Looking for a fun way to practise requests and real-world English? This free ESL roleplay activity helps students build confidence using everyday phrases in a shopping context. It’s great for practising polite language, asking for information, and handling simple transactions – ideal for elementary and pre-intermediate level learners.
Students move around the classroom in a realistic roleplay, visiting different shops, asking for items on their shopping lists, and interacting with student shopkeepers. This is a lively activity that works well with large classes and encourages natural speaking practice.
Activity Overview
- Level: Elementary / Pre-intermediate
- Target language: Making polite requests, asking for quantities and prices
- Time: 20–30 minutes
- Group size: Whole class
What you need
- One shopping list per student (download here)
- One shop card for each of the following shops:
- Greengrocer’s
- Butcher’s
- Bakery
- Newsagency
- Some play money (or copies of fake money)
How to set up and run the activity
- Fold the shop cards in half and place them on four tables around the room. Position them so the shop name faces outward and prices face the shopkeeper.
- Choose four shopkeepers and assign them to the shops.
- Give each remaining student a different shopping list.
- Students move around the classroom, visiting the shops on their list and roleplaying buying each item.
Example dialogue:
A: “Hello, could I have some tomatoes please?”
B: “How many would you like?”
A: “I’d like 5, please.”
B: “Here you are.”
A: “How much is that?”
B: “That’s $2.99.”
A: “Here you are.”
B: “Thank you.”
Why use this activity?
This roleplay provides a fun, interactive way to practise polite requests and real-life English. Students use key functional phrases, reinforce vocabulary for food and shopping, and gain confidence speaking in a simulated real-world situation. It also encourages listening and thinking on the spot.
Related links
- How to Use Roleplays in ESL Teaching – Tips for using roleplays effectively.
