ESL Role Play Scenarios for Adults: 12 Role Plays (Free PDF)

Most role plays fall flat for one reason: both students already know how the conversation ends. The waiter takes the order, the customer pays, and nobody has to think. A role play works when each person wants something different and has to talk their way to a deal.

Below are 12 ESL role play scenarios for adults, from A1 to C1. Each one has two roles with a secret goal, so the pair has a real problem to solve. You also get five rules for running a role play, a few problem-solving role plays for groups, and a free printable set of role cards.

The activities at a glance

#	Scenario	Level	Language
1	Signing up for a class	A1-A2	Requests
2	Checking in at a hotel	A1-A2	Polite complaints
3	At the doctor's	A2-B1	Advice
4	Small talk at a party	A2-B1	Small talk
5	Returning headphones	A2-B1	Complaints
6	A call on a noisy train	A2-B1	Clarifying
7	Viewing a flat	B1-B2	Negotiating
8	The heating has broken	B1-B2	Polite pressure
9	Ordering coffee beans	B1-B2	Bargaining
10	Asking for a raise	B2-C1	Salary talk
11	Feedback to a colleague	B2-C1	Feedback
12	Not renewing a contract	B2-C1	Bad news

Free · printable PDFESL Role Play Cards for AdultsAll 12 scenarios below as cut-out cards: Role A and Role B for each, with a secret goal, the situation and three useful phrases. The teacher's version adds each scenario's hidden conflict, a fair outcome and the language to listen for.12 scenarios24 role cardsA1 to C1Hidden goalsTeacher's versionDownload the free PDF Teacher's versionUS Letter: student · teacher

How to run a role play that works

1.Give each role a secret goal

The tenant wants the rent 100 euros lower. The landlord has two other people interested. Neither knows what the other wants, so they have to ask, listen and offer something. Without a clash, a role play is a dialogue read aloud.

2.Give two minutes to prepare, not a script

Students read their card alone and underline one phrase they will use. A written script turns speaking into reading, and they stop listening to their partner.

3.Teach three phrases, not thirty

Each card carries three phrases at the right level. Put the same ones on the board. Students who have three ready-made sentences start talking; students with a list of thirty look for the perfect one.

4.Give feedback after, not during

Walk around and write down what you hear. Stopping a negotiation for an article costs the conversation more than the slip does. Afterwards, fix the phrases that sounded too direct: I want refund becomes I'd like a refund, please.

5.Report back, then swap roles

Each pair tells the class what they agreed and who gave up what. Then they swap cards and play it again. The second round is always better, because now they know what the other side wanted.

12 ESL role play scenarios for adults

Each scenario names both roles and their secret goals. Give Role A to one student and Role B to the other, and don't let them read each other's card.

A1-A2 role plays

At this level the conflict is small and practical: a full class, a room that is not what you booked. The phrases are short requests with I'd like and Can I.

1of 12A1-A2PairsRequests

Signing up for a class

Role A · Student

You want to start a beginner cooking class at the community centre. You are at the front desk.

Secret goal: You work every weekday until 6 p.m., so you can only come at weekends.

Role B · Receptionist

You work at the front desk of a community centre. A new student wants to join a cooking class.

Secret goal: The Saturday class is full. There is a Tuesday class at 7 p.m. and an online class any time.

Phrases: A: I'd like to sign up for... Is there a class on Saturday? B: Sorry, that class is full. What about...?

Where it usually ends: A Tuesday 7 p.m. class or the online option, or a waiting list for Saturday. Listen for: can + time phrases: on Saturday, at 7 p.m.; polite requests with I'd like to.

2of 12A1-A2PairsPolite complaints

Checking in at a hotel

Role A · Guest

You arrive at your hotel after a long trip. You booked a double room for three nights.

Secret goal: Your booking says sea view. You want that room, and you don't want to pay more.

Role B · Receptionist

A guest is checking in. You check the computer.

Secret goal: The system shows a double room without a view. The last sea view room costs 20 euros more a night.

Phrases: A: I have a booking for... My booking says... B: I'm sorry, but... I can offer you...

Where it usually ends: The sea view room at no extra cost for one night, or free breakfast. Listen for: There is / there are; I booked..., I have..., can I...?

Lessons for the A1-A2 role plays

Total Beginner is free and has students talk about new skills they want to try. Checking In, Checking Out teaches the full hotel conversation, from the booking to the bill.

Total BeginnerA1A2FreeOpen the free lesson →Checking In, Checking OutA1A2ProSee the Pro lesson →

A2-B1 role plays

Now students handle everyday friction: a doctor who disagrees, a shop with rules, a bad phone line. These scenarios practise polite complaints and asking people to repeat.

3of 12A2-B1PairsAdvice

At the doctor's

Role A · Patient

You have had a headache for a week. You are at the doctor's.

Secret goal: You want antibiotics and a note for five days off work.

Role B · Doctor

A patient comes in with a headache.

Secret goal: You think it is stress and too much screen time. You can give two days off, but no antibiotics.

Phrases: A: I've had a headache for... It hurts when... B: Do you sleep well? I'd recommend...

Where it usually ends: Two days off, rest from screens, and a check-up next week. Listen for: Present perfect with for and since: I've had it for a week; should and could for advice.

4of 12A2-B1PairsSmall talk

Small talk at a party

Role A · Guest

You are at a friend's birthday party. You don't know anybody here.

Secret goal: You are looking for a job in marketing. Find out what the other guest does and get their contact.

Role B · Guest

You are at a friend's birthday party. Another guest starts talking to you.

Secret goal: You work in marketing, but you don't want to talk about work tonight. Your last train is in 20 minutes.

Phrases: A: So how do you know...? What do you do? B: Anyway... I'm afraid I have to go soon.

Where it usually ends: They swap numbers and agree to talk next week. Listen for: Question tags and follow-up questions; polite ways to change the topic and end a chat.

5of 12A2-B1PairsComplaints

Returning headphones

Role A · Customer

You bought headphones in this shop three weeks ago. The left side has stopped working.

Secret goal: You want your money back. You have lost the receipt, but you paid by card.

Role B · Shop assistant

A customer brings back a pair of headphones.

Secret goal: You can't give a refund without a receipt. You can repair them (two weeks) or swap them if the customer can prove the purchase.

Phrases: A: I bought these here three weeks ago. They don't work. B: I'm afraid we can't... What we can do is...

Where it usually ends: The bank app shows the payment, so the shop swaps the headphones. Listen for: Past simple for what happened; I'd like..., I'm afraid we can't..., what we can do is...

6of 12A2-B1PairsClarifying

A call on a noisy train

Role A · Host

You are having a dinner party on Saturday. You call a friend to give them the details.

Secret goal: Your friend must know the address (14 Mill Lane, flat 3), the time (7.30) and to bring a dessert.

Role B · Friend

A friend calls you about a dinner party. You are on a very noisy train.

Secret goal: You keep missing words. Don't guess: check the address, the time and what to bring.

Phrases: A: It's at 14 Mill Lane. Let me spell that. B: Did you say 7.30 or 7.13? So that's flat 3, right?

Where it usually ends: The friend repeats all three details back correctly. Listen for: Clarifying questions: Sorry?, Did you say...?, So you mean...?; spelling and numbers.

Lessons for the A2-B1 role plays

Each scenario has a full lesson behind it, with the vocabulary, a model dialogue and more role plays.

At The Doctor'sA2B1ProSee the Pro lesson →The Art of Small TalkA2B1ProSee the Pro lesson →Writing a ComplaintA2B1ProSee the Pro lesson →Come again?A2B1ProSee the Pro lesson →

B1-B2 role plays

At B1-B2 both sides have something to lose. Students need conditionals for offers (If you sign for a year, I'll...) and softeners for saying no.

7of 12B1-B2PairsNegotiating

Viewing a flat

Role A · Tenant

You are viewing a one-bedroom flat. The rent is 950 euros a month.

Secret goal: You want the rent 100 euros lower, you want to move in in two weeks, and you have a cat.

Role B · Landlord

You are showing your flat to a possible tenant.

Secret goal: Two other people are interested. Pets are not in the contract, but you might allow one for a higher deposit. You want a 12-month contract.

Phrases: A: Is the rent negotiable? Would it be possible to...? B: I've had a lot of interest. I could agree to that if...

Where it usually ends: Rent of 900 euros, the cat allowed with a bigger deposit, a 12-month contract. Listen for: First conditional for offers: If you sign for a year, I'll...; Would it be possible to...?

8of 12B1-B2PairsPolite pressure

The heating has broken

Role A · Tenant

It is November. The heating in your flat stopped working three days ago. You call the building manager.

Secret goal: You want it fixed today. You work from home and the flat is very cold.

Role B · Building manager

A tenant calls about a problem in their flat.

Secret goal: The plumber can't come until Monday. You can bring an electric heater today.

Phrases: A: I'm calling about... It's been three days. B: The earliest we can do is... In the meantime, I can...

Where it usually ends: An electric heater today, the plumber first thing on Monday, and a small rent discount. Listen for: Present perfect continuous: It's been cold for three days; polite pressure: I really need...

9of 12B1-B2PairsBargaining

Ordering coffee beans

Role A · Café owner

You run a small café. You are meeting a new coffee supplier.

Secret goal: You want a 15% discount. You can only pay at the end of each month.

Role B · Supplier

You sell coffee beans to cafés. A café owner wants to order.

Secret goal: You can give 10%, or 15% if they sign a six-month contract. You prefer payment on delivery.

Phrases: A: What's the best price you can do? That's a bit more than we expected. B: I could offer... That would depend on...

Where it usually ends: 15% for a six-month contract, paid monthly. Listen for: Conditionals for offers; softeners: a bit, slightly, would you consider...?

Lessons for the B1-B2 role plays

Viewing a Flat and Reporting a Problem are part of a renting series. Bargaining is free and covers the language of offers and compromise.

Viewing a flatB1B2ProSee the Pro lesson →Reporting a problemB1B2ProSee the Pro lesson →BargainingB1B2FreeOpen the free lesson →

ESL Role Play Cards for AdultsReady to run them? All 12 scenarios are on cut-out cards, with a teacher's page of fair outcomes.Download the free PDF

B2-C1 role plays

Advanced role plays are about workplace conversations people dread: money, criticism and bad news. Here the challenge is tone, staying clear without sounding cold.

10of 12B2-C1PairsSalary talk

Asking for a raise

Role A · Employee

You have taken on the work of two colleagues who left this year. You have a meeting with your manager.

Secret goal: You want a 10% raise. You have an offer from another company, but you would prefer to stay.

Role B · Manager

A member of your team has asked for a meeting.

Secret goal: The salary budget is frozen until January. You can offer a new job title, a training budget or an extra day working from home.

Phrases: A: I'd like to discuss my salary. Since March, I've been... B: My hands are tied until... What I can do right now is...

Where it usually ends: A new title and training now, a written promise to review the salary in January. Listen for: Present perfect continuous for achievements; hedging: I was wondering if..., What would it take...?

11of 12B2-C1PairsFeedback

Feedback to a colleague

Role A · Team lead

One of your team's reports has been late three times this month, with mistakes in the numbers.

Secret goal: Get your colleague to agree to a plan, without starting an argument.

Role B · Colleague

Your team lead has asked for a quick chat.

Secret goal: You have been doing a sick colleague's work as well as yours for a month. You feel nobody has noticed.

Phrases: A: I wanted to talk about... I've noticed that... B: What you might not know is... I'd appreciate it if...

Where it usually ends: A shared deadline plan and some of the extra work moved to another colleague. Listen for: Softened criticism: I've noticed..., It seems that...; staying calm: I hear you, Let's look at...

12of 12B2-C1PairsBad news

Not renewing a contract

Role A · Manager

You manage a small team. A colleague's six-month contract ends next month.

Secret goal: The company will not renew it. Explain clearly and kindly, and offer a reference.

Role B · Employee

Your manager has asked to see you. Your six-month contract ends next month.

Secret goal: You were going to ask for a permanent contract today. You want to know why, and what happens next.

Phrases: A: I have some difficult news. The decision has been made to... B: Was it something I did? What happens next?

Where it usually ends: A clear reason, a strong reference and help finding the next job. Listen for: Passive for distance: The decision has been made; empathy phrases: I understand this is hard.

Lessons for the B2-C1 role plays

Getting a Raise, Defensive Colleague and How to Fire Someone are Business English lessons with case studies and structured role plays.

Getting a raiseB2C1ProSee the Pro lesson →Defensive ColleagueB2C1ProSee the Pro lesson →How to Fire SomeoneB2C1ProSee the Pro lesson →

Problem-solving role plays for groups

Some role plays work better in groups of three or four, where students play a team rather than two sides. Give the group a problem and a limit, and ask for one decision at the end.

Level	The problem	The limit
A1-A2	You are tourists in a city on a rainy day. Plan the day.	One activity each, and 30 euros between you.
B1	Your team is planning a charity event.	A budget of 500 euros and one month.
B2	Your plane has landed on a desert island. Choose what to do first.	You can save five things from the plane.
C1	You are consultants helping a company cut its waste.	Three changes, and none can cost jobs.

The limit does the work: without it, groups agree on everything in a minute. With it, they have to argue, compare and give up ideas they liked.

Mistakes your students will make

Teacher's reference

Role play slips to note for later

Students say	Better	Why
I want refund.	I'd like a refund, please.	Too direct, and the article is missing. I'd like sounds polite.
You must give me a discount.	Could you do a better price?	Must sounds like an order. A question leaves room to negotiate.
No. Is not possible.	I'm afraid that's not possible.	I'm afraid softens a no, and English needs the subject it.
Repeat, please.	Sorry, could you say that again?	Correct, but abrupt. A full question sounds friendly.
I am agree.	I agree.	Agree is a verb, so it needs no am.

Role play lessons by level

Level	Lesson	Role play inside
A1-A2	Total Beginner · free	Signing up for a class
A1-A2	Checking In, Checking Out	Checking in at a hotel
A2-B1	At the Doctor's	At the doctor's
A2-B1	The Art of Small Talk	Small talk at a party
A2-B1	Writing a Complaint	Returning headphones
A2-B1	Come Again?	A call on a noisy train
B1-B2	Viewing a Flat	Viewing a flat
B1-B2	Reporting a Problem	The heating has broken
B1-B2	Bargaining · free	Ordering coffee beans
B2-C1	Getting a Raise	Asking for a raise
B2-C1	Defensive Colleague	Feedback to a colleague
B2-C1	How to Fire Someone	Not renewing a contract