TEACHER’S NOTES

ESL / EFL RESOURCES Stop Bugging Me!

Activity Type Introduction

Reading, writing, In this useful worksheet activity, students answer questions using
listening and speaking common expressions of irritation.
activity, pairwork
Procedure
Language Focus Write the eight expressions from the worksheet on the board.
Expressions of irritation
Explain the meaning of each response and give some examples of
how these expressions are used.
Aim
Do something annoying like making a loud noise.
To answer questions
using common Ask students a 'Does it bother you when...?' question, e.g. 'Does
expressions of irritation. it bother you when I make a loud noise?'

Have the students respond using the eight expressions.

Preparation
Then, discuss what other things bother the students in their daily
Make one copy of the two
life.
worksheets for each pair
of students.
Next, divide the students into pairs (A and B)

Level Give each student a corresponding A or B worksheet.

Intermediate The students take it in turns to ask their partner the questions on
the worksheet.

Time Their partner replies using the expressions on the worksheet to

30 minutes show their degree of irritation.

The student asking the question then checks the appropriate box
next to the question on the worksheet.

Encourage the students to also ask follow-up questions to gain

more information, e.g. 'What do you usually do when someone...?'

This continues until all the questions have been asked and
answered.

Afterwards, have the students report back to the class on their

partner's irritations.

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 LIKES AND DISLIKES

ESL / EFL RESOURCES Stop Bugging Me!

Student A

Does it bother you when people… 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

a. stop at the bottom of escalators?

b. kiss in public?

c. forget your name?

d. talk very loudly?

e. jump the queue?

f. call you early in the morning?

g. use your things without asking?

h. give out your phone number?

i. throw rubbish on the floor?

j. look at the time when you’re talking?

k. are late?

l. cancel on you?

1. Yes, I can't stand it when people…

2. Yes, I could scream when people…
3. Yes, it drives me up the wall when people…
4. Yes, it really annoys me when people…
5. Yes, I hate it when people…
6. Yes, it gets on my nerves when people…
7. Yes, it bugs me when people…
8. No, it doesn't bother me when people…

Teach-This.com © 2018 Permission granted to reproduce for classroom use.

 LIKES AND DISLIKES

ESL / EFL RESOURCES Stop Bugging Me!

Student B

Does it bother you when people… 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

a. send you junk email?

b. crack their knuckles?

c. ignore you?

d. don't tidy up after themselves?

e. always make excuses?

f. make a noise when you're sleeping?

g. ask your age?

h. don't return your things?

i. interrupt you when you're speaking?

j. drive very slowly?

k. talk during movies?

l. break their promises?

1. Yes, I can't stand it when people…

2. Yes, I could scream when people…
3. Yes, it drives me up the wall when people…
4. Yes, it really annoys me when people…
5. Yes, I hate it when people…
6. Yes, it gets on my nerves when people…
7. Yes, it bugs me when people…
8. No, it doesn't bother me when people…

Teach-This.com © 2018 Permission granted to reproduce for classroom use.