English for Speakers of Other Languages

3. Express Needs, Likes & Feelings

Level: Beginner/Early Intermediate

Supporting Materials

How to Teach

How to Assess


Corresponding State Language Forms

One or two-word answers (nouns or yes/no) to questions about preferences, (e.g., two, apples, or tree)

Simple sentences with subject/verb/object. "I like/don’t like—(object)—." I need a /some — (object)—."

At the end of this language function, students will be able to...

  • Compliment and praise another student or adult
  • Express desire and ask about wants and needs
  • Express likes and favorites
  • Express feelings

Sample Language Patterns:

Compliment and praise:
  • I like ___.
  • You are a good ___.
  • You are good at ___.
  • That’s very nice of you
Express desire and ask about wants and needs:
  • What do you want/need?
  • I want/need ___. (article + noun)
  • Do you need ___? Which ___ (one) do you want?
  • Which ___ do you want (need)?
  • I want (need) ___ (article + adjective + noun).
  • What do you want to do?
  • I want to ___ (verb).
Express likes and favorites:
  • Do you like ___ (noun or verb+ing)?
  • I don’t like ___ (noun or verb+ing).
  • I like your ___ (noun).
  • I like the way you ___ (verb).
  • Who (What) is your favorite ___ noun?
  • My favorite ___ is ___.
Express feelings:
  • How do you feel?
  • I feel ___ (adjective).
  • Do you think he is ___ (adjective) or ___ (adjective)?
  • He is ___ (adjective).
  • Is everything ok?
  • Yes, (no) I don’t like the ___ (noun).
  • What’s wrong?
  • I’m ___ (sad, worried, sick, etc).