Level: Upper-Intermediate to Advanced
Materials: Copy of Interview Sheet A or B for each student
Time: 15 – 30 minutes
Focus: Getting Acquainted (for new groups as well as groups where people know each other already rather well); discussion
Requirements: None
Preparation: None

Procedure:

1. Divide the students into pairs and distribute the interview sheets so that each student is paired with someone with a different sheet.
   
   
2. Explain to the students that they are to interview their partners and compare their partners' responses with their own. Give examples, "Are you more practical or idealistic? Are you more like the sun or the moon?" They should alternate their questions. Go around the class listening discretely and giving help if asked. Pair up with anyone who hasn't got a partner.
   
   
3. Optional: As they finish, students can find new partners and begin again.
   
   
4. If time permits, allow a couple of the pairs ask you a question.

Note:
It is highly recommended NOT to correct any mistakes during this exercise. Intruding with corrections sharply diminishes the quality and the intensity of the exchanges.
Be on the alert for students who finish this exercise very quickly. Changing partners will usually lead to a more in-depth involvement in the activity.

Acknowledgements: The standard version of this exercise (for use with groups) is described by Christine Frank and Mario Rinvolucri in "Forced Choices" in Grammar in Action Again: Awareness Activities for Language Learning, 2nd Ed., Prentice-Hall, 1991 and by Alan Maley and Alan Duff in "The Sun and the Moon," Drama Techniques in Language Learning, New Edition, Cambridge University Press, 1982. This version for pairs is adapted from one found in the dustbin in the Pilgrims Staff Room in the early 1980's. Many thanks to this unknown colleague for an excellent idea which never fails to work beautifully with all sorts of groups!

A

Find out which of the following your partner is more like. Take turns asking questions. After you ask each question, discuss how you are alike or unlike your partner.