Classroom English for Students

Use English in your lessons!

You can speak to your teacher and your
classmates in English during the lesson.
Use the following expressions as much
as you can.

Greetings at the start of class

Everyone, please stand up / bow / sit down.
Good morning / afternoon, Mr. / Ms. / Mrs. Wilson.

Taking attendance / the register

Teacher: Who’s absent today? / Is there anyone absent today?
Student: Sally’s absent today. She has a stomachache.
Teacher: Did anyone hear anything about Mike?
Student: I got an e-mail from Mike this morning. He can’t come to school
today because he’s sick.

Reviewing the last lesson and checking homework

Teacher: What did we study last lesson? Do you remember?
Student: I think we studied Part 1 on page 21.

Asking for clarification

I’m sorry, I missed the question.
Where are we? / What page are we on?
Ms. Wilson, I forgot to bring my textbook today. What should I do?
I have a question.
We’re not sure whether our answers are correct or not.
Could you look at the (third) line from the top / bottom? It says “I’m in favor
of the proposal.” What does that mean?
I think I understand. Does that mean … ?
I still don’t understand the instructions for the activity.
Could you repeat that, please?
Could you say that again more slowly?
Could you repeat the (second) question?

Classroom English for Students © Oxford University Press

Asking questions and explaining problems
Excuse me, can I go to the bathroom?
I’m sorry, but I haven’t done my homework.
I’m sorry, but I can’t hear the CD clearly.
Could you turn the volume up, please?
Sorry, but I can’t hear you over here.
I’m sorry, but I don’t know the answer. Can I ask my partner / neighbor,
please?
We don’t have enough handouts / worksheets. Can you give us (two) more,
please?

Doing pair and group work

I don’t have a partner.
We have only two people. What should we do? Should we join another
group?
We’re not sure what we’re supposed to do.
I’ll be person A, and you can be person B.
Should I start the conversation?
It’s your turn to speak.

Discussion activities and asking for opinions

Who wants to be a moderator?
I moderated the discussion yesterday, so can one of you moderate today?
Any volunteers?
Let’s decide by rock, paper, scissors.
What do you think about … ? / What’s your opinion about … ?

Classroom English for Students © Oxford University Press

Discussion – Giving opinions
I think that …
In my opinion, …
As far as I can tell, …

Discussion – Agreeing
I agree with what you’re saying.
Exactly!
You’re right / correct.
I think so, too.

Discussion – Politely disagreeing

I know what you mean, but don’t you think … ?
I see what you’re trying to say, but I’m afraid I can’t agree with you on that
point.

Giving peer feedback

Good work. / Good. / Great!
How did you know that?
That’s informative.
That’s an interesting idea.
I like your idea.
I hadn’t thought about that.
You speak English very well.

Classroom English for Students © Oxford University Press