SPEAKING TASKS GUIDELINES

INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROMPT CARDS FOR DISCUSSIONS

I) Understanding the task

PAIR WORK: You are going to speak for about two minutes based on a prompt card.
First, read your prompt cards carefully. Underline the key words in the question.

Student A:
What risks do people face in the modern world?
Travelling
Environmental problems
Crime

Student B

In what ways are we exposed to fewer dangers than

previous generations?
new technology
medical breakthroughs
rules and regulations

II) Planning the speaking task

Think what you are going to answer

Make notes or devise mind maps to help you
Use three view points for each key word in the cards; personal view, local view,
global view.
Use your list of Useful language to argue
Include idioms, some collocations, or some impressive vocabulary
Avoid speech breaks or silences. Initiate, maintain and finish your ideas, use
fillers or interjections if necessary, but not many.
Check timing. Respect your turn taking and your partners

Personal: as regards the topic or key words in the card, talk about your experience at
school, at home, at the club, or any other aspect of your personal experience/life

Local: The going-ons in your area, community, neighborhood, town, city or country as
regards the topic involved in the discussion cards.

Global: The going-ons in the world about the topic involved in the cards

Prof. Marcela Mangiarelli

 SPEAKING TASKS GUIDELINES

III) Responding to the question/s and key words in the cards

Steps Student A (YOU) Student B (YOUR PARTNER) Timing

Give your answer using notes. Listen carefully to your partner. 2
1 Avoid silences Do not interrupt. Stop him/her minutes
after two minutes
Say What aspects of Student 1
2 As answer you disagree with minute
or add something if you agree
Respond to Students Bs 1
3 comment. Is there anything else minute
you would like to add?

VERY IMPORTANT: When you have finished, change roles. This time Student B
should speak first. Respect timing for turn taking and turn giving

IV) Exploring the topic

GROUP WORK: Discuss these questions about safety and danger in small groups.

What single invention has made the greatest contribution to our safety?

To what extent do we have control over our own safety?

How far is safety dependent on financial considerations?

What dangers might our planet face in the future?

VERY IMPORTANT: Distribute your talk equally for all members of the group to
participate.

Prof. Marcela Mangiarelli