Practice rejoinders and follow-up questions
In this activity, you will practice using rejoinders and follow-up questions.
Work in pairs. One of you is Student One, the other is Student Two. (If you have more people, you can take turns.)
First, read the instructions and example below. When you have understood, click on your page (Student One or Student Two) above.
First, Student One will choose a card that has the beginning of a conversation.
Student One: Start with a greeting (Hi! How’s it going? What’s up? What’s new?) then read the card out loud.
Student Two: Greet your partner, listen to what they say and respond with an appropriate rejoinder and a follow-up question.
Student One: Answer the question you hear. (You can make up any answer!)
After three or four goes, it’s the other person’s turn.
Listen to these people keeping their conversation going with rejoinders and follow-up questions.
??(If you like, open the Exercise below to practice the rejoinders and follow-up questions from this conversation.)
When you are ready, click on your page (Student One or Student Two) above and practice similar conversations.
Pick a card. Start with a greeting and then…
Your partner: Rejoinder + follow up question
You: Answer + more information
Your partner: Rejoinder + follow up question
You & your partner: (continue)
You: Ask What’s new with you?
I am getting married to the person of my dreams!
(Example) Wow, really? I’m so happy for you. When is the wedding?
I passed my driving test!
(Example) Yay, you did it! I'm so happy for you!
My friend lost her job yesterday.
(Example) Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.
(Use a real example from your life.)
(Rejoinder & follow-up questions)
Listen to your partner and respond with a rejoinder and follow-up questions. Then, pick a card below and ...
Your partner: Rejoinder + follow up question
You: Answer + more information
Your partner: Rejoinder + follow up question
You & your partner: (continue)
You: Ask What’s new with you?
I’m going to Portland next week.
(Example) That sounds great! Are you excited about it?
My car has a flat tire.
(Example) That’s too bad. Do you have a spare tire?
I’m going to go home and make dinner for my kids.
(Example) Awesome! What are you going to make for them?
(Use a real example from your life.)
(Rejoinder & follow-up questions)