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Oxford Test of English
Pre-primary / Primary / Secondary / Adult
Assessment/ Testing/ Exams/ Speaking
Getting ready for your speaking proficiency test
This session helps learners prepare for a speaking proficiency test. It focuses on three important areas:
Answering personal questions, organizing a longer response, and ideas for practicing speaking online.
60~90
This PowerPoint deck
Presentation overview – do not show
Objectives Provide tips and techniques for improving students speaking
(2-3 max)
Presentation Outline The session is divided into three sections:
• Answering short personal questions
vocabulary
grammar
ideas
• Organising a longer response
linking words and phrases
• Ideas for practising speaking online
on your own
with a friend or classmate
Format NOTE: This file contains two versions of the session.
One set of slides is formatted for use in BigMarker (BM), OUP’s preferred webinar software. These are
animated ‘slide-by-slide’ (marked BM in notes) so they will be seen by BigMarker participants, even when
used as a PDF file. Big Marker slides start at 49

Fully animated slides (if included) for when PowerPoint is preferred (marked PPTX/ PPT in notes) are also
included.

Show/ hide one set of slides or another based on your preferred format. (Or delete those you do not
intend to use.) It is suggested you review all slide notes first.
Getting ready for your speaking
proficiency test
Session aims
Provide tips and techniques for improving your speaking

• Answering short personal questions

– vocabulary
– grammar
– ideas
• Organising a longer response
– linking words and phrases
• Ideas for practising speaking online
– on your own
– with a friend or classmate
Section 1

Answering short personal questions

Short questions
Read the question and the two answers. Which answer is better?

What do you do in your free

time?

A B
I like watching TV and chatting Well, other than watching TV or
with friends and playing going online, which is what I do most
basketball. Sometimes I go of the time, I get together with some
shopping for clothes if my friends friends at university regularly to play
want to go – I’m not really that basketball. I'm also quite into
keen on it. Oh, and I like baking photography – I love going out and
when I have time for it. trying to photograph wildlife. But
only if the weather’s good!
Short questions
Vocabulary

What do you do in your free

time?

A B
I like watching TV and chatting Well, other than watching TV or
with friends and playing going online, which is what I do most
basketball. Sometimes I go of the time, I get together with some
shopping for clothes if my friends friends at university regularly to play
want to go – I’m not really that basketball. I'm also quite into
keen on it. Oh, and I like baking photography – I love going out and
when I have time for it. trying to photograph wildlife. But
only if the weather’s good!
Short questions

Grammar

What do you do in your free

time?

A B
I like watching TV and chatting Well, other than watching TV or
with friends and playing going online, which is what I do most
basketball. Sometimes I go of the time, I get together with some
shopping for clothes if my friends friends at university regularly to play
want to go – I’m not really that basketball. I'm also quite into
keen on it. Oh, and I like baking photography – I love going out and
when I have time for it. trying to photograph wildlife. But
only if the weather’s good!
Short questions

Add detail

What do you do in your free

time?

A B
I like watching TV and chatting Well, other than watching TV or
with friends and playing going online, which is what I do most
basketball. Sometimes I go of the time, I get together with some
shopping for clothes if my friends friends at university regularly to play
want to go – I’m not really that basketball. I'm also quite into
keen on it. Oh, and I like baking photography – I love going out and
when I have time for it. trying to photograph wildlife. But
only if the weather’s good!
Short questions
Read the question. How would you answer?

Tell me about the last time

you went out to eat.
Short questions
Vocabulary

Tell me about the last time Time Place

you went out to eat. last week restaurant
the other day cafe
a while ago bar
picnic
barbecue
Food
pizza tasty Occasion
sushi delicious
birthday
burgers vegetarian graduation
noodles spicy
wedding
curry fresh
shopping trip
salad holiday
seafood
Short questions
Grammar
Tell me about the last time
you went out to eat.
Past simple
Last weekend I went to a restaurant.
I met a friend at a cafe.
I thought the food was great.
Past perfect
I had never tried sushi before.
Present perfect
We’ve been going to that restaurant for
years.
Longer sentences
We went to The Ship, which is the best
seafood restaurant in town.
If I’d known it was so expensive, I would’ve
suggested somewhere different.
Short questions
Add detail

Tell me about the last time

you went out to eat.
Last month I went to a French restaurant
with a group of friends who I hadn’t seen
It’s a very popular restaurant,
for over a year.
which meant it was very busy.
I only had seafood pasta, but it took ages
before we were served.Luckily, we had a lot to
talk about, so we didn’t mind waiting.
Short questions
Timing tips

• No preparation time What kind of job would you

like to do in the future?
• Short answer time

01 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Short questions
Timing tips

• No preparation time Tell me how you met your

best friend.
• Short answer time

01 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Short questions
Timing tips

Too much time Not enough time

• Can you add any detail • Did you manage to
about, e.g. people, time, answer the question?
places? • Try to include
• Can you attempt longer, important information
more complex early on.
sentences?
Short questions
Listening to questions

• Audio-only questions
• Identify the topic

I’m going to ask you some questions

about …

sport / free time / food / your home / work

Short questions
Listening to questions

I’m going to ask you some questions about _______

reading.

• Can you describe something you _____

read that you really enjoyed?

• Do you prefer ______________

reading e-books or real ______?
books

• What things can you do to improve your _______

reading in English?
Short questions

• include a range of vocabulary • give a list

• include a range of grammar • give a very short answer
• add extra detail • repeat the question
• answer the question
• use the time allowed
• identify the topic
Short questions

Practice

Download or create a set of

What kind of job would you
like
questions on flashcards.
to do in the future?

Time yourself answering the

questions.
Short questions
Practice: getting feedback

• Record yourself speaking

• Listen on your own answers
• Text-to-speech software
• Send your recordings to a friend,
classmate or teacher
Section 2

Organising longer answers

Organising longer answers
A B

C D
Organising longer answers
Instructions
Your English school is planning to have
an activity for its new students to get to
know each other. The school has asked
you for ideas. Choose two photographs.
Tell your class about the advantages and
disadvantages of these two activities.
Organising longer answers
Instructions
Your English school is planning to have an
activity for its new students to _________
______ get to know
each other. The school has asked you for
ideas. Choose ___ two photographs. Tell your
____
class about the _________
advantages and
____________
disadvantages of these ___ two activities.

You now have 30 seconds to think about

what you want to say.
 Organising longer answers
Advantages Disadvantages

• A good way to get to • It might be expensive

know each other • Difficult to find a
• Everyone likes good restaurant everyone
food will like
• A comfortable place • Not suitable for a very
to relax. large group of people.
 Organising longer answers
Here are some sentences about having a meal in a restaurant.
Can you fill in the missing words?

because everyone
1) Having a meal in a restaurant would be good, _______
likes good food.
2) It’s difficult to find a restaurant that everyone will like ___
and some
restaurants aren’t suitable for a large group of people.
3) Meals in restaurants are fun, ___ but they can be expensive.
Organising longer answers
Here are some sentences about the pictures. Can you fill in the missing words?

However not everyone likes sports,

4) _______,
___________
so/ therefore a sports day is not the
best choice.

Although/ While a country walk would

5) _____________
be good exercise, I think a disco
would be more fun.

As/ Given that the weather is so

6) ____________
good right now, a country walk would
be really nice.
Organising longer answers
Can you rewrite the sentences using the word in brackets?

However, not everyone likes sports, so a

sports day is not the best choice.
(BECAUSE)

However, a sports day is not the

best choice because not everyone
likes sports.
Organising longer answers
Can you rewrite the sentences using the word in brackets?

Meals in restaurants are fun, but they

can be expensive.
(ALTHOUGH)

Although meals in restaurants are

fun, they can be expensive.
Organising longer answers
Can you rewrite the sentences using the word in brackets?

A sports day would be a good idea, but it

would need a lot of preparation.
(WHILE)

While a sports day would be a

good idea, it would need a lot of
preparation.
Organising longer answers
Can you rewrite the sentences using the word in brackets?

A disco would be good because most

people enjoy listening to music.
(GIVEN THAT)

Given that most people enjoy

listening to music, a disco would be
good.
Organising longer answers

Your English school is planning

to have an activity for its new
students to get to know each
other. The school has asked
you for ideas. Choose two
photographs. Tell your class
about the advantages and
disadvantages of these two
activities.
Organising longer answers
The sentences from this response have been mixed up. Can you put them in the right order? Think
about the words that structure the response.
However, a sports day takes a lot of preparation. The school would need to ensure that the sports field is available, as well
A as making sure that all the equipment is ready.

In conclusion, while a disco would be quite a good way for students to get to know each other, I think the best activity is
B the sports day. As long as the weather is sunny, a sports day would encourage students to work together in teams and give
them a good chance to speak to each other.
Another fun activity would be a disco, because most people like to listen to music and dance. Music allows people to relax
C and feel more comfortable.
D Good morning, class. I’m going to talk about the advantages and disadvantages of having a sports day and having a disco.
On the other hand, although discos are fun, people can’t talk to each other if the music is too loud. In addition, people will
E probably only speak to their friends.
F Also, the weather needs to be good, because people would get cold if it was raining.
First of all, I think a sports day is a great way for people to get to know each other, because the students need to work in
G teams to win.
Organising longer answers
Now listen and check.

However, a sports day takes a lot of preparation. The school would need to ensure that the sports field is available, as well
A as making sure that all the equipment is ready.

In conclusion, while a disco would be quite a good way for students to get to know each other, I think the best activity is
B the sports day. As long as the weather is sunny, a sports day would encourage students to work together in teams and give
them a good chance to speak to each other.
Another fun activity would be a disco, because most people like to listen to music and dance. Music allows people to relax
C and feel more comfortable.
D Good morning, class. I’m going to talk about the advantages and disadvantages of having a sports day and having a disco.
On the other hand, although discos are fun, people can’t talk to each other if the music is too loud. In addition, people will
E probably only speak to their friends.
F Also, the weather needs to be good, because people would get cold if it was raining.
First of all, I think a sports day is a great way for people to get to know each other, because the students need to work in
G teams to win.
Organising longer answers
Answer key
D Good morning, class. I’m going to talk about the advantages and disadvantages of having a sports day and having a disco.

First of all, I think a sports day is a great way for people to get to know each other, because the students need to work in
G teams to win.
However, a sports day takes a lot of preparation. The school would need to ensure that the sports field is available, as well as
A making sure that all the equipment is ready.

F Also, the weather needs to be good, because people would get cold if it was raining.

Another fun activity would be a disco, because most people like to listen to music and dance. Music allows people to relax
C and feel more comfortable.

On the other hand, although discos are fun, people can’t talk to each other if the music is too loud. In addition, people will
E probably only speak to their friends.
In conclusion, while a disco would be quite a good way for students to get to know each other, I think the best activity is the
B sports day. As long as the weather is sunny, a sports day would encourage students to work together in teams and give them a
good chance to speak to each other.
Organising longer answers
Can you remember the words and phrases?
D Good morning, class. I’m going to talk about the advantages and disadvantages of having a sports day and having a disco.

G First of all, I think a sports day is a great way for people to get to know each other, because the students need to work in teams to win.

However, a sports day takes a lot of preparation. The school would need to ensure that the sports field is available, as well as making sure
A that all the equipment is ready.

F Also, the weather needs to be good, because people would get cold if it was raining.

Another fun activity would be a disco, because most people like to listen to music and dance. Music allows people to relax and feel more
C comfortable.

On the other hand, although discos are fun, people can’t talk to each other if the music is too loud. In addition, people will probably only
E speak to their friends.

In conclusion, while a disco would be quite a good way for students to get to know each other, I think the best activity is the sports day. As
B long as the weather is sunny, a sports day would encourage students to work together in teams and give them a good chance to speak to
each other.
Organising longer answers
Practice
Good morning, class. I’m going to talk about …

First of all …
because …

although …

However …

While …

Another … would be …

On the other hand …

In conclusion …
Section 3

Practising your speaking skills

Practising speaking
On your own

• Record yourself speaking

• Listen to yourself
• Analyse your answer
• Answer the question again
Practising speaking
On your own
• Talk to yourself
• Describe what you are doing
• Tell yourself what you did
today
• Don’t worry about making
mistakes
Now I’m going to make some
breakfast. I’m really hungry and I
wish I could have pancakes, but we
don’t have the ingredients. So, I
suppose I’ll just have some toast
and jam, and maybe some fruit
instead. Now I’m cutting up the
strawberries, which are my
favourite fruit. It’s making a bit of a
mess, but I’ll clean that later …
Then I tried putting on a suit to see
if it would make me feel more like
working. It didn’t, but I look a lot
smarter than the rest of my family
now. Then, in the evening I watched
this really interesting programme
on TV. It was a lot of different
celebrities talking about what
they’ve been doing since …
Practising speaking
On your own
• Find a TV programme or
video with subtitles
• Copy what’s being said
• Talk along with the video
• Focus on pronunciation.
The most interesting thing about
this artist is that she’s only 15 years
old but she’s already extremely
well-known all around the world,
although this might be more
because of her daily videos on
social media than …
Practising speaking
With a friend
How’s it going? Today we’re
going to talk
about our plans
for the future.

I’m going to ask you

some questions about
sport. Tell me about a
sport you did when you
were younger.
Practising speaking
With a friend
In the weekend, I like to go to
shopping with my friends. We
go to the Westgate shopping
centre at the centre of town. My
favourite shops are where I can
buy perfume or soap that
smells really nice. I always
spend too many money here,
even though I always try to find
a bargain.
Two positive things are you used
really good vocabulary, like
‘perfume’ and ‘find a bargain’.
And your pronunciation sounded
very natural.
One thing to improve – I
think there were some mistakes
with prepositions, like ‘at the
weekend’ and ‘in the centre’.
Practising speaking
What do you do in your free time?
In the weekend, I like to go to
shopping with my friends. We
go to the Westgate shopping
centre at the centre of town.
My favourite shops are where
I can buy perfume or soap that
smells really nice. I always
spend too many money here,
even though I always try to
find a bargain.
I think your grammar is better
than mine, and you’ve given
more details about your hobby.
At the weekend, I love going
cycling. There is a group that
goes cycling in the
countryside and I always go
with them. They are a very
friendly group and they are
very funny. Sometimes the
cycling is very long and I feel
very tired afterwards but this is
my favourite hobby.
You definitely used better
vocabulary than me – I keep
repeating the word ‘very’.
Practising speaking
Go online
• Search ‘improve English speaking alone’
• Search ‘English language exchange online’
• Find English learning apps
• Online resources for textbooks
• Online exam practice
• Free Speaking Tips and Practice Tests:
https://elt.oup.com/feature/global/oxford_test_of_english/get-ready-
for-the-test
www.oxfordtestofenglish.com
Big Marker slides
Getting ready for your speaking
proficiency test
Session aims
Provide tips and techniques for improving your speaking

• Answering short personal questions

– vocabulary
– grammar
– ideas
Session aims
Provide tips and techniques for improving your speaking

• Answering short personal questions

– vocabulary
– grammar
– ideas
• Organising a longer response
– linking words and phrases
Session aims
Provide tips and techniques for improving your speaking

• Answering short personal questions

– vocabulary
– grammar
– ideas
• Organising a longer response
– linking words and phrases
• Ideas for practising speaking online
– on your own
– with a friend or classmate
Section 1

Answering short personal questions

Short questions
Read the question and the two answers. Which answer is better?

What do you do in your free

time?

A B
I like watching TV and chatting Well, other than watching TV or
with friends and playing going online, which is what I do most
basketball. Sometimes I go of the time, I get together with some
shopping for clothes if my friends friends at university regularly to play
want to go – I’m not really that basketball. I'm also quite into
keen on it. Oh, and I like baking photography – I love going out and
when I have time for it. trying to photograph wildlife. But
only if the weather’s good!
Short questions
Vocabulary

What do you do in your free

time?

A B
I like watching TV and chatting Well, other than watching TV or
with friends and playing going online, which is what I do most
basketball. Sometimes I go of the time, I get together with some
shopping for clothes if my friends friends at university regularly to play
want to go – I’m not really that basketball. I'm also quite into
keen on it. Oh, and I like baking photography – I love going out and
when I have time for it. trying to photograph wildlife. But
only if the weather’s good!
Short questions
Vocabulary

What do you do in your free

time?

A B
I like watching TV and chatting Well, other than watching TV or
with friends and playing going online, which is what I do most
basketball. Sometimes I go of the time, I get together with some
shopping for clothes if my friends friends at university regularly to play
want to go – I’m not really that basketball. I'm also quite into
keen on it. Oh, and I like baking photography – I love going out and
when I have time for it. trying to photograph wildlife. But
only if the weather’s good!
Short questions

Grammar

What do you do in your free

time?

A B
I like watching TV and chatting Well, other than watching TV or
with friends and playing going online, which is what I do most
basketball. Sometimes I go of the time, I get together with some
shopping for clothes if my friends friends at university regularly to play
want to go – I’m not really that basketball. I'm also quite into
keen on it. Oh, and I like baking photography – I love going out and
when I have time for it. trying to photograph wildlife. But
only if the weather’s good!
Short questions

Grammar

What do you do in your free

time?

A B
I like watching TV and chatting Well, other than watching TV or
with friends and playing going online, which is what I do most
basketball. Sometimes I go of the time, I get together with some
shopping for clothes if my friends friends at university regularly to play
want to go – I’m not really that basketball. I'm also quite into
keen on it. Oh, and I like baking photography – I love going out and
when I have time for it. trying to photograph wildlife. But
only if the weather’s good!
Short questions

Add detail

What do you do in your free

time?

A B
I like watching TV and chatting Well, other than watching TV or
with friends and playing going online, which is what I do most
basketball. Sometimes I go of the time, I get together with some
shopping for clothes if my friends friends at university regularly to play
want to go – I’m not really that basketball. I'm also quite into
keen on it. Oh, and I like baking photography – I love going out and
when I have time for it. trying to photograph wildlife. But
only if the weather’s good!
Short questions

Add detail

What do you do in your free

time?

A B
I like watching TV and chatting Well, other than watching TV or
with friends and playing going online, which is what I do most
basketball. Sometimes I go of the time, I get together with some
shopping for clothes if my friends friends at university regularly to play
want to go – I’m not really that basketball. I'm also quite into
keen on it. Oh, and I like baking photography – I love going out and
when I have time for it. trying to photograph wildlife. But
only if the weather’s good!
Short questions
Read the question. How would you answer?

Tell me about the last time

you went out to eat.
Short questions
Vocabulary

Tell me about the last time Time

you went out to eat. last week
the other day
a while ago
Short questions
Vocabulary

Tell me about the last time Time Place

you went out to eat. last week restaurant
the other day cafe
a while ago bar
picnic
barbecue
Short questions
Vocabulary

Tell me about the last time Time Place

you went out to eat. last week restaurant
the other day cafe
a while ago bar
picnic
barbecue
Food
pizza tasty
sushi delicious
burgers vegetarian
noodles spicy
curry fresh
salad
seafood
Short questions
Vocabulary

Tell me about the last time Time Place

you went out to eat. last week restaurant
the other day cafe
a while ago bar
picnic
barbecue
Food
pizza tasty Occasion
sushi delicious
birthday
burgers vegetarian graduation
noodles spicy
wedding
curry fresh
shopping trip
salad holiday
seafood
Short questions
Grammar
Tell me about the last time
you went out to eat.
Past simple
Last weekend I went to a restaurant.
I met a friend at a cafe.
I thought the food was great.
Short questions
Grammar
Tell me about the last time
you went out to eat.
Past simple
Last weekend I went to a restaurant.
I met a friend at a cafe.
I thought the food was great.
Past perfect
I had never tried sushi before.
Short questions
Grammar
Tell me about the last time
you went out to eat.
Past simple
Last weekend I went to a restaurant.
I met a friend at a cafe.
I thought the food was great.
Past perfect
I had never tried sushi before.
Present perfect
We’ve been going to that restaurant for
years.
Short questions
Grammar
Tell me about the last time
you went out to eat.
Past simple
Last weekend I went to a restaurant.
I met a friend at a cafe.
I thought the food was great.
Past perfect
I had never tried sushi before.
Present perfect
We’ve been going to that restaurant for
years.
Longer sentences
We went to The Ship, which is the best
seafood restaurant in town.
If I’d known it was so expensive, I would’ve
suggested somewhere different.
Short questions
Add detail

Tell me about the last time

you went out to eat. Last month I went to a French restaurant
Short questions
Add detail

Tell me about the last time

you went out to eat. Last month I went to a French restaurant
with a group of friends who I hadn’t seen
for over a year.
Short questions
Add detail

Tell me about the last time

you went out to eat.
Last month I went to a French restaurant
with a group of friends who I hadn’t seen
It’s a very popular restaurant,
for over a year.
which meant it was very busy.
Short questions
Add detail

Tell me about the last time

you went out to eat.
Last month I went to a French restaurant
with a group of friends who I hadn’t seen
It’s a very popular restaurant,
for over a year.
which meant it was very busy.
I only had seafood pasta, but it took ages
before we were served.Luckily, we had a lot to
talk about, so we didn’t mind waiting.
Short questions
Timing tips
Short questions
Timing tips

• No preparation time
Short questions
Timing tips

• No preparation time
• Short answer time
Short questions
Timing tips

• No preparation time What kind of job would you

like to do in the future?
• Short answer time

01 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Short questions
Timing tips

• No preparation time Tell me how you met your

best friend.
• Short answer time

01 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Short questions
Timing tips

Too much time

Short questions
Timing tips

Too much time

• Can you add any detail
about, e.g. people, time,
places?
Short questions
Timing tips

Too much time

• Can you add any detail
about, e.g. people, time,
places?
• Can you attempt longer,
more complex
sentences?
Short questions
Timing tips

Too much time Not enough time

• Can you add any detail
about, e.g. people, time,
places?
• Can you attempt longer,
more complex
sentences?
Short questions
Timing tips

Too much time Not enough time

• Can you add any detail • Did you manage to
about, e.g. people, time, answer the question?
places?
• Can you attempt longer,
more complex
sentences?
Short questions
Timing tips

Too much time Not enough time

• Can you add any detail • Did you manage to
about, e.g. people, time, answer the question?
places? • Try to include
• Can you attempt longer, important information
more complex early on.
sentences?
Short questions
Listening to questions

• Audio-only questions
• Identify the topic
I’m going to ask you some questions
about …

sport / free time / food / your home / work

Short questions
Listening to questions

I’m going to ask you some questions about _______

• Can you describe something you _____ that you really enjoyed?

• Do you prefer ______________ or real ______?

• What things can you do to improve your _______ in English?

Short questions
Listening to questions

I’m going to ask you some questions about _______

reading.

• Can you describe something you _____ that you really enjoyed?

• Do you prefer ______________ or real ______?

• What things can you do to improve your _______ in English?

Short questions
Listening to questions

I’m going to ask you some questions about _______

reading.

• Can you describe something you _____

read that you really enjoyed?

• Do you prefer ______________ or real ______?

• What things can you do to improve your _______ in English?

Short questions
Listening to questions

I’m going to ask you some questions about _______

reading.

• Can you describe something you _____

read that you really enjoyed?

• Do you prefer ______________

reading e-books or real ______?
books

• What things can you do to improve your _______ in English?

Short questions
Listening to questions

I’m going to ask you some questions about _______

reading.

• Can you describe something you _____

read that you really enjoyed?

• Do you prefer ______________

reading e-books or real ______?
books

• What things can you do to improve your _______

reading in English?
Short questions
Short questions

• include a range of vocabulary

Short questions

• include a range of vocabulary

• include a range of grammar
Short questions

• include a range of vocabulary

• include a range of grammar
• add extra detail
Short questions

• include a range of vocabulary

• include a range of grammar
• add extra detail
• answer the question
Short questions

• include a range of vocabulary

• include a range of grammar
• add extra detail
• answer the question
• use the time allowed
Short questions

• include a range of vocabulary

• include a range of grammar
• add extra detail
• answer the question
• use the time allowed
• identify the topic
Short questions

• include a range of vocabulary • give a list

• include a range of grammar • give a very short answer
• add extra detail • repeat the question
• answer the question
• use the time allowed
• identify the topic
Short questions

Practice

Download or create a set of

questions on flashcards.
like
What kind of job would you
to do in the future?

Time yourself answering the

questions.
Short questions
Practice: getting feedback
Short questions
Practice: getting feedback

• Record yourself speaking

Short questions
Practice: getting feedback

• Record yourself speaking

• Listen on your own answers
Short questions
Practice: getting feedback

• Record yourself speaking

• Listen on your own answers
• Text-to-speech software
Short questions
Practice: getting feedback

• Record yourself speaking

• Listen on your own answers
• Text-to-speech software
• Send your recordings to a friend,
classmate or teacher
Section 2

Organising longer answers

Organising longer answers
A B

C D
Organising longer answers
A B

C D
Organising longer answers
A B

C D
Organising longer answers
A B

C D
Organising longer answers
A B

C D
Organising longer answers
Instructions
Your English school is planning to have
an activity for its new students to get to
know each other. The school has asked
you for ideas. Choose two photographs.
Tell your class about the advantages and
disadvantages of these two activities.
Organising longer answers
Instructions
Your English school is planning to have an
______ for its new students to _________
each other. The school has asked you for
ideas. Choose ___ photographs. Tell your
____ about the _________ and
____________ of these ___ activities.
Organising longer answers
Instructions
Your English school is planning to have an
activity for its new students to _________
______ get to know
each other. The school has asked you for
ideas. Choose ___ photographs. Tell your
____ about the _________ and
____________ of these ___ activities.
Organising longer answers
Instructions
Your English school is planning to have an
activity for its new students to _________
______ get to know
each other. The school has asked you for
ideas. Choose ___ two photographs. Tell your
____ about the _________ and
____________ of these ___ activities.
Organising longer answers
Instructions
Your English school is planning to have an
activity for its new students to _________
______ get to know
each other. The school has asked you for
ideas. Choose ___ two photographs. Tell your
____
class about the _________ and
____________ of these ___ activities.
Organising longer answers
Instructions
Your English school is planning to have an
activity for its new students to _________
______ get to know
each other. The school has asked you for
ideas. Choose ___ two photographs. Tell your
____
class about the _________
advantages and
____________
disadvantages of these ___ activities.
Organising longer answers
Instructions
Your English school is planning to have an
activity for its new students to _________
______ get to know
each other. The school has asked you for
ideas. Choose ___ two photographs. Tell your
____
class about the _________
advantages and
____________
disadvantages of these ___ two activities.
Organising longer answers
Instructions
Your English school is planning to have an
activity for its new students to _________
______ get to know
each other. The school has asked you for
ideas. Choose ___ two photographs. Tell your
____
class about the _________
advantages and
____________
disadvantages of these ___ two activities.

You now have 30 seconds to think about

what you want to say.
 Organising longer answers
Advantages Disadvantages

• A good way to get to • It might be expensive

know each other • Difficult to find a
• Everyone likes good restaurant everyone
food will like
• A comfortable place • Not suitable for a very
to relax. large group of people.
 Organising longer answers
Here are some sentences about having a meal in a restaurant.
Can you fill in the missing words?

1) Having a meal in a restaurant would be good, _______ everyone

likes good food.
2) It’s difficult to find a restaurant that everyone will like ___ some
restaurants aren’t suitable for a large group of people.
3) Meals in restaurants are fun, ___ they can be expensive.
 Organising longer answers
Here are some sentences about having a meal in a restaurant.
Can you fill in the missing words?

because everyone
1) Having a meal in a restaurant would be good, _______
likes good food.
2) It’s difficult to find a restaurant that everyone will like ___ some
restaurants aren’t suitable for a large group of people.
3) Meals in restaurants are fun, ___ they can be expensive.
 Organising longer answers
Here are some sentences about having a meal in a restaurant.
Can you fill in the missing words?

because everyone
1) Having a meal in a restaurant would be good, _______
likes good food.
2) It’s difficult to find a restaurant that everyone will like ___
and some
restaurants aren’t suitable for a large group of people.
3) Meals in restaurants are fun, ___ they can be expensive.
 Organising longer answers
Here are some sentences about having a meal in a restaurant.
Can you fill in the missing words?

because everyone
1) Having a meal in a restaurant would be good, _______
likes good food.
2) It’s difficult to find a restaurant that everyone will like ___
and some
restaurants aren’t suitable for a large group of people.
3) Meals in restaurants are fun, ___ but they can be expensive.
Organising longer answers
Here are some sentences about the pictures. Can you fill in the missing words?

4) _______, not everyone likes sports,

___________ a sports day is not the
best choice.

5) _____________ a country walk would

be good exercise, I think a disco
would be more fun.

6) ____________ the weather is so

good right now, a country walk would
be really nice.
Organising longer answers
Here are some sentences about the pictures. Can you fill in the missing words?

However not everyone likes sports,

4) _______,
___________
so/ therefore a sports day is not the
best choice.

5) _____________ a country walk would

be good exercise, I think a disco
would be more fun.

6) ____________ the weather is so

good right now, a country walk would
be really nice.
Organising longer answers
Here are some sentences about the pictures. Can you fill in the missing words?

However not everyone likes sports,

4) _______,
___________
so/ therefore a sports day is not the
best choice.

Although/ While a country walk would

5) _____________
be good exercise, I think a disco
would be more fun.

6) ____________ the weather is so

good right now, a country walk would
be really nice.
Organising longer answers
Here are some sentences about the pictures. Can you fill in the missing words?

However not everyone likes sports,

4) _______,
___________
so/ therefore a sports day is not the
best choice.

Although/ While a country walk would

5) _____________
be good exercise, I think a disco
would be more fun.

As/ Given that the weather is so

6) ____________
good right now, a country walk would
be really nice.
Organising longer answers
Can you rewrite the sentences using the word in brackets?

However, not everyone likes sports, so a

sports day is not the best choice.
(BECAUSE)
Organising longer answers
Can you rewrite the sentences using the word in brackets?

However, not everyone likes sports, so a

sports day is not the best choice.
(BECAUSE)

However, a sports day is not the

best choice because not everyone
likes sports.
Organising longer answers
Can you rewrite the sentences using the word in brackets?

Meals in restaurants are fun, but they

can be expensive.
(ALTHOUGH)
Organising longer answers
Can you rewrite the sentences using the word in brackets?

Meals in restaurants are fun, but they

can be expensive.
(ALTHOUGH)

Although meals in restaurants are

fun, they can be expensive.
Organising longer answers
Can you rewrite the sentences using the word in brackets?

A sports day would be a good idea, but it

would need a lot of preparation.
(WHILE)
Organising longer answers
Can you rewrite the sentences using the word in brackets?

A sports day would be a good idea, but it

would need a lot of preparation.
(WHILE)

While a sports day would be a

good idea, it would need a lot of
preparation.
Organising longer answers
Can you rewrite the sentences using the word in brackets?

A disco would be good because most

people enjoy listening to music.
(GIVEN THAT)
Organising longer answers
Can you rewrite the sentences using the word in brackets?

A disco would be good because most

people enjoy listening to music.
(GIVEN THAT)

Given that most people enjoy

listening to music, a disco would be
good.
Organising longer answers

Your English school is planning

to have an activity for its new
students to get to know each
other. The school has asked
you for ideas. Choose two
photographs. Tell your class
about the advantages and
disadvantages of these two
activities.
Organising longer answers
The sentences from this response have been mixed up. Can you put them in the right order? Think
about the words that structure the response.
However, a sports day takes a lot of preparation. The school would need to ensure that the sports field is available, as well
A as making sure that all the equipment is ready.

In conclusion, while a disco would be quite a good way for students to get to know each other, I think the best activity is
B the sports day. As long as the weather is sunny, a sports day would encourage students to work together in teams and give
them a good chance to speak to each other.
Another fun activity would be a disco, because most people like to listen to music and dance. Music allows people to relax
C and feel more comfortable.
D Good morning, class. I’m going to talk about the advantages and disadvantages of having a sports day and having a disco.
On the other hand, although discos are fun, people can’t talk to each other if the music is too loud. In addition, people will
E probably only speak to their friends.
F Also, the weather needs to be good, because people would get cold if it was raining.
First of all, I think a sports day is a great way for people to get to know each other, because the students need to work in
G teams to win.
Organising longer answers
Now listen and check.

However, a sports day takes a lot of preparation. The school would need to ensure that the sports field is available, as well
A as making sure that all the equipment is ready.

In conclusion, while a disco would be quite a good way for students to get to know each other, I think the best activity is
B the sports day. As long as the weather is sunny, a sports day would encourage students to work together in teams and give
them a good chance to speak to each other.
Another fun activity would be a disco, because most people like to listen to music and dance. Music allows people to relax
C and feel more comfortable.
D Good morning, class. I’m going to talk about the advantages and disadvantages of having a sports day and having a disco.
On the other hand, although discos are fun, people can’t talk to each other if the music is too loud. In addition, people will
E probably only speak to their friends.
F Also, the weather needs to be good, because people would get cold if it was raining.
First of all, I think a sports day is a great way for people to get to know each other, because the students need to work in
G teams to win.
Organising longer answers
Answer key
D Good morning, class. I’m going to talk about the advantages and disadvantages of having a sports day and having a disco.

First of all, I think a sports day is a great way for people to get to know each other, because the students need to work in
G teams to win.
However, a sports day takes a lot of preparation. The school would need to ensure that the sports field is available, as well as
A making sure that all the equipment is ready.

F Also, the weather needs to be good, because people would get cold if it was raining.

Another fun activity would be a disco, because most people like to listen to music and dance. Music allows people to relax
C and feel more comfortable.

On the other hand, although discos are fun, people can’t talk to each other if the music is too loud. In addition, people will
E probably only speak to their friends.
In conclusion, while a disco would be quite a good way for students to get to know each other, I think the best activity is the
B sports day. As long as the weather is sunny, a sports day would encourage students to work together in teams and give them a
good chance to speak to each other.
Organising longer answers
Answer key
D Good morning, class. I’m going to talk about the advantages and disadvantages of having a sports day and having a disco.

First of all, I think a sports day is a great way for people to get to know each other, because the students need to work in
G teams to win.
However, a sports day takes a lot of preparation. The school would need to ensure that the sports field is available, as well as
A making sure that all the equipment is ready.

F Also, the weather needs to be good, because people would get cold if it was raining.

Another fun activity would be a disco, because most people like to listen to music and dance. Music allows people to relax
C and feel more comfortable.

On the other hand, although discos are fun, people can’t talk to each other if the music is too loud. In addition, people will
E probably only speak to their friends.
In conclusion, while a disco would be quite a good way for students to get to know each other, I think the best activity is the
B sports day. As long as the weather is sunny, a sports day would encourage students to work together in teams and give them a
good chance to speak to each other.
Organising longer answers
Can you remember the words and phrases?
D Good morning, class. I’m going to talk about the advantages and disadvantages of having a sports day and having a disco.

G First of all, I think a sports day is a great way for people to get to know each other, because the students need to work in teams to win.

However, a sports day takes a lot of preparation. The school would need to ensure that the sports field is available, as well as making sure
A that all the equipment is ready.

F Also, the weather needs to be good, because people would get cold if it was raining.

Another fun activity would be a disco, because most people like to listen to music and dance. Music allows people to relax and feel more
C comfortable.

On the other hand, although discos are fun, people can’t talk to each other if the music is too loud. In addition, people will probably only
E speak to their friends.

In conclusion, while a disco would be quite a good way for students to get to know each other, I think the best activity is the sports day. As
B long as the weather is sunny, a sports day would encourage students to work together in teams and give them a good chance to speak to
each other.
Organising longer answers
Can you remember the words and phrases?
D Good morning, class. I’m going to talk about the advantages and disadvantages of having a sports day and having a disco.

G First of all, I think a sports day is a great way for people to get to know each other, because the students need to work in teams to win.

However, a sports day takes a lot of preparation. The school would need to ensure that the sports field is available, as well as making sure
A that all the equipment is ready.

F Also, the weather needs to be good, because people would get cold if it was raining.

Another fun activity would be a disco, because most people like to listen to music and dance. Music allows people to relax and feel more
C comfortable.

On the other hand, although discos are fun, people can’t talk to each other if the music is too loud. In addition, people will probably only
E speak to their friends.

In conclusion, while a disco would be quite a good way for students to get to know each other, I think the best activity is the sports day. As
B long as the weather is sunny, a sports day would encourage students to work together in teams and give them a good chance to speak to
each other.
Organising longer answers
Can you remember the words and phrases?
D Good morning, class. I’m going to talk about the advantages and disadvantages of having a sports day and having a disco.

G First of all, I think a sports day is a great way for people to get to know each other, because the students need to work in teams to win.

However, a sports day takes a lot of preparation. The school would need to ensure that the sports field is available, as well as making sure
A that all the equipment is ready.

F Also, the weather needs to be good, because people would get cold if it was raining.

Another fun activity would be a disco, because most people like to listen to music and dance. Music allows people to relax and feel more
C comfortable.

On the other hand, although discos are fun, people can’t talk to each other if the music is too loud. In addition, people will probably only
E speak to their friends.

In conclusion, while a disco would be quite a good way for students to get to know each other, I think the best activity is the sports day. As
B long as the weather is sunny, a sports day would encourage students to work together in teams and give them a good chance to speak to
each other.
Organising longer answers
Can you remember the words and phrases?
D Good morning, class. I’m going to talk about the advantages and disadvantages of having a sports day and having a disco.

G First of all, I think a sports day is a great way for people to get to know each other, because the students need to work in teams to win.

However, a sports day takes a lot of preparation. The school would need to ensure that the sports field is available, as well as making sure
A that all the equipment is ready.

F Also, the weather needs to be good, because people would get cold if it was raining.

Another fun activity would be a disco, because most people like to listen to music and dance. Music allows people to relax and feel more
C comfortable.

On the other hand, although discos are fun, people can’t talk to each other if the music is too loud. In addition, people will probably only
E speak to their friends.

In conclusion, while a disco would be quite a good way for students to get to know each other, I think the best activity is the sports day. As
B long as the weather is sunny, a sports day would encourage students to work together in teams and give them a good chance to speak to
each other.
Organising longer answers
Can you remember the words and phrases?
D Good morning, class. I’m going to talk about the advantages and disadvantages of having a sports day and having a disco.

G First of all, I think a sports day is a great way for people to get to know each other, because the students need to work in teams to win.

However, a sports day takes a lot of preparation. The school would need to ensure that the sports field is available, as well as making sure
A that all the equipment is ready.

F Also, the weather needs to be good, because people would get cold if it was raining.

Another fun activity would be a disco, because most people like to listen to music and dance. Music allows people to relax and feel more
C comfortable.

On the other hand, although discos are fun, people can’t talk to each other if the music is too loud. In addition, people will probably only
E speak to their friends.

In conclusion, while a disco would be quite a good way for students to get to know each other, I think the best activity is the sports day. As
B long as the weather is sunny, a sports day would encourage students to work together in teams and give them a good chance to speak to
each other.
Organising longer answers
Can you remember the words and phrases?
D Good morning, class. I’m going to talk about the advantages and disadvantages of having a sports day and having a disco.

G First of all, I think a sports day is a great way for people to get to know each other, because the students need to work in teams to win.

However, a sports day takes a lot of preparation. The school would need to ensure that the sports field is available, as well as making sure
A that all the equipment is ready.

F Also, the weather needs to be good, because people would get cold if it was raining.

Another fun activity would be a disco, because most people like to listen to music and dance. Music allows people to relax and feel more
C comfortable.

On the other hand, although discos are fun, people can’t talk to each other if the music is too loud. In addition, people will probably only
E speak to their friends.

In conclusion, while a disco would be quite a good way for students to get to know each other, I think the best activity is the sports day. As
B long as the weather is sunny, a sports day would encourage students to work together in teams and give them a good chance to speak to
each other.
Organising longer answers
Can you remember the words and phrases?
D Good morning, class. I’m going to talk about the advantages and disadvantages of having a sports day and having a disco.

G First of all, I think a sports day is a great way for people to get to know each other, because the students need to work in teams to win.

However, a sports day takes a lot of preparation. The school would need to ensure that the sports field is available, as well as making sure
A that all the equipment is ready.

F Also, the weather needs to be good, because people would get cold if it was raining.

Another fun activity would be a disco, because most people like to listen to music and dance. Music allows people to relax and feel more
C comfortable.

On the other hand, although discos are fun, people can’t talk to each other if the music is too loud. In addition, people will probably only
E speak to their friends.

In conclusion, while a disco would be quite a good way for students to get to know each other, I think the best activity is the sports day. As
B long as the weather is sunny, a sports day would encourage students to work together in teams and give them a good chance to speak to
each other.
Organising longer answers
Can you remember the words and phrases?
D Good morning, class. I’m going to talk about the advantages and disadvantages of having a sports day and having a disco.

G First of all, I think a sports day is a great way for people to get to know each other, because the students need to work in teams to win.

However, a sports day takes a lot of preparation. The school would need to ensure that the sports field is available, as well as making sure
A that all the equipment is ready.

F Also, the weather needs to be good, because people would get cold if it was raining.

Another fun activity would be a disco, because most people like to listen to music and dance. Music allows people to relax and feel more
C comfortable.

On the other hand, although discos are fun, people can’t talk to each other if the music is too loud. In addition, people will probably only
E speak to their friends.

In conclusion, while a disco would be quite a good way for students to get to know each other, I think the best activity is the sports day. As
B long as the weather is sunny, a sports day would encourage students to work together in teams and give them a good chance to speak to
each other.
Organising longer answers
Practice
Good morning, class. I’m going to talk about …

First of all …
because …

although …

However …

While …

Another … would be …

On the other hand …

In conclusion …
Section 3

Practising your speaking skills

Practising speaking
On your own
Practising speaking
On your own

• Record yourself speaking

Practising speaking
On your own

• Record yourself speaking

• Listen to yourself
Practising speaking
On your own

• Record yourself speaking

• Listen to yourself
• Analyse your answer
Practising speaking
On your own

• Record yourself speaking

• Listen to yourself
• Analyse your answer
• Answer the question again
Practising speaking
On your own

• Talk to yourself
Practising speaking
On your own
• Talk to yourself
• Describe what you are doing
Now I’m going to make some
breakfast. I’m really hungry and I
wish I could have pancakes, but we
don’t have the ingredients. So, I
suppose I’ll just have some toast
and jam, and maybe some fruit
instead. Now I’m cutting up the
strawberries, which are my
favourite fruit. It’s making a bit of a
mess, but I’ll clean that later …
Practising speaking
On your own
• Talk to yourself
• Describe what you are doing
• Tell yourself what you did
today
Now I’m going to make some
breakfast. I’m really hungry and I
wish I could have pancakes, but we
don’t have the ingredients. So, I
suppose I’ll just have some toast
and jam, and maybe some fruit
instead. Now I’m cutting up the
strawberries, which are my
favourite fruit. It’s making a bit of a
mess, but I’ll clean that later …
Then I tried putting on a suit to see
if it would make me feel more like
working. It didn’t, but I look a lot
smarter than the rest of my family
now. Then, in the evening I watched
this really interesting programme
on TV. It was a lot of different
celebrities talking about what
they’ve been doing since …
Practising speaking
On your own
• Talk to yourself
• Describe what you are doing
• Tell yourself what you did
today
• Don’t worry about making
mistakes
Now I’m going to make some
breakfast. I’m really hungry and I
wish I could have pancakes, but we
don’t have the ingredients. So, I
suppose I’ll just have some toast
and jam, and maybe some fruit
instead. Now I’m cutting up the
strawberries, which are my
favourite fruit. It’s making a bit of a
mess, but I’ll clean that later …
Then I tried putting on a suit to see
if it would make me feel more like
working. It didn’t, but I look a lot
smarter than the rest of my family
now. Then, in the evening I watched
this really interesting programme
on TV. It was a lot of different
celebrities talking about what
they’ve been doing since …
Practising speaking
On your own
The most interesting thing about
this artist is that she’s only 15 years
• Find a TV programme or old but she’s already extremely
well-known all around the world,
video with subtitles although this might be more
because of her daily videos on
social media than …
Practising speaking
On your own
The most interesting thing about
this artist is that she’s only 15 years
• Find a TV programme or old but she’s already extremely
well-known all around the world,
video with subtitles although this might be more
because of her daily videos on
• Copy what’s being said social media than …
Practising speaking
On your own
• Find a TV programme or
video with subtitles
• Copy what’s being said
• Talk along with the video
The most interesting thing about
this artist is that she’s only 15 years
old but she’s already extremely
well-known all around the world,
although this might be more
because of her daily videos on
social media than …
Practising speaking
On your own
• Find a TV programme or
video with subtitles
• Copy what’s being said
• Talk along with the video
• Focus on pronunciation.
The most interesting thing about
this artist is that she’s only 15 years
old but she’s already extremely
well-known all around the world,
although this might be more
because of her daily videos on
social media than …
Practising speaking
With a friend
Practising speaking
With a friend
How’s it going?
Practising speaking
With a friend
How’s it going? Today we’re
going to talk
about our plans
for the future.
Practising speaking
With a friend
How’s it going? Today we’re
going to talk
about our plans
for the future.

I’m going to ask you

some questions about
sport. Tell me about a
sport you did when you
were younger.
Practising speaking
With a friend
In the weekend, I like to go to
shopping with my friends. We
go to the Westgate shopping
centre at the centre of town. My
favourite shops are where I can
buy perfume or soap that
smells really nice. I always
spend too many money here,
even though I always try to find
a bargain.
Two positive things are you used
really good vocabulary, like
‘perfume’ and ‘find a bargain’.
And your pronunciation sounded
very natural.
One thing to improve – I
think there were some mistakes
with prepositions, like ‘at the
weekend’ and ‘in the centre’.
Practising speaking
What do you do in your free time?
In the weekend, I like to go to
shopping with my friends. We
go to the Westgate shopping
centre at the centre of town.
My favourite shops are where
I can buy perfume or soap that
smells really nice. I always
spend too many money here,
even though I always try to
find a bargain.
At the weekend, I love going
cycling. There is a group that
goes cycling in the
countryside and I always go
with them. They are a very
friendly group and they are
very funny. Sometimes the
cycling is very long and I feel
very tired afterwards but this is
my favourite hobby.
Practising speaking
What do you do in your free time?
In the weekend, I like to go to
shopping with my friends. We
go to the Westgate shopping
centre at the centre of town.
My favourite shops are where
I can buy perfume or soap that
smells really nice. I always
spend too many money here,
even though I always try to
find a bargain.
I think your grammar is better
than mine, and you’ve given
more details about your hobby.
At the weekend, I love going
cycling. There is a group that
goes cycling in the
countryside and I always go
with them. They are a very
friendly group and they are
very funny. Sometimes the
cycling is very long and I feel
very tired afterwards but this is
my favourite hobby.
You definitely used better
vocabulary than me – I keep
repeating the word ‘very’.
Practising speaking
Go online
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Practising speaking
Go online
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Practising speaking
Go online
• Search ‘improve English speaking alone’
• Search ‘English language exchange online’
• Find English learning apps
Practising speaking
Go online
• Search ‘improve English speaking alone’
• Search ‘English language exchange online’
• Find English learning apps
• Online resources for textbooks
Practising speaking
Go online
• Search ‘improve English speaking alone’
• Search ‘English language exchange online’
• Find English learning apps
• Online resources for textbooks
• Online exam practice
Practising speaking
Go online
• Search ‘improve English speaking alone’
• Search ‘English language exchange online’
• Find English learning apps
• Online resources for textbooks
• Online exam practice
• Free Speaking Tips and Practice Tests:
https://elt.oup.com/feature/global/oxford_test_of_english/get-ready-
for-the-test
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