ID Cards is a simple ESL introduction/ice breaker game to get students introduced to each other. In this activity students are put into pairs. The teacher gives each student a card with a number of questions. The students must interview each other and fill out their card. Later the students use the information they have collected to introduce their partner to the rest of the class. This activity is particularly useful for first class especially in situations where the students do not know each other.  This activity can be used with young learners, teens and adults.

Aim: To practice speaking, introducing another student and basic writing

Level: Lower Intermediate and above

Time: 10 – 30 minutes

Method

1. Put students into pairs and each student is given a blank identity card.

2. In pairs, students interview each other and fill in the blanks in their identity cards.

3. After, each student introduces their partner using the cards to help them.

Alternative Ideas:

• Get students to memorise the information on the cards and then tell the other students about their partner.

• Get students to draw a picture of their partner and later hang them in the classroom.