Listening – Speaking V

SESSION 3
SPEAKING PART 1:
EXPRESSING PREFERENCES & USING CORRECT TENSES

I. EXPRESSING PREFERENCES (CONT.)

Exercise 1:
1.1. Read these questions.
a. Do you prefer talking to people on the phone or face-to-face?
b. Do you prefer making calls on a land line or a mobile phone?
c. How popular is text-messaging compared to talking on the phone?
d. Do people in your country prefer to write letters or e-mails?
e. How popular is faxing compared to e-mail?
f. Would you rather get a letter or an e-mail?
1.2. Which of the questions above are asking about
a. your own personal preferences?
b. preferences among the general public?

1.3. Listen to part of an IELTS interview. Tick the questions you hear in the list above.

Exercise 2:
2.1. Listen to the recording again. Write down the questions and complete these extracts using up
to THREE WORDS.

Question Answer Reasons for choice

a. …a mobile can be used anywhere…

But...................................., I’d rather use a
land line.
b. Young people are definitely texting
more,………………………..making calls.
c. I think maybe older
people…………………………….to make
calls.

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d. I think
nowadays…………………………………
…….is for e-mails.
e. …perhaps some people
…………………………… to write letters
in some situations.
f. ………………………………..get a
letter if it’s about something important.

2.2. Listen to the recording again and note down the reasons for choice of the speaker.
=> STRATEGIES (Revise Session 2&3)
=> USEFUL LANGUAGE
Given the option,…
Rather than….
Would still prefer/ choose….
The preference is…….
I’d sooner/ rather……
II. USING CORRECT TENSES
In the Interview, it’s important to notice the tense or verb form in the examiner’s
questions as this can help to guide your reply.
Exercise 3:
3.1. What tense and/or particular verb form would you be likely to use in replying to questions
beginning:
a. What do you usually…………………………?
b. When did you last…………………………….?
c. Do you enjoy………………………………..?
d. How long have you……………………..?
e. Where would you………………………..?
f. How long ago…………………………..?
g. How interested are you in……………………..?
h. When you finish your studies,……………………….?

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3.2. Complete each question in a suitable way.

Exercise 4: Write down the following questions and practice answer them with your
partner. Remember to use the correct tense.
1 Would you feel nervous about going on holiday alone?
2 Do you enjoy travelling with your family?
3 Are you scared of flying?
4 Have you been away this year?
5 Do you like to try and learn the language of the country you're travelling to?
6 Are there any differences between what young people like to do on holiday and what older
people like to do?
7 Did you have a good time on your last holiday?
8 Do you mind roughing it?
9 If you won £1,000,000, would you spend it on a round-the-world trip?
III. CLASSROOM PRACTICE
1. Work in pair to discuss the following questions.
a. What are your favorite and least favorite foods?
b. What did you eat the last time you invited a friend for a meal?
2. What are some ways of communicating?
Read the situation below. Discuss the best way to communicate in each case and give
reasons.
a. You want to confess your love with your crush.
b. You want to break up with your boyfriend/ girlfriend.
c. You’re going out for a meal tonight. You don’t need your parents/ flatmate to cook
for you.
d. You need to tell your teacher that you haven’t done your homework.
3. Discuss the following questions.
a. Do you prefer talking to people on the phone or face-to-face?
b. Do you prefer making calls on a land line or a mobile phone?
c. How popular is text-messaging compared to talking on the phone?
IV. EXAM PRATICE
Topic 1: Eating habits

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1. Do you prefer eating at home or in a restaurant? Why?

2. What special dish from your country would you recommend to a visitor?

Topic 2: Communication
1. Do people in your country prefer to write letters or e-mails?
2. How popular is faxing compared to e-mail?
3. Would you rather get a letter or an e-mail?
Topic 3: Holidays
1. Are you scared of flying?
2. Did you have a good time on your last holiday?
3. Do you prefer going on holidays with your family or your friends?
4. What is your favourite kind of holiday?

Practice at home and record yourself

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