Special: What homestay students say · Beginner–Low Intermediate

Host Family English: Guided Role-play

Six illustrated scenes with useful expressions, follow-ups and a short reading.

Practise together on Teams · 4–6 students

One student is the host. Read the host’s line aloud. Everyone else chooses their own situation on their own screen.

Reply to the host using a phrase below and your own details. The host asks a follow-up; keep the conversation going. Listen and react to classmates. Change the host for the next scene.

Same link, independent clicks. Your choices are spoken aloud, not sent to the group.
Meet the 8 expressions

These expressions are useful options, not rules. A clear “No, thank you” or “I’m not feeling well” is natural too. You can always ask your host family for help.

Short reading: my first days with a host family

When I arrived at my host family’s house, everything felt new. At dinner, I tried an unfamiliar dish. “I’m not used to it yet,” I said. My host parent offered me more. “I really appreciate it, but I’m okay, thank you. I’m full.”

The next day, they invited me bowling. “It’s not really my thing, but I’d love to come and watch.” Later in the week, I felt tired and my throat hurt. “I’m feeling under the weather. I think I’ll pass this time. Can we take a rain check?”

That evening I wanted to rest. “Would it be okay if I took a shower now?” I asked. My host parent smiled. Asking for what I needed made things easier.

Talk together: Which expression would be most useful for you? When might you use it?

Host: say this to the group

Listen to the student’s reply. Ask about what they said before moving on.

For Mona: 55-minute lesson

Allow about 8 minutes for the expressions and short reading, about 6 minutes per scene, and the remaining time to revisit useful expressions and let students create a new host-family exchange. Adjust to the conversation; there is no need to finish every scene.

One volunteer plays the host, and the others choose their situations privately. Invite different responses to the same offer. The host asks follow-up questions; classmates can offer an alternative or ask about a detail. No breakout rooms or fixed speaking order are needed.

Model one exchange if helpful. Encourage a phrase plus a reason or request. Learners can point to the phrase bank while speaking; no typing, matching test, scoring, or marking is required.

Expressions you can use

Read the meanings. Tap a phrase if you want to keep it in mind.

Student: speak to your host

Choose your situation above. Use an expression and add your own reason or question.

See one possible response