World language teaching strategies that centre on meaningful input and low-stress production can be simple and playful. Using fake text generators to create believable conversations that students can read, react to, and recreate is simple, easy and provides great comprehensible input. It feels modern, familiar and gives plenty of opportunities for comprehension checks and personalised output.
Why this works
This activity supports comprehensible input by presenting relatable, short messages in context. Students recognise patterns, contractions and common abbreviations while staying engaged with a familiar format: a chat or text thread. It also lowers affective filters so learners are more willing to participate.
Materials and preparation
- Any free fake text generator found online (search for one and choose based on your target language).
- A short, simple fake conversation written in the target language.
- Printed images or screenshots of the generated conversation, or display on screen.
- Optional: a list of common text abbreviations or slang in the target language.
Step-by-step classroom routine
- Create a brief conversation in the target language that fits your current vocabulary and structures.
- Paste it into a fake text generator and download the resulting image.
- Show the image and do a quick Q and A: comprehension questions, true/false, and targeted vocabulary checks.
- Ask students to rewrite or continue the conversation using controlled language, new structures, or personal details.
- For production, have students create their own fake conversations individually, in pairs, or on paper if devices are limited.
Extensions and tips
- Differentiate by varying the complexity of the original conversation.
- Include authentic text abbreviations common in the culture you teach to boost realism.
- Use this as a springboard for role plays or speaking prompts.
Final thought
This low-prep activity is flexible, engaging and aligns with effective world language teaching strategies. It gives students authentic-looking input, a safe space to practise, and a creative way to demonstrate understanding. Try it next lesson and let students surprise you with their responses.
Looking for more ideas?
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