FREE Conversation Prompt Helper - ESL Speaking Cheat Sheet

Help students feel more confident during speaking activities with these Conversation Cheat Sheet Helpers—a clear, student-friendly reference designed to support meaningful classroom conversations. This printable cheat sheet gives learners the language they need to participate, respond, and keep conversations going without freezing or relying on scripted answers.

How it works

Students use the cheat sheet as a visual support during partner work, group discussions, role plays, or conversation games. Each section provides sentence starters and expressions for common conversation moves, making it easier for students to speak naturally and stay engaged.

What’s Included

• Printable conversation cheat sheet (one-page reference)
• Language support for agreeing and disagreeing
• Question starters and follow-up questions
• Sentence frames for giving opinions and making comments
• Expressions for changing the subject and making suggestions

Why Teachers Love It

• Boosts student confidence during speaking activities
• Encourages more natural, extended conversations
• Great support for ESL/ELL learners and reluctant speakers
• Perfect for discussion-based lessons, conversation cards, and games
• Low-prep: print, laminate, or add to student binders

How to use it in class

Use the cheat sheet during partner discussions, speaking centers, debate activities, or oral exams. It also works well as a desk reference, binder insert, or projected classroom anchor chart.

Get started

Download and print the cheat sheet to give your students the conversational support they need to speak with confidence and clarity.

Keywords

conversation cheat sheet, speaking sentence starters, ESL conversation support, discussion sentence frames, oral language practice, speaking and listening skills, ESL classroom tools, conversation prompts for students, free teacher resource