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Meeting a New Classmate

Scénario d'expression orale en Anglais

Bella

A warm British English speaker with a gentle, attentive style.

30 years · female

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Conversation

Tell me about a time when you met a new classmate.

Parle-moi d’un moment où tu as rencontré un nouveau camarade de classe.

Bonne réponse:

I met a new classmate on the first day of a course. We sat next to each other, so I asked where she was from and whether she had found the classroom easily. It was a simple question, but it helped start the conversation. After that, we talked about the teacher and the timetable. I was a little nervous because I did not know anyone yet, but speaking to one person made the class feel friendlier. Later, we sometimes studied together before tests.

J’ai rencontré une nouvelle camarade de classe le premier jour d’un cours. On s’est assis l’un à côté de l’autre, alors je lui ai demandé d’où elle venait et si elle avait trouvé la salle de cours facilement. C’était une question simple, mais ça a permis de lancer la conversation. Après ça, on a parlé du professeur et de l’emploi du temps. J’étais un peu nerveux parce que je ne connaissais encore personne, mais parler à une seule personne a rendu la classe plus conviviale. Plus tard, il nous est arrivé d’étudier ensemble avant les examens.

Why can it be difficult to start talking to someone new?

Bonne réponse:

It can be difficult because the student may not know what to say first. A simple question about the class can help start the conversation. For example, they can ask if there is homework or whether the teacher has arrived. This feels natural because both students are in the same situation. Without a topic, the student may stand silently and feel more nervous. Starting with class information is easy, and it can lead to a more friendly conversation after class.

Is it easier to meet classmates before class or during group work?

Bonne réponse:

I think it is easier during group work because there is already a reason to speak. Students can talk about the task first, so the conversation does not feel forced. For example, they can ask who will write, who will read, or what answer the group should choose. After that, it is easier to ask small personal questions. Group work also shows how the other person communicates. If the task goes well, students may feel more comfortable speaking again after class.

What advice would you give to a student who wants to make classmates feel welcome?

Bonne réponse:

Saying hello and asking a simple question on the first day is enough. A small friendly action can make a new classmate feel included. The question does not need to be personal. It could be about the class, the timetable, or the homework. If the new student answers briefly, that is fine too. The important thing is to show that someone has noticed them. In a new class, even one friendly conversation can make the day feel much easier and warmer.