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Pre-intermediate (A2) 30 minutes
ESL online forms activity, running dictation, application form completion, matching, pre-intermediate A2 students

ESL Online Forms Activity - Reading and Speaking: Running Dictation - Vocabulary and Reading Exercises: Form Completion, Matching

In this useful online forms activity, students practice completing forms used for online transactions with personal details. First, in pairs, students take part in...

ESL Online Forms Activity - Reading and Speaking: Running Dictation - Vocabulary and Reading Exercises: Form Completion, Matching In this useful online forms activity, students practice completing forms used for online transactions with personal details. First, in pairs, students take part in a running dictation. The readers stand up, run to a text about someone's personal details, read a sentence or two, run back and dictate what they read to their partner, who writes it down. This continues until the text has been fully dictated. When the students have finished, the readers sit with the writers to check their text. Students then complete an online application form for a language course using the information from the text. Next, students match keywords in the online application form with their definitions. Lastly, students match the words to another person's details.
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Swipe Right

Pre-intermediate (A2) 30 minutes
ESL online profiles worksheet, reading, writing, guessing activities, pre-intermediate A2 students

ESL Online Profiles Worksheet - Reading and Writing Exercises: Gap-fill, Writing Sentences - Speaking Activity: Discussion, Communicative Practice

This fun online dating worksheet helps students learn about and practice writing online profiles. Students start by reading the profiles of six people on a...

ESL Online Profiles Worksheet - Reading and Writing Exercises: Gap-fill, Writing Sentences - Speaking Activity: Guided Discussion, Guessing Communicative Practice This fun online dating worksheet helps students learn about and practice writing online profiles. Students start by reading the profiles of six people on a dating app. Students then complete sentences about the people with the correct person's name. Next, in pairs, students discuss and write down which of the six people they think would be suited to each other, giving reasons for their choices. Working alone, students then write an online profile of their own. Lastly, students take turns reading out another student's profile to the class, who try to guess whose it is.
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Video Conferencing Language

Pre-intermediate (A2) 30 minutes
ESL video conferencing activity, dialogue ordering, matching, performing, pre-intermediate A2 students

ESL Video Conferencing Activity - Reading and Vocabulary Exercises: Matching, Categorising - Speaking Activity: Performing a Dialogue - Pair and Group

In this productive video conferencing language activity, students practice vocabulary and phrases used in online conference calls. First, in...

ESL Video Conferencing Activity - Reading and Vocabulary Exercises: Ordering, Matching, Categorising - Speaking Activity: Writing and Performing a Dialogue - Pair and Group In this productive video conferencing language activity, students practice vocabulary and phrases used in online conference calls. First, in pairs, students arrange sentence strips in the correct order to create a video conferencing dialogue. Students then match video conferencing words to their definitions. After that, students categorise phrases in bold from the dialogue according to their functions. Next, in groups of three, students use the phrases to create a video conferencing dialogue for an online class or meeting. Students practice the dialogue three times, taking turns to be the host. Finally, each group presents their dialogue to the class.
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Chat Abbreviations

Intermediate (B1) 20 minutes
ESL chat abbreviations worksheet, vocabulary, unscrambling, gap-fill, pair work, intermediate B1 students

ESL Chat Abbreviations Worksheet - Vocabulary Exercises: Unscrambling, Matching, Gap-fill - Pair Work

In this free chat abbreviations worksheet, students learn and practice instant messaging abbreviations and acronyms that people often use in online chats and text messages. Students begin by reading...

ESL Chat Abbreviations Worksheet - Vocabulary Exercises: Unscrambling, Matching, Gap-fill - Pair Work In this free chat abbreviations worksheet, students learn and practice instant messaging abbreviations and acronyms that people often use in online chats and text messages. Students begin by reading an instant messaging conversation between two friends. Students then unscramble words to reveal the words and phrases that the abbreviations and acronyms in the chat represent. Next, students write the chat abbreviations next to their definitions. Finally, students complete sentences with the chat abbreviations from the worksheet.
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Get the Message

Intermediate (B1) 25 minutes
ESL online communication games, matching, gap-fill, betting, pair work, intermediate B1 students

ESL Online Communication Games - Vocabulary: Matching, Gap-fill, Betting - Pair Work

Here are two engaging text message abbreviations and acronyms games for students to play in class. First, students play a pelmanism game. In pairs, students take turns turning over a phrase card...

ESL Online Communication Games - Vocabulary: Matching, Gap-fill, Betting - Pair Work Here are two engaging text message abbreviations and acronyms games for students to play in class. First, students play a pelmanism game. In pairs, students take turns turning over a phrase card and an abbreviation card. If the phrase matches with the messaging abbreviation or acronym, the student keeps the two cards and has another turn. The student with the most pairs of cards at the end of the game wins. Next, students play a betting game using the text message abbreviations and acronyms. Working alone, students read sentences and decide which messaging abbreviation or acronym from the pelmanism game can be used to complete each sentence. Afterwards, students bet on their answers, depending on how confident they feel about their decisions. Students bet between 1 to 10 points on each sentence and write their bet in the 'bet' column. If students guess correctly, they transfer the amount written in the 'bet' column to the 'win' column. If they guess incorrectly, they transfer the amount to the 'lose' column. The student with the most points at the end is the winner.
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Items For Sale

Intermediate (B1) 25 minutes
ESL online advertising activity, writing descriptions, group work, intermediate B1 students

ESL Online Advertising Activity - Vocabulary and Writing: Gap-fill, Identifying, Guided Writing - Group Work

In this handy online advertisements activity, students practice writing descriptions of items for sale. First, students use words from a box to complete descriptions of online items for sale. Students then...

ESL Online Advertising Activity - Vocabulary and Writing: Gap-fill, Identifying, Guided Writing - Group Work In this handy online advertisements activity, students practice writing descriptions of items for sale. First, students use words from a box to complete descriptions of online items for sale. Students then underline useful phrases for selling items online in the advertisements. After that, in groups of four, each group member chooses a different hobby from the worksheet. Students then write their group members' hobbies in the spaces provided. Next, students write an advertisement for each student based on an item that someone with their hobby would want to buy. For example, if one student chooses fishing as a hobby, a group member might choose to write an advertisement for a fishing rod. Finally, students take turns reading the advertisements to their group members, who choose the item they most want to buy for their hobby.
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Online Shopping

Intermediate (B1) 30 minutes
ESL online shopping worksheet, vocabulary, matching, gap-fill, pair work, intermediate B1 students

ESL Online Shopping Worksheet - Vocabulary Exercises: Matching, Gap-fill - Speaking Activity: Asking and Answering Questions, Freer Practice - Pair Work

In this comprehensive online shopping worksheet, students practice vocabulary associated with shopping online. First, in pairs, students list popular...

ESL Online Shopping Worksheet - Vocabulary Exercises: Listing, Matching, Gap-fill, Categorizing - Speaking Activity: Asking and Answering Questions, Freer Practice - Pair Work In this comprehensive online shopping worksheet, students practice vocabulary associated with shopping online. First, in pairs, students list popular online shopping sites and then ask and answer conversation questions about shopping online. Students then read a conversation between two friends about online shopping and match words in the dialogue with their definitions. Next, students match verbs with endings to make imperative statements about shopping online. Students then move on to complete sentences with online shopping vocabulary from a box. After that, students decide whether statements about online shopping are advantages or disadvantages and categorise them accordingly. Lastly, students discuss whether they prefer shopping online or in-store with a partner.
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Troublesome Transactions

Intermediate (B1) 25 minutes
ESL online transactions game, running dictation, table completion, pair work, intermediate B1 students

ESL Online Transactions Game - Vocabulary: Running Dictation, Matching, Table Completion - Pair Work

This enjoyable online transactions game helps students practice vocabulary and phrases related to transacting online. In pairs, one student is the reader and the other is the writer. The reader runs to...

ESL Online Transactions Game - Vocabulary: Running Dictation, Matching, Table Completion - Pair Work This enjoyable online transactions game helps students practice vocabulary and phrases related to transacting online. In pairs, one student is the reader and the other is the writer. The reader runs to their sentence sheet on the wall outside the classroom, reads the first sentence, runs back and dictates it to their partner, who writes it down. When all six sentences have been fully dictated, the two students swap roles. After that, pairs refer to the information they wrote down and race to complete a table about online transactions people made, matching each person and the item they bought or tried to buy with a problem. The first pair to correctly complete the table wins.
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On the Web

Upper-intermediate (B2) 30 minutes
ESL internet worksheet, vocabulary, unscrambling, matching, gap-fill, pair work, upper-intermediate B2 students

ESL Internet Worksheet - Vocabulary Exerices: Unscrambling, Matching, Gap-fill, Binary Choice - Speaking Activity: Asking and Answering Questions - Pair Work

In this insightful Internet vocabulary worksheet, students practice words related to using the Internet. First, students unscramble words related to the...

ESL Internet Worksheet - Vocabulary Exerices: Unscrambling, Matching, Gap-fill, Binary Choice - Speaking Activity: Asking and Answering Questions - Pair Work In this insightful Internet vocabulary worksheet, students practice words related to using the Internet. First, students unscramble words related to the Internet. Students then match the Internet words to their definitions. Next, students think of and write down two examples for each Internet-related item and then compare their answers with a partner. After that, students use words from a box to complete facts about the Internet. Finally, students underline the correct word or phrase to complete each Internet conversation question and then ask and answer the questions with a partner.
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What Is Online Communication Language?

Online communication in English spans a wide range of distinct contexts, each with its own vocabulary and conventions: filling in forms, writing profiles, messaging, video conferencing, and shopping online all require different language choices. Learners who carry casual messaging habits into professional digital contexts, using abbreviations like 'lol' or 'tbh' in a work email or video call, come across as unprofessional in ways they may not notice until it causes a real problem.

This page covers online communication across A2, B1, and B2 levels, with nine resources including worksheets, speaking activities, and games, with one available as a free download.

The table below maps the key digital contexts covered in online communication lessons to their characteristic vocabulary and a real-world example of each in use.

ContextKey Vocabulary and PhrasesExample in Use
Online forms Username, password, date of birth, billing address, confirm password 'Please enter your date of birth in DD/MM/YYYY format.'
Online profiles Bio, interests, profile picture, handle, followers 'Write a short bio telling people about yourself and your interests.'
Instant messaging lol, brb, omg, tbh, idk, gtg, thx 'Gtg! Talk later! Thx for the help.'
Video conferencing You're on mute, can you hear me, share your screen, I'll hand over to 'Sorry, could you say that again? I think you're on mute.'
Online shopping Add to cart, checkout, shipping, tracking number, out of stock 'Your order has been dispatched. Use your tracking number to follow its progress.'
Online advertising Condition, asking price, collection only, make an offer, barely used 'Barely used. Asking price is $30. Collection only.'
Internet general Browser, download, upload, stream, bandwidth, pop-up, cookie 'Your browser needs to accept cookies to continue.'

When to Use Online Communication Language

Switching from casual to professional messaging: When a learner moves from messaging friends to contacting a teacher, employer, or client digitally, they need to drop abbreviations and emoji and switch to full sentences and a neutral tone, as in writing 'I wanted to follow up on my application' rather than 'just checking in re: the job lol.'

Managing a video call as host or participant: When technical problems arise during an online meeting, having ready-made phrases for interrupting politely, flagging connection issues, or handing over to another speaker prevents the meeting from stalling, as in 'Sorry to interrupt, but I think you might be on mute.'

Writing an online listing or profile: When learners need to describe themselves or an item in a public digital space, the conventions shift toward concise, scannable language with specific details rather than full prose, as in 'Barely used. Great condition. Open to offers.'

3-Step Framework for Teaching Online Communication Language

1. Anchor Vocabulary in a Real-World Task: Open with a running dictation that puts learners on their feet and gives the vocabulary immediate practical purpose. One student runs to read a text about someone's personal details, runs back, and dictates what they read to their partner, who writes it down. That information then goes straight to work: learners use it to complete an online application form for a language course, so every vocabulary item lands in a context they will actually encounter outside the classroom.

2. Build Confidence with a Low-Stakes Game: Move learners into a two-part game that first builds recognition through a pelmanism matching activity, then tests how well the vocabulary has stuck with a betting round. In the betting stage, learners decide how confident they are about each answer and wager between 1 and 10 points accordingly, writing bets in a 'bet' column and transferring scores to either a 'win' or 'lose' column depending on whether they are right. The betting mechanic turns a vocabulary check into something learners are genuinely invested in.

3. Push Fluency Under Competitive Pressure: Round off the sequence with a running dictation race that sends learners out of the classroom to read sentences from a sheet on the wall, then sprint back to dictate them to their partner. Once all six sentences are dictated and roles are swapped, pairs race to complete a table matching each person and the item they bought or tried to buy with a problem. The first pair to complete the table correctly wins, which keeps the energy high and the reading purposeful.

Common Mistakes with Online Communication Language

Literal translation of interruption phrases in video calls: Students often produce direct word-for-word translations of interruption phrases from their first language when trying to speak up in a video call, which can sound abrupt or rude to a native English speaker. Wrong: 'Wait. I want to speak now.' Correct: 'Sorry to jump in, but I just wanted to add something.'

Writing in text speak in a formal online context: Students often use the informal abbreviations and shortcuts they have picked up from social media and messaging apps when writing emails or filling in online forms, not realising that these are only acceptable in casual one-to-one digital conversations. Wrong: 'Hi, I wud like 2 apply 4 the job. Pls find my CV attached. Thx' Correct: 'Dear Sir or Madam, I would like to apply for the position. Please find my CV attached. Thank you.'

Common Questions About Teaching Online Communication Language

What is a useful worksheet for teaching chat abbreviations?

The free worksheet Chat Abbreviations gives learners an instant messaging conversation to read first, so the abbreviations arrive in real context before any exercises begin. Students then unscramble letters to work out what each abbreviation stands for, match them to definitions, and complete sentences, building recognition step by step rather than making learners memorize a list.

What is a good speaking activity for practicing video conferencing language?

Video Conferencing Language is a speaking activity that takes learners from vocabulary exercises to a full group performance. They order, match, and categorize key phrases, then create a dialogue for an online class or meeting, practicing it three times and taking turns as host, so every learner leads before the group presents to the class.

What is a fun activity for practicing online profile writing?

In the worksheet Swipe Right, learners write their own online profile, then a classmate reads it aloud and the class tries to guess whose it is. Before writing, they read six dating app profiles and discuss which people would suit each other, arriving at their own profile with a clear sense of what to include.

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