1. Make a list of pairs of names before the lesson starts or while the students are coming in.

2. If there is an odd number of students make a group of three but break them up later in the lesson and put them into pairs with someone else so they get more chance to speak.a

3. You could put them in small groups to start with if the activity allows. You could even make the activity a competition in small teams if the activity allows, seeing which team gets the most answers right. Use the board or a piece of paper for keeping score.

4. Change the partners quite often so that the students don't get bored with their partner. This is especially important if there is a student who isn't very popular with the others.