Can: Speaking Activity Conversation Questions

This is a speaking activity designed to help practise using can and can’t in context. The lesson for this topic is here, the grammar exercises for this topic are here. This is part of a completely free A1/A2 level English course.

Ask and answer the following questions in pairs or groups to pracise using can in context. Try to use the words can and can’t as much as possible in your answers. Try to make a conversation based on each question, do not give short answers.

• General Abilities
  • What can you do really well?
  • What can’t you do well?
  • What can’t you do that you would like to be able to do?
  • Can you swim? How often do you go swimming?
  • Can you ride a bike? When did you learn?

• Communication:
  • Can you speak in public without feeling nervous?
  • Can you explain complicated ideas in a simple way?
  • Can you write stories or poems?
  • How many languages can you speak? Which languages? How well can you speak each language?

• Hobbies and Interests:
  • Can you play a musical instrument? Which one?
  • Can you draw or paint? What do you like to create?
  • Can you sing? Do you enjoy karaoke?
  • Can you dance? Have you ever taken dance lessons?

• Daily Activities:
  • Can you cook? What’s your favorite dish to prepare?
  • Can you speak another language besides English?
  • Can you use a computer well? What programs can you use?
  • Can you tell a joke? What’s your favorite joke?

• School and Learning:
  • Can you do mathematical calculations easily?
  • Can you remember names and dates well?
  • Can you memorize things quickly?

• Creativity:
  • Can you draw or paint well?
  • Can you come up with original ideas for projects?
  • Can you play a musical instrument?
  • Can you write a short story or create a simple song?

• Social Skills:
  • Can you make friends easily?
  • Can you understand how others are feeling without them telling you?
  • Can you resolve conflicts peacefully?
  • Can you give a speech or presentation to a group of people?

• Future Plans:
  • Can you imagine living in a different country? Where would you like to live?
  • Can you see yourself in a specific job in the future? What is it?
  • Can you travel alone? Where would you like to go?
  • Can you imagine learning a new skill or hobby in the future?

• Challenges:
  • Can you handle stressful situations well?
  • Can you stay calm in an emergency?
  • Can you give an example of a something difficult that you did?

• Teamwork:
  • Can you work well in a team? Why or why not?
  • Can you think of a time when your abilities helped a team succeed?
  • Can you contribute a unique skill to a group project?

• Problem-Solving:
  • Can you solve a Rubik’s Cube?
  • Can you do crosswords?
  • Can you generate creative solutions to problems?
  • Can you fix simple things around the house, like a leaking tap or change a light switch?

• At work or school:
  • Can you wear whatever you want or do you have to wear a uniform?
  • What can’t you do at work or school?
  • Can you work remotely or do you have to physically attend work or school.