BASIC INTERMEDIATE

LEVEL LEVEL

B01 I01

B02 I02

B03 I03

B04 I04

B05 I05

B06 I06

B07 I07

B08 I08

B09 I09

B10 I10

B11 I11

B12 I12

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Updated oral PLEX battery_JDDA_Feb. 2019

  To answer questions with be about personal information
 To answer questions with be about favorites
 To answer questions with where + be about nationalities
 To describe a city using adjectives
 To answer questions with this, that, these, those and the verb be

QUESTIONS AND PROMPTS SAMPLE EXPECTED RESPONSES FROM STUDENTS

1. What’s your name? 1. My name is George / I’m George.

2. Is Messi your favorite soccer player? 2. Yes, he/ she is. No, he/she isn’t.
Is Lady Gaga your favorite pop singer? My favorite pop singer is Selena Gomez.
Who’s your favorite artist?*
Keep in mind students’ age related interests
*Link to the following question.

3. Where’s your favorite __ artist __ from? 3. My favorite paint artist is from Canada.
Is he/she from the United States? Yes, he/ she is. No, he/she isn’t.
Questions may depend on Ss’ previous answer.

4. Please, describe Lima city. 4. Lima is expensive. Lima is modern.

Is Lima old? Yes, it is. / No, it isn’t. It’s modern.
Choice of wh- or yes/no question may depend on Ss’
response. Try both ways.

5. What’s this / that? 5. It/This / That’s a computer.

Point at a familiar object in the classroom.

6. What are these / those? 6. These/Those/They are keys.

Grab (or point at) your keys, glasses or
other objects (plural).

Updated oral PLEX battery_JDDA_Feb. 2019

  To answer questions about family members
 To answer questions about actions happening right now using present continuous
 To answer questions about food using the simple present tense

QUESTIONS AND PROMPTS SAMPLE EXPECTED RESPONSES FROM STUDENTS

1. How many people are there in your family? 1. There are four people in my family: My parents, my
Do you have any brothers or sisters?* brother, and I.
Both questions could be used. I have one brother.
*Link to the next question.

2. How old is your brother / sister / best friend?* 2. My sister is 11 years old.
*Refer to the people mentioned in previous
question. If family is an issue, ask about a friend.

3. What’s your brother / sister / father / mother
doing right now?*
Is your mother exercising right now?
Is your brother studying right now?
*Refer to the family members or friend from
previous questions.
3. She is working right now.
No, my mother is not exercising right now. / No,
she’s not. My mother is cooking now.
Yes, my brother is studying at home.

4. Do you speak French? 4. Yes, I do. / No, I don’t.

Does your father speak English?* No, he doesn’t (speak English). /
*Ask about family members mentioned before.

5. What do you eat for breakfast/lunch/dinner? 5. I eat rice and chicken for lunch.
Do you eat soup for lunch? I eat soup for lunch.
Both questions could be used.

6. Do you like yogurt? Tell me about it. 6. Yes, I do. I like strawberry ice cream.
Other food choices could be used. (Spaghetti, No, I don’t. I like ice cream.
salad, fried chicken, etc.). I love it! / No, not really.

Updated oral PLEX battery_JDDA_Feb. 2019

  To tell the time
 To talk about the time (hour, day) you do things (routines, daily activities) using simple present
 To talk about routines using adverbs of frequency, simple present, and prepositions of time
 To talk about holidays using prepositions, dates and simple present

QUESTIONS AND PROMPTS SAMPLE EXPECTED RESPONSES FROM STUDENTS

1. What time is it? 1. It’s quarter to six. / It’s 6:20 (six twenty).
Keep a cellphone / watch available.

2. What time do you go to school / work / watch TV? 2. I go to school / work at eight o’clock.
Use different places if you don’t get a response.

3. -What do you do on weekends? 3. -On Saturday, I play soccer.

-What does your best friend do in the summer?
-When do you have class?
-How long does your best friend exercise?
Option: Use different Wh- question words and
prepositions.
-She travels to Cancun in the summer.
-I have class on Mondays.
-My best friend exercises from 2 to 3 pm.

4. I always do the laundry on Saturdays. What about 4. I sometimes / never do the laundry.
you?
I never do the dishes. What about you? I always do the dishes.
Other options for activities: wash the dishes, make
snacks, clean (my) bedroom, etc.

5. My favorite holiday is Valentine’s Day. What’s your
favorite holiday? When is it? What do you do on
that day?
Expect the use of prepositions, dates and simple
present.
5. My favorite holiday is Christmas. It’s on
December 25th. I usually eat dinner with my
family.

Updated oral PLEX battery_JDDA_Feb. 2019

  To talk about housing conditions / describe the rooms in a house / apartment
 To talk about clothes, shoes and accessories using noun and non-count nouns using have/have to
 To answer questions with like to describe a friend and his / her job
 To talk about abilities using can /can’t

QUESTIONS AND PROMPTS SAMPLE EXPECTED RESPONSES FROM STUDENTS

1. Do you live in a house or an apartment? 1. I live in a house. There are five rooms.
How many rooms are there? There are two bedrooms, one bathroom, one
Describe your house / apartment. living room and one kitchen.
Elicit different rooms.

2. Is your living room very dark?* 2. Yes, it is. / No, it’s not. It’s very bright.
Is your bedroom too big? What about the kitchen? No, it’s not. It’s very small.
*Connect to previous activity by referring to the
rooms mentioned. Elicit “very” and “too”.

3. Do you have a lot of clothes in your room? Tell me
about them.
Do you have to buy any clothes these days?
Do you have any jewelry?
Elicit the use of have or have to and the use of count
and non-count nouns.
3. I have many t-shirts, a coat, sweaters and a pair
of boots.
I have to buy tennis shoes.
I have some / two pieces of jewelry.

4. Tell me about your best friend. What’s he / she like? 4. She’s very friendly and outgoing.
Where does he/she work/study? What’s that like? She works at a hospital / school. She is a nurse /
*Link to the next question. teacher. That’s hard / fun.

5. Can your best friend drive a car? Can you?
I can play the piano, but my friends can’t. What
about you: What can you do that your friends can’t?
Or: Tell me something your best friend can do, that
you can’t.
Elicit the use of “can.”
5. Yes, he/she can. / No, he/she can’t.
I can play the guitar. My friends can’t.
My best friend can speak French and Chinese, but
I can’t.

Updated oral PLEX battery_JDDA_Feb. 2019

  To answer questions with simple present tense about actions and facts in the present
 To answer questions with be and have about people's physical appearance
 To express feelings and emotions in a simple way
 To answer questions related to items (food and others) and quantities using partitives

QUESTIONS AND PROMPTS SAMPLES EXPECTED RESPONSES FROM STUDENTS

1. Do you work or study? Tell me about it in detail. 1. I don’t work. I study medicine at Cayetano Heredia
- Where do you work/ study? * University. I study from Monday to Friday.
- What do you study? Do you like it?*
*Follow-up questions may depend on students’
responses.
2. What do you do for fun?
2. I usually play video games with my friends.
Keep in mind students’ age related interests.

3. Who’s your favorite singer? Describe his/her physical

3. My favorite singer is Bruno Mars.
appearance.
He is short and young. He has short curly dark hair.
- What does he /she look like?*
He has big black eyes.
- Is he/she in his/her forties?*
- Does he/she have long straight brown hair?*
Keep in mind students’ age related favorite artists.
You can ask about actors, youtubers, models, etc.
*Follow-up questions may depend on students’
responses.

4. What are you doing now.

- What is he/she doing?* 4. I’m taking an English oral exam. / I’m talking to you.
*Point at someone in the room and ask the question. - He/she is reading / taking an exam / writing.

5. I feel confident when I speak English because I’m a

teacher. How do you feel when you speak English? 5. When I speak English, I feel nervous / confident,
How do you feel when you listen to music?* - I feel relaxed / excited, when I listen to music.

*This question is optional.

6. You want to prepare your favorite dish. What do 6. My favorite dish is Lomo Saltado. To prepare it, I
you need? need some rice, some meat, rice, two potatoes, two
- Do you need any meat?* tomatoes, and one onion.
- Do you need a lot of sugar?*
- Do you need to buy any vegetables?*
*Elicit the use of quantifiers and partitives

Updated oral PLEX battery_JDDA_Feb. 2019

  To answer questions about weather conditions and traveling connecting ideas with but, or, and so
 To answer questions about events in the past with the simple past of be and regular and irregular verbs

QUESTIONS AND PROMPTS SAMPLE EXPECTED RESPONSES FROM STUDENTS

1. How’s the weather in your city during 1. In summer, the weather in Lima is sunny but humid.
summer/winter?
You could ask questions about other cities and
seasons.

2. Tell me what you like to do on your vacation and 2. I don’t like the city life, so I go hiking on my vacation.
why you like it.
I love swimming, so I go to Mancora on my
vacation.*
*If the student doesn’t answer, rephrase into the
direct question.

3. Where/ when were you born? 3. I was born in 2001.

Where/ when was your mother/father born? My mother was born in Cajamarca.
Refer to some family members or friends.

4. Tell me where you were and what you did last 4. I was in a mall last night. I bought a pair of sneakers
night/ this morning. and jeans.
I was at the supermarket this morning. I went
grocery shopping. What about you? *
*If the student doesn’t answer, rephrase into a
direct question.

5. Tell me what you did on your last vacation. 5. On my last vacation I went to Iquitos. I ate Tacacho,
I went to Cuzco on my last vacation. I ate Puca and I saw a lot of jungle animals.
Picante, it was delicious. What about you?
*If the student doesn’t answer, rephrase into the
direct question. Complete answers must be
elicited.

Updated oral PLEX battery_JDDA_Feb. 2019

  To answer questions about simple directions to places in the city using prepositions of place.
 To answer questions about activities and different things with verb + infinitive and verb + noun
 To answer questions about present events and their frequency with frequency expressions like once in a
while, all the time, etc.
 To answer questions about plans and goals in the future with be going to

QUESTIONS AND PROMPTS SAMPLE EXPECTED RESPONSES FROM STUDENTS

1. Imagine I’m new in your neighborhood. Right now, I’m 1. There is a drugstore between the barbershop and
in front of your house. Is there a drug store around? the library. Go straight and turn left on Las
How can I get there? Palmas Street.

2. Tell me about traffic/pollution/crime in your 2. There is a lot of traffic in Lima.

neighborhood. There are not many big parks in Lima.
If the student doesn’t answer using a lot of, many,
some, a few, a little, not many, not much, any, none,
ask examinee to give you an answer using those words.

3. Tell me what you need/love/hate to do on the 3. I work on Saturdays, so I need to wake up at 6:30
weekend. am. I hate mornings.
If the student doesn’t answer, rephrase into the direct
question.
Option: Ask about other days of the week.

4. How often do you go shopping? 4. I go shopping once a month.

Other options for activities: play video games, go on
dates, text your friends, clean your closet.

5. What would you like to do on your next birthday? 5. I’d like to have a pool party on my next birthday.
Other options: next vacation, after graduation, etc.

6. What are you going to do after you graduate from 6. I’m going to study Chinese after I graduate from
school/university /after this interview? university.
Are you going to look for a job?
Other options: go shopping, go for a walk.

Updated oral PLEX battery_JDDA_Feb. 2019

  To give health advice with imperatives
 To answer questions with when clauses.
 To express reasons and results with because and so
 To answer questions about future plans with present continuous
 To describe emotions and objects with -ing / -ed adjectives

QUESTIONS AND PROMPTS SAMPLE EXPECTED RESPONSES FROM STUDENTS

1. I have a stomachache. Please, give me some advice. 1. Don’t eat too much junk food.
Other options: headache, sore throat, backache, Drink some hot tea.
toothache, earache. Elicit answers with imperatives.

2. What do you do when you can’t sleep? 2. When I can’t sleep, I drink hot milk.
Other options: feel happy, wake up late, have a
headache, have a lot of homework.

3. Tell me about the abilities you have. Can you play 3. No, I can’t, but I can dance Flamenco really well.
the guitar?
Other options: speak many languages, dance well,
play sports.

4. Why are you learning English? 4. I’m learning English, so I can study in the U.S.
What’s your major? Why did you choose it? I chose medicine because I like to help people in
Other options: speak many languages, dance well, need.
play sports.

5. What are you doing tonight /tomorrow? 5. Tonight, I’m going grocery shopping.
I’m watching a movie on Netflix tonight. What
about you?
Other options: this summer, next month, etc.

6. Tell me about the last movie you saw and how you 6. The last movie I saw was “The Avengers”. I felt
felt when you saw it. excited when I saw the movie because the special
If the student doesn’t answer as expected, rephrase effects were amazing.
into the direct question.
Other options: last concert you attended, las book
you read, last series you watched, etc. Elicit answers
with ing / -ed adjectives.

Updated oral PLEX battery_JDDA_Feb. 2019

  To describe current activities using the simple present and the present continuous
 To compare restaurants / food using comparatives and superlatives
 To describe an experience in the past using simple past
 To describe a dish / food using stative verbs
 To explain a mystery using modals of present possibility (may, might, could, can’t)

QUESTIONS AND PROMPTS SAMPLE EXPECTED RESPONSES FROM STUDENTS

1. What are you doing these days?
What do you usually do on the weekends?
Do you ever go out to eat on the weekend?*
Keep in mind students’ age related activities
*Link to the following question.
1. I’m cooking at home these days.
I usually go for a run in the morning.
Yes, I do. / No, I don’t.

2. Which is tastier, restaurant food or your own 2. My own cooking is tastier / better because I use
cooking? Why? fresh ingredients.
What are some of your favorite restaurants? Which The food at Rustica is better / more delicious /
one is better? cheaper than at Tanta.
Which one is the best?* The best restaurant I know is La Red because the
*Link to the following question. food is great.

3. Can you describe the worst food / meal you’ve ever 3. Yes, the worst food I had was spaghetti with
had? avocado sauce. It tasted like salty yogurt. It had
avocado, pepper, celery and milk.

4. Do you believe in mysteries? Do you know any? 4. Yes, they might be. / No, they can’t be real.
Do you think ghosts are real?*
What is a possible explanation?*
*Follow-up questions may depend on students’
responses (elicit answers for
possibilities/impossibilities in the present).

Updated oral PLEX battery_JDDA_Feb. 2019

  To discuss trends using quantifiers
 To give advice using modals
 To make predictions using will and be going to
 To talk about neighborhoods using modifiers (very, really, pretty)
 To talk about plans using will and be going to
 To make a request using modal verbs (can, could, will, would, would – mind?)

QUESTIONS AND PROMPTS SAMPLE EXPECTED RESPONSES FROM STUDENTS

1. Today, smartphones are a more convenient 1. I don’t agree because most of my friends think apps
option (than travel agencies) to plan a trip for half aren’t reliable. For example, ...
of young adults. From your experience, do you
agree?
The number of teens using social media has I agree because all of the people I know check their
increased dramatically. From your experience, social media many times a day.
do you agree?*
Choose one of the topics above.
*Link to the next question.

2. What advice can you give these young adults / 2. They could/ should / ought to /‘d better be careful
teens?* with the personal information they share on social
*Refer to the previous question. media.

3. Do you think people will stop using smartphones 3. - Yes, but it’ll be worse. I think people won’t use
/ social media in the future? smartphones anymore, but they will carry…
Elicit predictions from examinees. - No, people will continue to depend on social
media…

4. Tell me about your neighborhood. Is it
convenient / hard to get around on foot?
Other characteristics could be: busy, relaxed,
noisy, quiet, easy/hard to get around by car, etc.
*Link to the next question.
4. It’s pretty convenient because there are many stores
nearby. However, it’s very/really difficult to get
around if you don’t have a car.

5. Are you planning to move to a different house 5. Not really. I’ll probably live in that house for the next
soon?* 5 years.
What (other) plans do you have for the future? I’m going to look for a better paid job next year.

6. You need some cash. What would you say? 6. Can / Could you lend me some money?
Would you mind lending me some money?

Updated oral PLEX battery_JDDA_Feb. 2019

  To show agreement and disagreement
 To describe an event using time clauses
 To tell a short story using simple past, past continuous, and adverbs of manner
 To talk about actions that started in the past and continue up to the present using present perfect
 To talk about jobs using verbs followed by infinitives
 To interview for a job using fixed expressions

QUESTIONS AND PROMPTS SAMPLE EXPECTED RESPONSES FROM STUDENTS

1. I love holidays and celebrations. And you? 1. Me, too. / So do I.
I don’t like birthday parties / festivals. How about Me neither. / I don’t either.
you?
Choose one topic. Prompt responses with an
example if needed.
*Link to next question.

2. What happens during your favorite holiday? 2. Before the holiday is over…
What happens during a birthday party / festival in When the festival starts…
Peru? After the party ends…

3. Can you give me a brief summary of your favorite 3. My favorite movie is… In the story, a woman lost
movie? What happened in the story? her mother and started to have dreams… The kid
Option: Ask about favorite book, anecdotes, etc. was driving fast, when he hit a tree…
*Link to the next question.

4. How long have you been a fan of horror movies?* 4. I’ve been a fan for the last five years…
This question may depend on students’ previous Since I was a kid…
responses.

5. What’s your ideal job? 5. My ideal job is to be a fashion designer. You have
What qualities do you need to be a good fashion to be creative. You need to know how to sew.
designer?
What abilities do you need to be a good fashion
designer?
Keep in mind other verbs + infinitives: choose,
decide, expect, learn, need, plan, prepare, start, try,
want, etc.

6. Task: Imagine you’re applying for a job. Answer the 6. - I’m majoring in business. / I’m a first-year
questions.* university student.
- Tell me about yourself. - Yes, I can. For example, … / Yes, I do. For
- Can you type fast? / Do you have any example, …
experience…?

Updated oral PLEX battery_JDDA_Feb. 2019

  To discuss telephoning using verb + infinitive and verb + gerund
 To describe past habits and routines using used to
 To make comparisons using as…as
 To talk about past events using simple past and present perfect
 To express need using modal verbs
 To ask for permission (formally and informally)

QUESTIONS AND PROMPTS SAMPLE EXPECTED RESPONSES FROM STUDENTS

1. What’s considered polite (behavior) when using your 1. When you are in public, try to keep a low voice. I
phone in public? hate to listen to other people’s conversation.
Try to prompt responses with verbs, such as: need,
want, avoid, appreciate, dislike, keep, try, can’t
stand, hate, like, prefer, start.

2. What was it like in the past / 30 years ago? Did
people use to have the same problems with phone
use?
What did people use to do instead?
*Link to the next question.
2. I don’t think so. People didn’t use to have cell
phones…
People used to use payphones when…

3. Do you think life was as convenient as it is now?* 3. No, it wasn’t, but it was quieter. There weren’t as
You may give other topics to discuss here: many cars as there are today…
technology, transportation, health, etc.

4. Have you (ever) traveled abroad? 4. Yes, I have. I went to Italy. I visited many
Tell me about it. museums and learned a lot about history.
In case students haven’t traveled abroad, modify the
question: traveled within the country, visited a
museum in Lima, etc.
*Link to the next question.

5. From your experience, what do you need to do when
(before, after) you travel abroad?*
Some helpful vocabulary: pack your suitcase, pay
your bills, check your suitcase, confirm your flight
plans, etc.
5. Before a trip, you have to make a hotel
reservation. During a trip, you must keep your ID
and credit cards with you all the time.
Finally, after a trip, you’ve got to back up
important photos and videos to the cloud.

6. Task: You need to make an important call. Ask me 6. Can/May/Could I use your phone?
for permission to use my cell phone (in a formal / Do/Would you mind if I use/used your phone?
informal manner).

Updated oral PLEX battery_JDDA_Feb. 2019

  To talk about home improvements with stative passive voice
 To give permission and express prohibition with be allowed/permitted/supposed to/ and with gerund + be
(not) + base form
 To talk about future plans with plan to, need to, may/might/could and may/might not
 To make predictions
 To identify who someone is and where something is
 To talk about events that started in the past and continue up to the present with present perfect

QUESTIONS AND PROMPTS SAMPLE EXPECTED RESPONSES FROM STUDENTS

1. Let’s talk about something in your house/your
classroom/ your school that is broken or not working
properly. Describe the problems.
You need to elicit a description. If the student does
not answer, rephrase question directly.
1. The windows are broken. The walls are cracked.
The drain is clogged. The floor is stained. A light
bulb is burned out.

2. Imagine you are visiting a library/ a university. Tell me 2. You are not permitted to talk on the phone. You are
about what is permitted and not allowed to do in allowed to use your computer. You are not
those places. supposed to speak out loud.
Elicit answers with be allowed/permitted/supposed Smoking is not allowed. Using your phone is not
to/ and with gerund + be (not) + base form. permitted.

3. Tell me about what you plan to do in 3 years from
now. What do you need to do to make it happen?
Explain.
What are the things that may, might, or could
happen in your life and the things that
may or might not occur. Explain.
You need to elicit a description or narration.
3. I´m thinking about buying a new car. I´m going to
save some money. I´m planning to travel to get a
driver´s license. I need to take a driving test. I need
to practice my driving. I may not get married soon. I
could travel abroad this year.

4. What will life on our planet be in the future? Make 4. People will recycle more. Families will have only one
three predictions. child. Scientists and researchers will be able to
Elicit complete sentences with will. control the weather. Scientists will discover the
genetic secrets to live for centuries.

5. Now, I will describe one of the people in this room 5. It´s …

and you will have to identify him/her.
Ready?
He´s the man wearing a white suit. He´s the one He´s the man smiling. He´s the one holding a
with a moustache and a beard. He´s the man next cellphone and taking the selfie. He´s the one with a
to the secretary Who´s he? moustache and a beard. Who is that?
Now, it´s your turn. (Ask the student to identify
someone or something in the room)

Updated oral PLEX battery_JDDA_Feb. 2019

 You answer the student´s question
Elicit responses with participial and prepositional
phrases.

6. Tell me about how you have changed in the last 5 6. My hair has grown. I´ve dyed my hair red.
years. I´ve changed my glasses to contact lenses.
or I´ve lost some weight.
Tell me about the things you have done since you I‘ve started my university studies.
finished high school. I´ve moved out of my parents´ house.
I´ve gotten a part-time job.
Elicit responses with the present perfect. Both
questions could be used.

Updated oral PLEX battery_JDDA_Feb. 2019

  To talk about concrete actions/facts using simple present perfect
 To express different meanings using phrasal verbs
 To describe concrete behavior (rules and customs) with it+be+adjective+gerund and gerund+be+adjective
 To talk about future using clauses with before, after, as soon as, once and when
 To connect ideas using because, so, although, and even though

QUESTIONS AND PROMPTS SAMPLE EXPECTED RESPONSES FROM STUDENTS

1. You are planning a surprise party for your
father/mother/best friend. Tell me about the things
you have already done and the things you haven’t
done yet.
Elicit answers with never, yet, already, just, still.
1. I have already made the guest list.
I have just sent the invitations.
I have not ordered the cake yet.
I still haven’t decided on the menu.

2. Your boyfriend/girlfriend has cheated on you. What 2. I think I would break up with him/her and wouldn’t
would you do? Would you break up with him/her? talk to him/her. I would give up calling him/her and
Would you talk to him/her and make up? Tell me talking to him/her. I would not let him/her make up
about it. for it. I would ask someone new out.
Other options:
Tell me about somebody´s love story. Did your
father ask your mother out? Tell me about it.
Elicit responses with separable and inseparable
phrasal verbs. Depending on students´ age, select
one of the questions above.

3. Imagine I am a foreigner visiting Peru. Tell me what 3. It is appropriate to shake hands when you meet a
it is appropriate or not to do when visiting this person first time. It is OK to bargain when you shop
country for the first time. in a street market. It is not appropriate to ask for a
Elicit responses with the target language. second helping when you are invited to someone´s
house, but it is all right if you bring flowers or a
small gift to your host.

4. Tell me how you get ready before you take an 4. I usually study in advance before I take an exam so
exam. that I won´t feel nervous when I answer the
or questions….
Tell me what you are going to do as soon as this As soon as I finish this interview, I will register for
interview is over. the course I will be classified to. After I register, I
Use one of the two options above. will go home…

Updated oral PLEX battery_JDDA_Feb. 2019

 5. Describe your country/ a city or a country in the
world. State different past and present facts about
it. When was it founded? What products are made
there?
Elicit responses with passive voice
in the present and past.
5. Lima was founded in 1535. Latin America and
Lima's first university, the National University of San
Marcos was established in 1551. The Independence
of Perú was declared in 1821. Cotton is produced in
Lima and corn and sweet potatoes are cultivated
here.

6. Is Facebook still very popular among young people? 6. Although Facebook is still very popular, more and
Tell me your opinion about this. more young people prefer to use other social
Elicit responses with although, because, so, and networks. Snapchat and Instagram are becoming
even though. popular complements among teens. Facebook has a
If the student doesn’t answer using these less ‘cool’ factor because children´s moms, dads,
structures, ask for the type of language directly. aunties and uncles are on it ….

Updated oral PLEX battery_JDDA_Feb. 2019

  To talk about health problems using can´t stop…., feel / be + adjective, have + noun
 To report simple requests and commands
 To talk about past events done a specific number of times using simple past vs. present perfect
 To talk about environmental and social problems using too, too much/many, and enough
 To make predictions and talk about consequences in the future

QUESTIONS AND PROMPTS SAMPLE EXPECTED RESPONSES FROM STUDENTS

1. Imagine you are sick now. Describe your symptoms 1. I don´t feel well now. I think I may have fever, too.
to the doctor. I can´t stop sneezing. My throat hurts. I can´t sleep
What other symptoms do you have? at night.
Both questions could be used.

2. Your mother visited the doctor yesterday. What did 2. The doctor told her to stay home and rest.
he tell her to do or not to do? He also told her not to drink cold beverages, but to
or drink lots of liquids…
What do teachers ask students to do during an Teachers usually ask students to put their things
exam? away and to turn their cell phones off…
Both questions could be used.

3. Is there an activity you have always wanted to try? 3. I have always wanted to ride a motorcycle. And I
Tell me about it. decided to buy one last year.
Have you been doing that recently? Yes, I have. I have traveled to many places on it. I
Elicit responses with present perfect and present have visited many beautiful cities. Riding my
perfect continuous motorcycle has made me feel free….

4. Please, describe traffic and transportation in Lima. 4. Transportation in Lima is a real problem. There are
Is transportation in Lima good enough? Are there too many buses and cars on the streets. There is
enough buses? Is there too much pollution in the too much traffic. Some buses are too old and …
city?
Elicit responses with too, too much/any, and
enough

5. What will happen if we don´t protect our forests? 5. If we don´t protect our forests, the air will be more
Elicit responses with Future Real Conditionals. contaminated and that will cause a lot of
Invite students to elaborate on their responses. respiratory diseases…

Updated oral PLEX battery_JDDA_Feb. 2019

  To express hopes and wishes about the present
 To talk about money using negative modals
 To speculate about imagined/unreal events
 To report someone's statements
 To ask for information using embedded questions
 The student can ask for information using passive voice in different tenses
QUESTIONS AND PROMPTS SAMPLE EXPECTED RESPONSES FROM STUDENTS

1. Think of a situation in your life you are unhappy
with. For example, you are broke, you can´t afford
a new car. What do you wish the situation were
different?
Elicit responses with wish. Prompt students to
elaborate on their responses.
1. I wish I had money now. I wish my father could lend
me some money. I wish my boss could raise my
salary.
I wish I had my own car. I wish I could travel around
the world. I wish I were good at saving money.

2. Now, tell me about three things you don´t have
to do on the weekends?
Tell me about something people shouldn´t do
before an important exam/job interview.
Tell me about something you had better not do if
you want to stay healthy.
Elicit responses with negative modals. Prompt
students to elaborate on their responses.
2. I don´t have to work on weekends. I don´t have
to….
They shouldn´t stay up late. They shouldn´t study at
the last minute. They…
I had better not smoke. I had better not eat junk
food. I had better not …..

3. Tell me what would happen if you won the 3. If I won the lottery, I’d buy a mansion on the Greek
lottery? Or… Islands and I’d invite my friends to spend summers
What would you do if you were Peru´s Minister there.
of transportation?
Elicit responses with present unreal conditionals
Choose one of the options above.
Invite students to elaborate on their responses.

4. What did your mother/father/sister tell you
before you left home this morning?
or
What did the news say this morning/yesterday?
Elicit responses with reported statements with
say and tell.
4. My mother told me that I had to be home early
tonight because my aunt and uncle would be
visiting us.
The news said that there would be a teachers´
strike this morning.

Updated oral PLEX battery_JDDA_Feb. 2019

 5. Now, it´s quiz time: 5. I don´t know where it is.
Do you know where Chongoyape is? I am not sure how much it weighs.
How much does a capuchin monkey weigh?

Elicit responses with embedded questions. Feel

free to refer to similar topics.

6. Let´s continue talking about facts. What do you

know about Machu Picchu? Where is it
located? Who was it discovered by? How many
people has it been visited by so far?
Elicit responses with passive voice in various
tenses. Feel free to refer to similar topics.
6. Machu Picchu is located in Cuzco. It was
discovered by Hiram Bingham. It has been visited
by….

Updated oral PLEX battery_JDDA_Feb. 2019

  To discuss trends in communication using different tenses in the present, past and future, used to, and would
 To compare technological devices using as…as, comparatives and superlatives
 To agree or disagree
 To retell a story using past perfect, simple past and past continuous
 To describe art pieces / monuments using gradable and absolute adjectives as well as adverbs

QUESTIONS AND PROMPTS SAMPLE EXPECTED RESPONSES FROM STUDENTS

1. How do you communicate every day?
Was it the same 10 years ago? How has
communication changed?
How will communication change in the future?*
*Link to the following question.
1. I always use my cell phone. At work / home, I…
No, it wasn’t. We didn’t have smartphones…
People used to…
Maybe people will use special phones to…

2. What’s the best device you have ever used to
communicate?
Was it as affordable / practical / useful as…?
Which one is better?*
3. I believe reading e-books is better than carrying
books around. Do you agree?*
*Link to the following question.
2. The best device was / is the smartphone because
I can have video calls with people.
It was(n’t) as affordable as a feature phone.
The smartphone is better because the camera
works very well. It has a very colorful screen…
3. I don’t agree at all. / I agree to some extent… / I
don’t see it that way…

4. What was the last book you read about? 4. The last book I read was Twilight. It was about a
What was the story about? Where did it take place? girl and a vampire who loved each other. She had
Try to get students to give you a summary. fallen in love with him even before she met him…

5. Do you like art / visiting museums / going to art 5. Yes, I do.

galleries?* - My favorite painting is “The Last Supper”. It is
- Can you describe your favorite painting / sculpture / absolutely beautiful. The colors…
piece of art? - It is special because it was painted very gently
- What did it make you feel? What made it special? and carefully…
If the student shows little interest in art, you may try
changing the topic, like describing famous
monuments in the city (sightseeing).

Updated oral PLEX battery_JDDA_Feb. 2019

  To discuss human activity and climate change using present perfect and present perfect continuous
 To make predictions using will and be going to
 To discuss social media using the first conditional
 To talk about a sequence of events in the future using future time clauses
 To make deductions in the present using modals

QUESTIONS AND PROMPTS SAMPLE EXPECTED RESPONSES FROM STUDENTS

1. How has human activity affected the
environment?
How has the world changed?*
You may refer to the ice-caps melting, species
disappearing, etc.
*Link to the following question.
1. - The weather has changed due to global warming.
There have been many natural disasters recently…
- The forests have disappeared. People have been
destroying ecosystems…

2. What will result from this situation? 2. There won’t be enough food because… /People will
Will our world be the same in 20 years? start using other power sources…
What other trends or changes will be popular in
the future?

3. Some people say that social media has a negative

effect on young people’s self-esteem. Do you 3. I agree. Social media only shows you… If parents
agree? How can this situation be prevented? have better control over…, then kids won’t… / If
people use social media properly…

4. We want to launch a new app to promote local 4. When you buy a product, it will let you rank the
businesses. For example, it will send you quality… / After you buy something, the app will
notifications when local restaurants have special allow you to track it…
deals. What other characteristics would you like
the app to have?
Try to elicit at least two different examples with:
when, until, before, once, by the time…

5. Imagine the following situation and decide on a 5. - It must be my uncle. He is visiting this month.
possible explanation about what is happening - He might be stuck in traffic.
now. - It could be in my neighbor’s roof.
- You see a red car parked in front of your house.
- Your teacher is late.
- Your cat is not in the house.
Use a couple of items to assess.

Updated oral PLEX battery_JDDA_Feb. 2019

  To talk about mess using quantifiers, one & ones, and articles.
 To retell a story using reported speech.
 To talk about rules using modals to express permission, prohibition, and obligation.
 To talk about abilities in the present and past using modals.

QUESTIONS AND PROMPTS SAMPLE EXPECTED RESPONSES FROM STUDENTS

1. Are you an organized person? 1. -Yes, I am. / No, I don’t. I have very few / lots of
Do you keep lots of stuff at home / in your bedroom things, so I don’t have to…
/ office?* -Yes, I have many things at home. / No, I have a
*Link to the following question. few things… For example, …

2. Which one is your favorite / most valuable 2. I can’t live without the watch my grandfather
possession? Why? Can you describe it? gave me.
Follow-up questions may depend on students’ My favorite possession is my Play Station. It’s a
answers. very nice console to play…

3. Have you ever heard an interesting story about a 3. Yes, during a history class, my teacher told us
famous / historical object?* about how someone had stolen the Mona Lisa.
*Link to the following question.

4. Most of the historical goods of a country are found
in museums. Have you ever been to a museum?
What are some of the rules you had to follow?
-What other rules do people have to follow?
Try to elicit responses that express permission,
prohibition, and obligation.
4. Yes, I have. I visited the “Museo de la Nación”.
Before going in, I had to show my ID…
-You’re allowed to take photos but with no flash.
You can’t yell.

5. Tell me about the things you can do now or could do 5. When I was young, I could paint very well…
in the past. At present, I can dance very well…
Ask examinee to elaborate.

Updated oral PLEX battery_JDDA_Feb. 2019

  To describe innovations using passive voice
 To talk about imaginary situations in the present using the second conditional and wish
 To talk about imaginary situations in the past using the third conditional
 To talk about objects and people in one’s life using relative clauses
 To give advice

QUESTIONS AND PROMPTS SAMPLE EXPECTED RESPONSES FROM STUDENTS

1. Solar panels are used to cook or heat water. Do you 1. Sure! Drones are now used by the general public in
know of other interesting innovations? many new and interesting ways. For example, they
-What is it used for? Where is it sold? Is it built / are used to record… They are sold at… They are
manufactured in Peru? Who is it mainly used by?* imported from… They are powered by
You can prompt students to discuss innovations such
as: virtual reality, wireless devices, smart homes,
etc.
*Link to the following question.

2. If you were rich, which of those innovations would 2. If I were rich, I would get a drone. I would take it
you have at home? What would you use them for?* everywhere…
*Link to the following question.

3. If you hadn’t had a smartphone / a laptop / Internet

3. If I hadn’t had a smartphone, I wouldn’t have
/ etc. two years ago, what would your life have
been like? been able to stay in touch with my colleagues at
work…

4. What is something you wish were different (in your 4. I wish I had a less stressful job…
life / in the world / in general)?

5. Tell me about: 5. -My cell phone is the object that is most

-an object that is very important to you. important to me because…
-a member of your family who lives far away. -My dad is the person who taught me how to
-a person who has taught you to do something. swim…

6. Give me some advice on the following:
-I can’t concentrate and I have an important test
tomorrow.
-I can’t sleep at night and I feel tired all day.
-My boyfriend/girlfriend thinks I’m cheating on
him/her, but it’s not true.
6. -Have you thought about going for a short walk
to clear your mind?
-If I were you, I’d take some sleeping pills.
-You should / ought to / could talk to him/her.
-In your situation, I’d talk to him/her.

Updated oral PLEX battery_JDDA_Feb. 2019

  To talk about events in the past using simple past, past continuous, present perfect, and past perfect
 To talk about health: habits and actions taking place in the present using simple present, and present perfect
 To talk about healthy habits using used to and get used to
 To use tag questions to confirm information

QUESTIONS AND PROMPTS SAMPLE EXPECTED RESPONSES FROM STUDENTS

1. Tell me about an interesting experience you’ve seen 1. Jane, an acquaintance from college, posted
in social media about someone you know. It could be amazing pictures on Facebook about a trip she
about a friend, coworker, or acquaintance. took to the jungle. She had been there for two
If necessary, emphasize the use of past tenses days, when she saw a monkey for the first time.
(simple past, past continuous, present perfect, She was drinking some water when the monkey
past perfect). jumped off a tree.

2. People nowadays are more interested in being
healthy and fit. Do you do anything, or have you
ever done anything to be healthy or fit?
Accept any logical answers using simple present
(routines/habits), p. continuous, and p. perfect.
2. I go to the gym twice a week, and I usually eat
healthy food. Also, I’m taking dance lessons this
month. I haven’t eaten junk food in a while.

3. Tell me what your parents used to do to keep you
healthy when you were a child.
Did you use to get sick often as a child?
Begin with the first question, and ask the second one
if necessary to prompt the use of “used to”.
3. My parents used to give me vitamins as a child.
Yes, I used to get sick a lot. I often got
stomachaches and headaches.

4. Was it easy / Has it been easy / Would it be easy for
you to get used to keeping a healthier lifestyle?
Depending on previous answers, link the question in
order to prompt the use of “get used to” / “be used
to”.
4. It has been easy for me, because I got used to
eating healthy when I was a child.
It would be very difficult for me to get used to
exercising. I work all day!

5. I’m going to give you an example of a question for
you to confirm something: “You paid for this exam,
didn’t you?” Ask me other questions to confirm
different things you would like to know.
Elicit confirmation questions using Tag questions.
5. You work at ICPNA, don’t you?
I can learn English here, can’t I?
You are a teacher, aren’t you?

Updated oral PLEX battery_JDDA_Feb. 2019

  To talk about changes in appearance using simple past, present perfect and present perfect continuous.
 To talk about plans and actions to happen in the future using will, be going to, present continuous and
present perfect.
 To talk about plans for the future using clauses with once, unless, as soon as, before, etc.
 To talk about a movie using the passive voice.
QUESTIONS AND PROMPTS
1. Getting tattoos and piercings is trendy these days;
have you/anyone you know ever changed
your/their appearance drastically? How?
Expect the use of Simple Past and Present
Perfect (using already and yet if applicable).
The passive may also be used here.
2. Have you been doing something special to
improve your appearance recently?
Students should use present perfect and perfect
continuous as prompted in the question.
3. Let’s talk about your plans for the future:
What are you going to do when you finish
studying English? Will you apply for any
scholarships abroad? Do you have any other
plans?
Expect the use of future tenses (will, going to,
present continuous, etc.)
Try to elicit the use of unless, once, until, before,
and as soon as.
4. Let’s talk about movies: one of my favorite
movies was Kill Bill. It was directed by Tarantino.
Tell me about any of your favorite movies; when
it was made, who filmed it and where, etc.
Expect and prompt passive voice if necessary.
Updated oral PLEX battery_JDDA_Feb. 2019
SAMPLE EXPECTED RESPONSES FROM STUDENTS
1. I’ve gotten my ears pierced three times, the first
time, when I was in high-school. Also, I want to get a
tattoo, but I haven’t decided it yet.
2. Well, I’ve been buying new clothes in a fashionable
store. I’ve also gotten a new haircut.
Not really; I’m really busy at work because we’ve
been working on a project.
3. Actually, I’m applying for a masters’ degree.
Once I finish studying English, I am going to start
studying French.
As soon as I finish studying English, I am going to
apply to one of those “Work and travel” programs in
the U.S.
By the time I finish studying, I will have applied for a
scholarship in an American university.
4. I like the Lord of the Rings movies; I know they were
filmed in New Zealand. They were made with the
best technology of the time.
  To talk about regrets using past modals
 To speculate and make deductions about the past with past modals
 To talk about imagined situations using the third conditional
 To talk about wishes using wish in the present or the past
 To compare objects or situations using comparative modifiers

QUESTIONS AND PROMPTS SAMPLE EXPECTED RESPONSES FROM STUDENTS

1. Tell me something you should have done differently 1. Last year, I missed my flight to Cuzco. I should have
last year. taken a taxi, but I took the bus instead.
I shouldn’t have bought an expensive cell phone.
Now I have a big debt. What about you?*
*If the student doesn’t answer using past modals,
you can rephrase the question and request the due
language form.

2. Imagine you are in a park and you see a man in his 2. He might have gotten really bad news. Perhaps
thirties crying his heart out. What could have someone he loves died.
happened to him?
Accept any responses with past modals.

3. Tell me what you would have done if you had won 3. If I had won the lottery, I would have gone to
the lottery three years ago. Russia in 2018, so I could have rooted for my
I could have gone to Disneyland last year if I had country in the World Cup.
won the lottery. What about you?*
*If the student doesn’t answer using the third
conditional, you can rephrase the question and
request the due language form.

4. Our city has many problems like traffic, pollution, 4. I wish we had a good public transportation system,
crime, unemployment, etc. What do you wish were so more people would use public transportation
different? and there would be less traffic.
* Both questions could be used.

5. Tell me about one athlete/actor/singer/youtuber
you like and compare him/her to other celebrities.
Encourage examinee to use all comparative forms
(modifiers) he/she can.
5. The most popular Peruvian soccer player I’ve ever
watched is Claudio Pizarro. He is becoming more
and more popular because he is the oldest
goalscorer in Bundesliga history. He is more
efficient than younger players. He plays for few
minutes and he scores a goal. The more I watch
him playing, the more I admire him.

Updated oral PLEX battery_JDDA_Feb. 2019

  To make comparisons using either…or / neither…nor
 To talk about inventions using defining and non-defining relative clauses
 To emphasize a description using so/such
 To report what someone said using reporting verbs
 To talk about events using perfect and continuous tenses

QUESTIONS AND PROMPTS SAMPLE EXPECTED RESPONSES FROM STUDENTS

1. To buy the most fashionable clothes some
people prefer to shop at Jockey Plaza or at
Larcomar shopping center. How about you,
which do you prefer?
If I go out to eat, I prefer to eat either Chinese
food or Thai food. How about you? Please,
explain your personal options.
Elicit responses with either…or /
neither…nor.
1. Neither Jockey Plaza nor Larcomar. I don´t think they
are the only two places to get fashionable clothes. I
would prefer either ….. or …... where people can shop
not only for fashionable but also for affordable and
quality clothes.
Well, I prefer either Peruvian or fast food because…

2. Could you describe the technological
devices/inventions that people buy or use the
most nowadays?
Elicit responses with defining and non-
defining relative clauses.
2. Definitely, the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus.
It is a phone that has a big screen and a superb camera.
It is also lightweight, slim, and handheld. However, the
price, which is very high, is hard to justify since the
phone is not all that different to Galaxy S8. This is for
people who want the biggest screen and the best
camera on one phone.

3. Let´s talk about some important changes in 3. Well, in the past using computers at schools wasn´t so
education. For example, using computers at important. Using books and some other materials was
school is so important today. How about in the mainstream. Actually, there weren´t so many schools
past? with computer facilities accessible to people because
*Link to the next follow-up questions having those facilities were so expensive, especially in
Did students have such a huge number of on- public schools. ….
line resources to do their assignments as they
do today?
Do they get information on-line for their
homework so that they won´t read books
anymore?
Elicit responses with so/such.

Updated oral PLEX battery_JDDA_Feb. 2019

 4. Let´s change topics now. Tell me about an
interesting/embarrassing/surprising thing that
has happened to one of your friends.
Elicit responses with reporting verbs.
5. Let´s talk about the future now. Tell me about
what you will be doing this time next week.
How about by the year 2015, what will you
have accomplished by then?
Elicit responses with perfect and
continuous tenses. Both questions could
be used.
Updated oral PLEX battery_JDDA_Feb. 2019
4. My friend Brad told me he had to take the entrance
exam for the Catholic university several times before
passing! After his fifth attempt, his friends
recommended giving up, but his parents encouraged
him to take the entrance exam one more time. My
friend got a private tutor, who claimed to have a 100%
success rate. On the day of the exam, the tutor
suggested Brad to stay calm and forget about the other
exams. And it worked! Brad´s family organized a party
to congratulate him on finally passing the exam.
5. Uhmm, I had already started my vacations, but,
definitely, I haven´t finished them yet, so I think I will be
lying on the beach. I think I will be drinking some iced
soda and I will be listening to my favorite music. And, of
course, I will be having a very relaxing time.
By that time, I will have opened my own business and I
will have gotten my own house. I´m not sure if I will
have gotten married, but I will…