That's not right! Small talk activity (portfolio assignment)

(this activity wa downloaded from In Company Pre-intermediate Resource materials)

Look at the things you might say during a business lunch. In each pair of sentences, only one is correct. Score out the incorrect sentence each time. Then roleplay the three stages of the conversation using audio / video format. Make sure the sequence makes sense. You can add extra sentences to the dialogue.

Stage 1

1A So, shall we take a drink at the bar while we wait for our table?
2A OK. Do you mind if I just have a mineral water?
3A Mineral water, sure. Gassy or flat?
4A On second thought, I’ll have a martini.
5A Good idea. I think I’ll join you.
6A Great place, by the way. Do you go here often?
7A Quite often. Ah, looks like our table’s ready. After you.

1B So, shall we have a drink at the bar while we wait for our table?
2B OK. Do you care if I just have a mineral water?
3B Mineral water, sure. Still or sparkling?
4B On second thoughts, I’ll have a martini.
5B Good idea. I think I’ll copy you.
6B Great place, by the way. Do you come here often?
7B Quite often. Ah, looks like our table’s ready. Behind you.


Stage 2


8A Wow! What a fantastic view of the city!
9A Isn’t it? Now, this is the main menu and those are the particulars.
10A OK. So, what do you recommend?
11A Well, you could attempt the rabbit. That’s very good here.
12A Actually, I’m not that keen for rabbit.
13A Well, the veal is also a speciality.
14A Mmm, that sounds good.


8B Wow! What a fantastic sight of the city!
9B Isn’t it? Now, this is the main menu and those are the specials.
10B OK. So, what do you guarantee?
11B Well, you could try the rabbit. That’s very good here.
12B Actually, I’m not that keen on rabbit.
13B Well, the veal is also a specialism.
14B Mmm, that sounds well.

Stage 3

15A So, are you ready to order?
16A Yeah, I’m going to have the fillet – I like a good bloody steak.
17A OK. And shall we have a bottle of red of the house?
18A A whole bottle? What about this afternoon’s meeting?
19A Good point. Let’s just have a pair of glasses, then.
20A Fine. Well, I think this morning’s presentation went very well.
21A Mmm, let’s hope this afternoon is just as successful.


15B So, are you ready to command?
16B Yeah, I’m going to have the fillet – I like a good rare steak.
17B OK. And shall we have a bottle of the house red?
18B A whole bottle? How about this afternoon’s meeting?
19B Good point. Let’s just have a couple of glasses, then.
20B Fine. Well, I think this morning’s presentation came very well.
21B Mmm, let’s hope this afternoon is just so successful