Discussion Question
Remember: Answer then Volley back!
Active Conversation
Learn how to keep conversations alive and sound like a native speaker.
1 Active Conversation
To keep a conversation alive, use the “Answer + Question Back” technique.
The Volley Rule
When someone “serves” a question, hit it back! Always follow your answer with a question for them.
Practice: The Live Volley
Teacher: Ask these questions. Student: Answer and immediately “toss the ball” back.
“Do you like living in this city?”
“Are you busy with work today?”
“Have you tried that new restaurant?”
“How long have you been studying English?”
“What are you doing for your next holiday?”
“Are you into playing any sports?”
2 Advanced: The “Dropping” Rule
In casual English, native speakers often drop the initial auxiliary verbs (Are, Do, Have) and even the subject (you).
Practice: Look at the formal question on the left. Think of the natural version, then click the card on the right to flip it and reveal the answer!
“Do you want some coffee?”
“Wanna coffee?”
“Are you going to the party?”
“Goin’ to the party?”
“Do you see what I mean?”
“See what I mean?”
“Have you got a minute?”
“Got a minute?”
“Are you finished yet?”
Click to reveal…
“Finished yet?”
“Does that sound good?”
Click to reveal…
“Sound good?”
“Do you need any help?”
Click to reveal…
“Need a hand?”
“Are you ready to go?”
Click to reveal…
“Ready to head out?”
3 Discussion
Click a card below to focus on a question. Practice using the Dropping Rule when asking, and always use the Volley Rule when answering!
Have you been busy lately?
Did you have lunch?
What are you doing this weekend?
What’s your plan for tomorrow?
Do you think it might rain later?
Ever been to Japan before?