Create Differentiated Worksheets from One Learning Objective

You can give learners different amounts of help while keeping the same simple task. Here, everyone orders a drink and a sandwich in English.

This example is for an A1–A2 TEFL class. One version has a word bank, one asks learners to write their own order, and one adds a short pair conversation. The aim is useful language, not a complicated reading puzzle.

Open the finished example

1. Choose one clear language goal

Our goal is: order a drink and a sandwich politely. Teach or review “Can I have …, please?” before the task. Use the same menu for everyone.

2. Ask for three amounts of support

Create three short worksheet versions for an A1–A2 English class.
Same goal in every version: order one drink and one sandwich politely.
Target phrase: “Can I have ..., please?”
Menu: tea £2; coffee £3; apple juice £2; cheese sandwich £4;
tomato sandwich £4.
A: give a word bank and a gap-fill conversation.
B: keep the staff lines; learners write their own order and thanks.
C: a short pair role-play; add “How much is it?” and the answer.
Use short instructions and everyday words. Keep the menu unchanged.
Provide example answers and a simple teacher checklist separately.

3. Look at the finished tasks

A · With help

Use the words in the box.

a coffee · a tea · an apple juice · a cheese sandwich · a tomato sandwich

Staff: Hello. What would you like?

You: Can I have __________ and __________, please?

Staff: Here you are.

You: Thank you.

Now read the conversation with a partner.

B · Write your order

Choose one drink and one sandwich from the menu. Write your words.

Staff: Hello. What would you like?

You:

Staff: Here you are.

You:

Now practise the conversation with a partner.

C · Try a longer conversation

Work with a partner. One person is the customer. One person works in the café.

1. Say hello.
2. Order one drink and one sandwich politely.
3. Ask “How much is it?”
4. Use the menu to give the price.
5. Say thank you. Then change roles.

Useful words: “Can I have …, please?” “How much is it?” “That’s … pounds.” “Thank you.”

Write your conversation:

4. Check the language and answers

A supported example is: “Can I have a coffee and a cheese sandwich, please?” Another valid choice is: “Can I have an apple juice and a tomato sandwich, please?” The request should fit the menu. Learners do not need to use the same items as the answer guide.

For the longer conversation, coffee plus a sandwich is £7. Tea or apple juice plus a sandwich is £6. Keep the main check on ordering politely rather than turning the lesson into a maths test.

5. Let learners practise, then change roles

Model one exchange, give pairs time to try it and swap customer/staff roles. Offer more help if a learner needs it. Someone ready for less support can try without the word bank. Keep version letters for the materials rather than labels for the people.

Print and use

Open the finished pack and use your browser’s Print command. It includes the same menu on each student version and a separate teacher guide. Review the reading level and classroom fit before using it with your own learners.