight / Go on a cruise / Go hitchhiking / Go on a package tour overseas / abroad travel for business / travel for pleasure Haggling Exchange money Passport Domestic / International Public transport / by plane / train alone / with family / with friends adventure cuisine / eat out experience a different culture / sights hot climate / cold climate These conversation prompts allow you students to identify and learn common English patterns in a natural, communicative way, while making the class personal to them and their lives. These cards are designed for intermediate levels and above, but are suitable for pre-intermediate learners depending on language goals and careful selection of language by patterns/sets. Check out more of our products on Foreign Language Teachers to find materials for all levels and ages of learner. Enliven your language classroom with engaging discussions!

Stimulate discussion in English with these conversation prompt cards designed to elicit discussion about all things related to music. With this set of 100 conversation prompts, help your students encounter, notice, and practise language patterns and collocations commonly used to form and answer questions in English. Questions are colour-coded and grouped into common language patterns, with repetition of question forms designed to encourage language uptake as students share their answers. Example questions and patterns: What is the most played instrument in the world? Who is the greatest singer ever? Which do you like better, jazz or classical music? Which is more difficult, playing guitar or playing piano? Who was John Lennon? What is your favourite album? What genre of music don’t you like? Can you play any instruments? Have you ever played a live concert? How much do you know about hip-hop? Do you listen to music while driving? Do you listen to music when you are sad? …. and more! These cards are designed for intermediate levels and above, but are suitable for most levels depending on language goals and careful selection of questions. They are appropriate for all ages of learners from early teens to adults, regardless of if they are currently at school or graduated some time ago. These cards ensure your students learn naturally, increasing the fluency, accuracy, and vocabulary while discussing their own knowledge and feelings about music. These conversation prompts allow you students to identify and learn common English patterns in a natural, communicative way, while making the class personal to them and their ideas. Check out more of our products on Foreign Language Teachers to find materials for all levels and ages of learner. Enliven your language classroom with engaging discussions!