Speaking Marathon

Answer and give a real example for each one.

1. How long have you been learning English?
2. How has your speaking changed since the start of this course?
3. Which lesson of this course did you enjoy most? Why?
4. Which topic was the hardest to talk about?
5. What do you still find difficult when you speak English?
6. What are you going to do to keep improving?

These are 16 "conversation helpers": phrases that help you speak fluently, win time, and sound natural. Say an example with each one.

Choose the conversation helper that fits.

1. "How old were you then?" " ... I was about twelve."
2. I like it, but not every day. , I need a break sometimes.
3. The hotel was dirty, the food was cold and it rained. , it was a disaster.
4. , I didn't enjoy the film at all.
5. Everyone thinks I've been to Paris. , I've never been there.
6. Your story about the dog... my grandmother's cat.
7. "Remote work is always better." I think it's more complicated.
8. There were some problems, but , it was a great trip.

Choose the right phrase for each situation, then press Check answers.

1. You didn't hear what someone said:
   Sorry, could you say that again?By the wayAll in all
2. You want to change the topic:
   AnywayActuallyIn other words
3. You're looking for the right word:
   How can I put it?All in allAnyway
4. You want to check the listener understands:
   Do you see what I mean?By the wayLet me think
5. You want to add a new idea:
   By the wayIn other wordsTo be honest
6. You want to return to your point:
   As I was sayingThat reminds meAll in all

Use each phrase to talk about your English learning journey.

• When I started this course, I...Коли я почав(-ла) цей курс, я...When I started this course, I was afraid to speak.
• Now I feel more confident about...Тепер я впевненіше...Now I feel more confident about telling stories.
• The most useful thing I've learnt is...Найкорисніше, чого я навчився(-лася), — це...The most useful thing I've learnt is how to give opinions.
• I still need to work on...Мені ще треба попрацювати над...I still need to work on my pronunciation.
• From now on, I'm going to...Відтепер я буду...From now on, I'm going to watch series in English.
• Practice makes perfect.Повторення — мати навчання.I'll keep speaking every day. Practice makes perfect!
• I couldn't have done it without...Без ... я б цього не зміг (змогла).I couldn't have done it without my teacher.
• It's been a real journey.Це був справжній шлях.From A2 to B1 — it's been a real journey!

Read the article. Hover over the dotted words for help.

1. Ebbinghaus tested his memory with nonsense syllables.
   TrueFalse
2. We forget new information slowly at first.
   TrueFalse
3. Reviewing makes us forget more slowly.
   TrueFalse
4. Spaced repetition means reviewing at the same interval every time.
   TrueFalse
5. The article says speaking helps words become active.
   TrueFalse

1. Which words from this course do you still remember? Which have you forgotten?
2. How could you use spaced repetition for your English?
3. Who could you speak English with regularly?
4. What is your plan for the next three months?

This lesson is a big review. In every answer today, try to use at least one structure from each box. Your teacher will note which structures you use naturally, and which you still avoid.

1. I
   have been learningam learning
   English since I was ten.
2. If I
   had startedstarted
   earlier, I would speak better now.
3. By the end of next year, I
   will have reachedwill reach have
   B2.
4. AlthoughDespite
   I was nervous, I spoke well.
5. When I was a child, I
   used towas used to
   hate English lessons.
6. This
   must becan't be
   the best course I've ever taken!
7. Grammar
   should be practisedshould practise
   in real conversations.
8. You speak English,
   don't youisn't it
   ?

Each sentence has one mistake. Type the correct words.

1. I am learning English since 2020. →
2. If I would have time, I would read more. →
3. I'm used to speak English at work now. →
4. Despite I was tired, I went to class. →
5. She said me that the course was great. →
6. I should practised more. →

Answer in detail. Use as much grammar from the course as you can.

1. Tell your English learning story from the very beginning to today.
2. What would you have done differently if you had started again?
3. What will you have achieved in English by this time next year?
4. What is something you used to find difficult but now find easy?
5. If you could give one piece of advice to a new student, what would it be?
6. What are you going to do this month to keep your English active?

This is your final speaking test. Draw a random card with a topic from the course (there is one topic from every lesson). Plan for 30 seconds, then speak for 2 minutes. Do at least three cards. Your teacher will listen for: fluency, vocabulary, grammar and conversation helpers.

Be honest. Then listen to your teacher's feedback.

1. Which card was easiest? Which was hardest?
2. Did you use conversation helpers (Let me think..., What I mean is...)?
3. Which grammar did you use naturally? Which did you avoid?
4. On a scale of 1 to 10, how confident do you feel speaking English now, compared to the start of the course?

1. What was the most interesting fact you learnt in this course?
2. Which topic would you like to discuss more?
3. Which roleplay was the most fun?
4. What surprised you about your own English?
5. Where do you use English in your real life?
6. What kind of English do you need most: for work, travel, or fun?
7. Which English-speaking country would you like to visit?
8. What will your next language goal be?

1. Is it possible to learn a language without a teacher?
2. Is speaking the most important language skill?
3. Do adults learn languages more slowly than children?
4. Should everyone in Ukraine speak English?
5. How has AI changed language learning?
6. What makes a great language teacher?

1. Will people still learn languages when AI can translate everything?
2. Does speaking another language change your personality?
3. Is it better to speak with mistakes or not to speak at all?
4. What does it mean to "know" a language?
5. Can you ever speak a foreign language like a native?
6. What have you learnt about yourself in this course?

"Speaking is the most important skill in learning a language."

Round 1: give your real opinion for 1–2 minutes. Round 2: defend the opposite side for 1 minute. Use: To be honest... · What I mean is... · I see your point, but... · All in all...