Three essays concerning second language classroom activities that promote learning of communication skills are presented. In "From Manipulation to Communication" (Renate A. Schulz), the importance of establishing minimal communicative objectives for classroom instruction skills is discussed, specifying situations in which students have to demonstrate communicative survival. Meaninfgul exercises for listening comprehension and/or reading and for listening-speaking integrative skills use (both monologue and interactional) also are outlined. "Stimulating Cross-Cultural Communication in Intermediate French Classes: Two Techniques" (Thomas H. Geno) presents two strategies for promoting discussion of cultural differences, one using student-generated topics for discussion of their own attitudes and one directing students to the target culture's attitudes on a given subject. "Warm-Ups and Time-Outs: Classroom Conversational Activities" (G. Ronald Freeman) outlines nine brief instant-involvement exercises for beginning a class session or for use as interludes from intense concentration during a class period. (MSE)