Food

Role-Plays

Scenario #1:
Deciding on a Meal to Cook

Scenario Useful Expressions

Location: Kitchen Here are some possible questions and
statements to include in your role-play.
Characters: Two Roommates
You don’t have to use them all.

• How about...
Student A:
• We could make...
You feel like pasta for dinner. You don’t want
meat. You suggest looking through some • I’ve been wanting to try...
cookbooks, but you can’t find one. Everything
• I’m craving seafood.
you suggest, your roommate says “no” to.
• I don’t feel like that.

Student B: • We had that last week.

You feel like something light for dinner. • I want something different.
You’re craving seafood. Disagree with all of your
roommate’s suggestions, except his/her final
one. Offer to help make dinner.

Class Questions Writing

Your class will have to be able to answer the Optional.
following questions after you perform your skit: Use a blank piece of paper or your notebook.

1. What do the roommates NOT want to eat? 1. W

 ork together with your partner to
write a dialogue based on the scenario.
2. What are the roommates craving for dinner?
2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.
3. Who is going to make the dinner?

4. What do the roommates decide to make for dinner?

Copyright 2018, Red River Press Inc. For use by ESL Library members only. ( I N T – A DV / V E R S I O N 3 . 0) 1
 Food
Role-Plays

Scenario #2:
Ordering a Meal at a Restaurant

Scenario Useful Expressions

Location: Restaurant Here are some possible questions and
statements to include in your role-play.
Characters: Customer and Server
You don’t have to use them all.

• What do you recommend?

Student A:
• Do you have any specials?
You are ordering a meal at a restaurant.
Ask about the specials. Describe your • I’m actually allergic to...
food allergy and request a substitution.
• Today’s special is...

• Can I interest you in some...?

Student B:
• I can ask the chef to hold the...
You are taking an order at a restaurant.
Tell the customer what the specials are. Help • Would you like a beverage?
the customer solve his/her food allergy problem
by offering a substitution of one ingredient in
the special. Try to get your customer to order
an appetizer.

Class Questions Writing

Your class will have to be able to answer the Optional.
following questions after you perform your skit: Use a blank piece of paper or your notebook.

1. What meal is the customer interested in? 1. W

 ork together with your partner to
write a dialogue based on the scenario.
2. What substitution does the server suggest?
2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.
3. How does the server try to
increase the cost of the bill?

4. Where are the people?

Copyright 2018, Red River Press Inc. For use by ESL Library members only. ( I N T – A DV / V E R S I O N 3 . 0) 2
 Food
Role-Plays

Scenario #3:
Shopping for Party Supplies

Scenario Useful Expressions

Location: Grocery Store Here are some possible questions and
statements to include in your role-play.
Characters: Stocker and Shopper
You don’t have to use them all.

• Can you help me find the baking aisle?

Student A:
• Hmm, I don’t see any cake mixes.
You are in a grocery store looking for supplies for
a party. You can’t find the cake mixes and icing. • Just my luck.
Ask a stocker to help you. Ask if you can have a
• Do you think they would offer me a discount?
discount at the bakery when the item you need is
sold out. • Right this way.

• It looks like we’re all sold out.

Student B:
• Have you been by the bakery?
Help a shopper find the baking aisle. Point out
• The cakes are baked
that the cake mixes are sold out. Suggest the
from scratch every morning.
bakery as an alternative. Tell the shopper how
good the cakes are.

Class Questions Writing

Your class will have to be able to answer the Optional.
following questions after you perform your skit: Use a blank piece of paper or your notebook.

1. What do the people find in the baking aisle? 1. W

 ork together with your partner to
write a dialogue based on the scenario.
2. What is the shopper looking for?
2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.
3. What suggestion does the employee make?

4. W
 hat does the shopper ask
for due to the inconvenience?

Copyright 2018, Red River Press Inc. For use by ESL Library members only. ( I N T – A DV / V E R S I O N 3 . 0) 3
 Food
Role-Plays

Scenario #4:
Changing One’s Diet

Scenario Useful Expressions

Location: Doctor’s Office Here are some possible questions and
statements to include in your role-play.
Characters: Nutritionist and Patient
You don’t have to use them all.

• I don’t have any energy.

Student A:
• I’m always tired.
You are visiting a nutritionist for advice about
your lack of energy. You’re tired of being tired! • I need to make some changes.
Ask for diet advice from the nutritionist. Tell the
• I have a sweet tooth.
nutritionist about your current diet, which is full
of sugar, breads, cereals, and orange juice. • You’re experiencing a sugar low.

• You need to lower your sugar intake.

Student B:
• Consume whole fruit rather than fruit juices.
You’re a nutritionist. Listen to your patient’s
• You need some energy-rich foods.
concerns about his/her lack of energy. Ask
the patient about his/her typical food intake.
Recommend that your patient stop eating so
much sugar. Recommend meat, vegetables, nuts,
and seeds, and explain that juice is full of sugar
and that whole fruit is a better option.

Class Questions Writing

Your class will have to be able to answer the Optional.
following questions after you perform your skit: Use a blank piece of paper or your notebook.

1. W
 hat does the nutritionist 1. W
 ork together with your partner to
suggest about orange juice? write a dialogue based on the scenario.

2. What changes does the nutritionist recommend? 2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.

3. Describe the patient’s typical diet.

4. Why does the patient visit the nutritionist?

Copyright 2018, Red River Press Inc. For use by ESL Library members only. ( I N T – A DV / V E R S I O N 3 . 0) 4
 Food
Role-Plays

Scenario #5:
Cleaning Out a Fridge

Scenario Useful Expressions

Location: Kitchen Here are some possible questions and
statements to include in your role-play.
Characters: Parent and Child
You don’t have to use them all.

• I need a hand cleaning out the fridge.

Student A:
• You are not getting out of this.
It’s garbage day. Ask your child to help you
clean out the fridge. There are leftovers that • These vegetables need to go.
nobody has eaten. There is also rotting fruit
• This fruit has gone bad.
and vegetables.
• Can’t we do it later?

Student B: • I’ll get the trash can.

Your parents want you to help clean out the • These leftovers are old.
fridge. Try to get out of helping by making up
• That’s disgusting! Gross!
an excuse. Your parent does not take no for
an answer. Express your disgust about the
rotting food.

Class Questions Writing

Your class will have to be able to answer the Optional.
following questions after you perform your skit: Use a blank piece of paper or your notebook.

1. What are the family members doing? 1. W

 ork together with your partner to
write a dialogue based on the scenario.
2. What happens when the child
tries to get out of helping? 2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.

3. What food needs to be thrown out?

4. How does the child feel about this chore?

Copyright 2018, Red River Press Inc. For use by ESL Library members only. ( I N T – A DV / V E R S I O N 3 . 0) 5
 Food
Role-Plays

Scenario #6:
Following a Recipe

Scenario Useful Expressions

Location: Kitchen Here are some possible questions and
statements to include in your role-play.
Characters: Two Siblings
You don’t have to use them all.

• Can you help me get dinner ready?

Student A:
• I’ll take care of the veggies; you do the meat.
You want to make a special dinner for your
mother’s birthday. Ask your sibling to help. Work • Where is the cheese grater?
together to follow a recipe for tacos. Your job is
• Ouch, I cut my finger!
to slice the vegetables and grate the cheese. You
cut your finger while cooking. • What can I do to help?

• What kind of seasoning does it say to use?

Student B:
• How does it say to cook the meat?
It’s your mom’s birthday. Help your sibling make
• We forgot to preheat the oven.
your mother a special taco dinner. Your job
is to cook and season the meat. Remind your
sibling that you need to turn the oven on to
heat the shells.

Class Questions Writing

Your class will have to be able to answer the Optional.
following questions after you perform your skit: Use a blank piece of paper or your notebook.

1. Why are the siblings making dinner? 1. W

 ork together with your partner to
write a dialogue based on the scenario.
2. What do they decide to make?
2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.
3. What does one sibling forget to do?

4. What job does each person have in the preparation?

Copyright 2018, Red River Press Inc. For use by ESL Library members only. ( I N T – A DV / V E R S I O N 3 . 0) 6
 Food
Role-Plays

Scenario #7:
Out for a Drink

Scenario Useful Expressions

Location: Bar Here are some possible questions and
statements to include in your role-play.
Characters: Boss and Employee
You don’t have to use them all.

• Thanks for offering to buy me a drink.

Student A:
• I can’t drink; I’m driving.
Your boss is taking you out for a drink after
work. You don’t want an alcoholic drink because • I’m going to see if I can get a virgin cocktail.
you’re driving. Tell your boss you will have a
• So, what are your plans for the weekend?
nonalcoholic version of a cocktail that’s on the
menu. Engage in some small talk as you wait for • I really appreciate all of
the server. your hard work this week.

• I need a drink.
Student B:
• It has been a crazy week.
You are taking an employee out for a drink
• How’s the family?
after work to thank him/her for doing a great
job this week. Your employee doesn’t want to
drink alcohol, but you do. It has been a long
week! Engage in some small talk as you wait
for the server.

Class Questions Writing

Your class will have to be able to answer the Optional. Use a blank piece of
following questions after you perform your skit: paper or your notebook.

1. Who are the people, and where are they? 1. W

 ork together with your
partner to write a dialogue
2. W
 hat is the difference between the two
based on the scenario.
drinks that the people are going to order?
2. U
 se some of the expressions
3. What kind of week has it been for the boss?
above in your skit.
4. What do the people talk about while they are waiting for the server?

Copyright 2018, Red River Press Inc. For use by ESL Library members only. ( I N T – A DV / V E R S I O N 3 . 0) 7
 Food
Role-Plays

Scenario #8:
Coffee Break

Scenario Useful Expressions

Location: Coffee Shop Here are some possible questions and
statements to include in your role-play.
Characters: Barista and Customer
You don’t have to use them all.

• Let’s see if I can remember everything.

Student A:
• I think I forgot one drink. Oh, what was it?
You are at a coffee shop and you have to order
four drinks for yourself and your colleagues. Try • Just make it a regular coffee.
to remember all of the orders. Ask if you can pay
• Do you take debit?
with your debit card instead of cash.
• How can I help you?

Student B: • Is there anything else?

You work at a coffee shop and a customer • Did your friend want a coffee,
comes in with a big order. Repeat all of the tea, or maybe some juice?
drinks to make sure the customer remembered
• Can I interest you in some
everything. Try to help the customer remember
freshly baked cookies?
a beverage that he/she forgets. Convince the
customer to buy some snacks too.

Class Questions Writing

Your class will have to be able to answer the Optional.
following questions after you perform your skit: Use a blank piece of paper or your notebook.

1. How does the customer want to pay? 1. W

 ork together with your partner to
write a dialogue based on the scenario.
2. Why is the customer buying so many drinks?
2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.
3. W
 hat does the barista convince the customer
to buy in addition to the beverages?

4. What does the customer forget?

Copyright 2018, Red River Press Inc. For use by ESL Library members only. ( I N T – A DV / V E R S I O N 3 . 0) 8
 Food
Role-Plays

Scenario #9:
Choosing a Restaurant

Scenario Useful Expressions

Location: In a Car Here are some possible questions and
statements to include in your role-play.
Characters: Two Friends
You don’t have to use them all.

• What do you feel like having?

Student A:
• I’d like to have a sit-down dinner.
You and a friend are driving around looking for
a place to go for dinner. You are the driver. Make • I feel like Mexican/Italian/Chinese.
some suggestions for different types of cuisine.
• Why don’t we get takeout?
You want to go somewhere nice for a sit-down
dinner. Your friend wants fast food. Compromise • I’m on a budget.
with your friend.
• Let’s just get fast food.

• I’d be happy with a burger and fries.

Student B:
• That sounds like a plan.
You and a friend are driving around looking for
a place to go for dinner. You are the passenger.
You are on a budget and would like to eat fast
food. Your friend wants a sit-down dinner.
Compromise with your friend to decide on
a place to eat.

Class Questions Writing

Your class will have to be able to answer the Optional.
following questions after you perform your skit: Use a blank piece of paper or your notebook.

1. Where are the friends during this conversation? 1. W

 ork together with your partner to
write a dialogue based on the scenario.
2. What type of food does the driver want to eat?
2. Use some of the expressions above in your skit.
3. What type of food does the passenger want to eat?

4. How do the friends compromise?

Copyright 2018, Red River Press Inc. For use by ESL Library members only. ( I N T – A DV / V E R S I O N 3 . 0) 9
 Food
Role-Plays

Quick Cards

Scenario #1: Scenario #1:

DECIDING ON A MEAL TO COOK DECIDING ON A MEAL TO COOK

Location: Kitchen Location: Kitchen
Characters: Two Roommates Characters: Two Roommates

Student A: Student B:

You feel like pasta for dinner. You don’t want meat. You feel like something light for dinner.
You suggest looking through some cookbooks, but You’re craving seafood. Disagree with all of your
you can’t find one. Everything you suggest, your roommate’s suggestions, except his/her final one.
roommate says “no” to. Offer to help make dinner.

Expressions: Expressions:

• How about... • I’m craving seafood.

• We could make... • I don’t feel like that.
• I’ve been wanting to try... • We had that last week.
• I want something different.

Scenario #2: Scenario #2:

ORDERING A MEAL AT A RESTAUR ANT ORDERING A MEAL AT A RESTAUR ANT

Location: Restaurant Location: Restaurant
Characters: Customer and Server Characters: Customer and Server

Student A: Student B:

You are ordering a meal at a restaurant. You are taking an order at a restaurant. Tell the
Ask about the specials. Describe your customer what the specials are. Help the customer
food allergy and request a substitution. solve his/her food allergy problem by offering
a substitution of one ingredient in the special.
Expressions:
Try to get your customer to order an appetizer.
• What do you recommend?
Expressions:
• Do you have any specials?
• I’m actually allergic to... • The special today is...
• Can I interest you in some... (appetizers/dessert)?
• I can ask the chef to hold the...
• Would you like a beverage?

Copyright 2018, Red River Press Inc. For use by ESL Library members only. ( I N T – A DV / V E R S I O N 3 . 0) 10
 Food
Role-Plays

Quick Cards cont.

Scenario #3: Scenario #3:

SHOPPING FOR PART Y SUPPLIES SHOPPING FOR PART Y SUPPLIES

Location: Grocery Store Location: Grocery Store

Characters: Stocker and Shopper Characters: Stocker and Shopper

Student A: Student B:

You are in a grocery store looking for supplies for
a party. You can’t find the cake mixes and icing. Ask
a stocker to help you. Ask if you can have a discount
at the bakery when the item you need is sold out.
Expressions:
• Can you help me find the baking aisle?
• Hmm, I don’t see any cake mixes.
• Just my luck.
• Do you think they would offer me a discount?
Help a shopper find the baking aisle. Point out that
the cake mixes are sold out. Suggest the bakery as an
alternative. Tell the shopper how good the cakes are.
Expressions:
• Right this way.
• It looks like we’re all sold out.
• Have you been by the bakery?
• The cakes are baked from scratch every morning.

Scenario #4: Scenario #4:

CHANGING ONE’S DIET CHANGING ONE’S DIET

Location: Doctor’s Office Location: Doctor’s Office

Characters: Nutritionist and Patient Characters: Nutritionist and Patient

Student A: Student B:

You are visiting a nutritionist for advice about your You’re a nutritionist. Listen to your patient’s concerns
lack of energy. You’re tired of being tired! Ask for about his/her lack of energy. Ask the patient about
diet advice from the nutritionist. Tell the nutritionist his/her typical food intake. Recommend that your
about your current diet, which is full of sugar, breads, patient stop eating so much sugar. Recommend meat,
cereals, and orange juice. vegetables, nuts, and seeds, and explain that juice is
full of sugar and that whole fruit is a better option.
Expressions:
Expressions:
• I don’t have any energy.
• I’m always tired. • You’re experiencing a sugar low.
• I need to make some changes. • You need to lower your sugar intake.
• I have a sweet tooth. • Consume whole fruit rather than fruit juices.
• You need some energy-rich foods.

Copyright 2018, Red River Press Inc. For use by ESL Library members only. ( I N T – A DV / V E R S I O N 3 . 0) 11
 Food
Role-Plays

Quick Cards cont.

Scenario #5: Scenario #5:

CLEANING OUT A FRIDGE CLEANING OUT A FRIDGE

Location: Kitchen Location: Kitchen
Characters: Parent and Child Characters: Parent and Child

Student A: Student B:

It’s garbage day. Ask your child to help you clean out Your parent wants you to help clean out the fridge.
the fridge. There are leftovers that nobody has eaten. Try to get out of helping by making up an excuse.
There is also rotting fruit and vegetables. Your parent does not take no for an answer.
Express your disgust about the rotting food.
Expressions:
Expressions:
• I need a hand cleaning out the fridge.
• You are not getting out of this. • Can’t we do it later?
• These vegetables need to go. • I’ll get the trash can.
• This fruit has gone bad. • Those leftovers are old.
• That’s disgusting! Gross!

Scenario #6: Scenario #6:

FOLLOWING A RECIPE FOLLOWING A RECIPE

Location: Kitchen Location: Kitchen
Characters: Two Siblings Characters: Two Siblings

Student A: Student B:

You want to make a special dinner for your mother’s
birthday. Ask your sibling to help. Work together
to follow a recipe for tacos. Your job is to slice the
vegetables and grate the cheese. You cut your
finger while cooking.
Expressions:
• Can you help me get dinner ready?
• I’ll take care of the veggies; you do the meat.
• Where is the cheese grater?
• Ouch, I cut my finger!
It’s your mom’s birthday. Help your sibling make your
mother a special taco dinner. Your job is to cook and
season the meat. Remind your sibling that you need
to turn the oven on to heat the shells.
Expressions:
• What can I do to help?
• What kind of seasoning does it say to use?
• How does it say to cook the meat?
• We forgot to preheat the oven.

Copyright 2018, Red River Press Inc. For use by ESL Library members only. ( I N T – A DV / V E R S I O N 3 . 0) 12
 Food
Role-Plays

Quick Cards cont.

Scenario #7: Scenario #7:

OUT FOR A DRINK OUT FOR A DRINK

Location: Bar Location: Bar
Characters: Boss and Employee Characters: Boss and Employee

Student A: Student B:

Your boss is taking you out for a drink after work. You
don’t want an alcoholic drink because you’re driving.
Tell your boss you will have a nonalcoholic version of a
cocktail that’s on the menu. Engage in some small talk
as you wait for the server.
You are taking an employee out for a drink after work
to thank him/her for doing a great job this week. Your
employee doesn’t want to drink alcohol, but you do.
It has been a long week! Engage in some small talk as
you wait for the server.

Expressions: Expressions:

• Thanks for offering to buy me a drink. • I really appreciate all of your hard work this week.
• I can’t drink; I’m driving. • I need a drink.
• I’m going to see if I can get a virgin cocktail. • It has been a crazy week.
• So, what are your plans for the weekend? • How’s the family?

Scenario #8: Scenario #8:

COFFEE BREAK COFFEE BREAK

Location: Coffee Shop Location: Coffee Shop

Characters: Barista and Customer Characters: Barista and Customer

Student A: Student B:

You are at a coffee shop and you have to order
four drinks for yourself and your colleagues. Try to
remember all of the orders. Ask if you can pay with
your debit card instead of cash.
Expressions:
• Let’s see if I can remember everything.
• I think I forgot one drink. Oh, what was it?
• Just make it a regular coffee.
• Do you take debit?
You work at a coffee shop and a customer comes in
with a big order. Repeat all of the drinks to make sure
the customer remembered everything. Try to help the
customer remember a beverage that he/she forgets.
Convince the customer to buy some snacks, too.
Expressions:
• How can I help you?
• Is there anything else?
• Did your friend want a coffee,
tea, or maybe some juice?
• Can I interest you in some freshly baked cookies?

Copyright 2018, Red River Press Inc. For use by ESL Library members only. ( I N T – A DV / V E R S I O N 3 . 0) 13
 Food
Role-Plays

Quick Cards cont.

Scenario #9: Scenario #9:

CHOOSING A RESTAUR ANT CHOOSING A RESTAUR ANT

Location: In a Car Location: In a Car

Characters: Two Friends Characters: Two Friends

Student A: Student B:

You and a friend are driving around looking for a
place to go for dinner. You are the driver. Make some
suggestions for different types of cuisine. You want to
go somewhere nice for a sit-down dinner. Your friend
wants fast food. Compromise with your friend.
You and a friend are driving around looking for a
place to go for dinner. You are the passenger. You
are on a budget and would like to eat fast food.
Your friend wants a sit-down dinner. Compromise
with your friend to decide on a place to eat.

Expressions: Expressions:

• What do you feel like having? • I’m on a budget.

• I’d like to have a sit-down dinner. • Let’s just get fast food.
• I feel like Mexican/Italian/Chinese. • I’d be happy with a burger and fries.
• Why don’t we get takeout? • That sounds like a plan.

Teachers’ Notes
Be sure to print out our Role-Play Teachers’ Notes for tips and
ideas on using the Role-Play section in class. For related materials,
check out our Lesson Collection on Food & Dining:
https://esllibrary.com/collections/10/lessons

Copyright 2018, Red River Press Inc. For use by ESL Library members only. ( I N T – A DV / V E R S I O N 3 . 0) 14