Grammar Focus:
Vocabulary Themes:
Typical Test Task: Complete a short story: Last summer, I ____ (fly) to Rome. While I ____ (sit) on the plane, I ____ (realise) I forgot my passport.
When administering the Speakout Pre-Intermediate Mid-Course Test Units 1-6, consider using the speaking section to diagnose specific errors: speakout pre-intermediate mid-course test units 1-6
Students often use the past continuous for both actions. Rule: Use past continuous for the longer action and past simple for the shorter action that interrupts it.
Describe a big change in your life (moving house, a new job). Key Grammar: Past Simple vs. Present Perfect. A Travel Blog or Holiday Review: (Based on Unit 2 Work & Leisure Describe a place you visited or an experience you had. Key Grammar:
Comparatives (better than, more exciting than) and superlatives. Future Plans and Ambitions: (Based on Unit 3 Where do you see yourself in five years? Key Grammar: "be going to" for plans and "will" for predictions. A Sample Essay Structure (Topic: A Memorable Trip) Paragraph 1: Introduction Start with the "Who, What, Where, and When." Drafting tip: Grammar Focus:
"Last summer, I went to Barcelona with my best friends. It was the most exciting trip of my life." Paragraph 2: The Details (The "What") Describe the activities. Use connectors like First, Then, After that Drafting tip:
"First, we visited the Sagrada Familia. It was more beautiful than I expected. Then, we ate tapas at a local market." Paragraph 3: Comparison and Feeling Compare it to your home or other places. Drafting tip:
"The weather was much hotter than in London. I felt very relaxed because the people were so friendly." Paragraph 4: Conclusion Summarize your opinion and future plans. Drafting tip: Vocabulary Themes:
"In conclusion, it was an unforgettable experience. I am going to return there next year!" 3 Tips for a Better Score Use Connectors: Don't just write short sentences. Link them using Vary Your Adjectives:
Instead of saying everything was "good" or "nice," try words from the book like Check Your Tenses: