3 Things: A Simple, No-Prep ESL Writing Activity

If you’re looking for a fun, quick, ESL writing activity, then you’ll certainly want to consider 3 things. It’s ideal for getting students to use their creative side and the other good thing is that it requires no materials except for paper and pen. It’s also a nice, no prep ESL activity. Have some fun with English writing with your students today!

3 Things English writing activity

3 Things English Writing Activity: Introduction

Skills: Writing/Listening

Time: 10+ minutes

Level: Beginner-advanced

Materials Required: Nothing

Have students think of three random things for a partner. For example A, B, and C. They should be objects, animals or people of some kind. Or, you may want to do it related to a theme. For example, Halloween.

Then, students have to write a story using all three of these things. It can be silly, and actually, the sillier the better! The length of the story and the time you give depends on the level of your students. Students can share their story with the person who thought of the three objects.

A Variation for Beginners

For beginners to English writing, you may want to do this together as a class. The students could shout out three random words and then you can write them on the board. Then, they could help you write a simple story using those words.

Or, you may want to consider showing them an example of a simple, silly story using random words and then have them make their own using new words but with many of the same sentences from the example one. This is a nice transition into more advanced levels of writing but a step up from simply copying what they see.

Procedure for 3 Things English Writing Activity

Put students into pairs and each person has to think of three random objects for their partner.
Students have to write a short story using those three objects. Consider using an adaptation (mentioned above) for beginners. You could also consider having students do this in pairs and writing the story together.
Then, they can share their story with their partner.
You can also ask for volunteers to share their stories with the class or require that students turn in a more polished version of this for a homework assignment.

Did you Like this ESL Writing Activity?

ESL Writing Activities, Games & Teaching Tips: Practical Ideas for the Classroom (How to Teach ESL...

Bolen, Jackie (Author)
English (Publication Language)
84 Pages - 12/09/2019 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)

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3 Things English writing activity

Have your Say about 3 Things, a Simple ESL Writing Activity

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