The 3 Things Rule

How to Use This Activity

Individual Work

• Each student reads a card with a real-life situation (e.g. first day at a new job) and thinks of three key rules or strategies that would help them succeed.
• They write or say their rules in full sentences using the Useful Phrases (e.g. One rule I’d follow is… / It’s essential to… / You won’t… unless…).
• Encourage students to focus on actions or behaviours rather than things to bring.

Pair or Group Work

• Students take turns reading a card and sharing their three rules.
• The next student can ask follow-up questions, suggest other useful rules, or choose a new card.
• Groups can compare their answers and discuss which rules sound the most practical, creative, or important.
• Optionally, set a time limit or ask groups to come up with the “Top 3 universal rules” for each situation.

Class Sharing

After several rounds, invite students or groups to present their best rules to the whole class. Classmates can compare ideas, ask why certain rules were chosen, and vote for the most useful, surprising, or well-worded ones. Encourage students to repeat and vary the Useful Phrases and to improve their grammar (e.g. using conditionals and modals).