Phrasal verbs: decision-making

This worksheet focuses on mastering common English phrasal verbs used when talking about making decisions. Learners build vocabulary, improve fluency, and practise applying new expressions in realistic professional and personal contexts related to choices.

Activity Overview:

Activity 1 – Vocabulary Introduction:
Learners read a short dialogue between two colleagues discussing business proposals. They match highlighted phrasal verbs (e.g., narrow down, rule out, mull over) to their definitions.
Activity 2 – Discussion Practice: Learners apply the target phrasal verbs to a decision-making scenario involving a professional development budget.

Activity 3 – Real-Life Application: Students discuss a series of everyday situations where decisions must be made. Prompts guide them to use the target phrasal verbs while expressing opinions, comparing options, and reaching conclusions.

Activity 4 – Recognition and Matching: Short dialogues illustrate additional decision-related phrasal verbs (think over, decide on, turn down, settle for). Learners match each dialogue to the correct definition.

Activity 5 – Reflection Questions: Learners respond to personal discussion questions about past decisions, encouraging extended speaking practice and reinforcing accurate use of the new verbs.

Activity 6 – Paraphrasing Practice: Sentences are rewritten using phrasal verbs from the lesson, helping learners strengthen comprehension and recall through substitution exercises.

Activity 7 – Decision-Making Scenarios: Learners work in pairs or small groups to make collective decisions (e.g., buying a car, planning a trip, or choosing a pet). They must use at least five phrasal verbs from the worksheet in natural conversation.

For more speaking practice, you can use the printable conversation cards.