SPEAKING DISCUSSION

Here you have a video of a Speaking exam from the British Council, it is the second part of the Speaking exam: the discussion (a conversation you have with your partner on a topic).

Plus, you can check some common topics and useful phrases to use when doing the exam.

Click on the following link: British Council- Speaking exam: Discussion

Understand this: Every real-life speech situation brings up new twists and turns- and throws up new speech-composition problems. And fluency in English is your ability to navigate these twists and turns- through good English. And to keep up a steady flow of speech.

To speak English fluently, of course you must understand instantly and speak without thinking. But here is one more requirement- one more thing you need- in order to spek English fluently: You must have confidence.

That's right- emotion is critically important for fluent speech. It's not enough to "know what to say"... you also need to "say what you know". In other words, you must have the confidence to use your knowledge without hesitation.

Many English students speak badly not because they lack vocabulary or understanding, but because they are nervous, worried, and afraid of appearing foolish. Fear of mistakes, fear of other people's opinions- these destroy English fluency.

Today's Phrase 'go down a storm'

Kaz says his party 'went down a storm'. Is this a good or a bad thing? Find out more about this phrase by listening to this audio: bbc- go down a storm audio

Then you can read the tapescript to see if you understood everything.

The script

(Stormy weather)

Kaz: Hello, I'm Kaz.

Yang Li: And I'm Yang Li. Hey Kaz, there is a storm raging outside - let's shut that door.

(Door shuts)

Yang Li: Ah that's better. Now I can ask you about your party last weekend. How did it go?

Kaz: It went down a storm Li.

Yang Li: Your party 'went down a storm.' You mean you cancelled it because of the weather? Because of high winds and rain? Or snow?

Kaz: No, no, no Li. If something 'goes down a storm' it means it's massively successful and enjoyable - so my party went really well - it went down a storm.

Yang Li: People loved it?

Kaz: Exactly. People loved my party so I can say 'It went down a storm.'

Yang Li: Your party went down a storm - it was incredible.

Kaz: That's right.

Yang Li: Well, Kaz, I gave a presentation yesterday.

Kaz: Oh OK. How did it go?

Yang Li: It went really well, everyone loved it, it went down a storm.

Kaz: That's great Li.

Yang Li: Yes, I'm delighted and I like today's expression. Let's listen to some more examples:

• You should have seen the new band last night. They went down a storm with the audience.
• My idea for more holidays went down a storm with my colleagues.
• I like the looks of this new toy. I'm sure it'll go down a storm with our customers.

Yang Li: Kaz, you know, to me the word 'storm' has negative associations because storms are usually destructive.

Kaz: I agree Li but in this case it's used in a positive sense.

Yang Li: But it is informal, right?

Kaz: Yes it is.

Yang Li: So our listeners should use it with care.

Kaz: That's right Li. So what do you think our listeners will think of today's expression?

Yang Li: I'm sure it'll go down a storm!

Both: Bye!

Jokes on punctuation

Today's phrase 'Not rocket science'

Listen to Kaz introducing the expression 'not rocket science' to Li.
Does it mean that they are going to the moon? Find out more about this expression by listening to their conversation on this link: bbc- not rocket science audio



Then you can read the script to see if you understood everything.

The script 

(Sound of a rocket being launched)

Kaz: Hello, I'm Kaz.

Yang Li: And I'm Yang Li. Hey Kaz, why are we listening to this rocket launch?

Kaz: Well, it's dramatic, but there's another reason. I thought it could introduce today's expression.

Yang Li: Tell me more.

Kaz: The expression is 'It's not rocket science'.

Yang Li: 'It's not rocket science', meaning?

Kaz: Something that's not complicated or difficult to understand - 'it's not rocket science'.

Yang Li: For example?

Kaz: OK. Somebody can't get the television to work and asks you, "How do I switch this thing on?" You would say "It's not rocket science. Just press 'on' on the handset".

Yang Li: So there's nothing complicated about it. You just press the 'on' switch and away you go. But is the expression 'it's not rocket science' only used for gadgets?

Kaz: No, not at all, Li. In fact it's used for many situations that are just obvious... for example - why are we always short of money?

Yang Li: Well, it's not rocket science Kaz - we don't get paid enough!

Kaz: Brilliant Li. That's an excellent example.

Yang Li: Yes, I like it too. But let's listen to some more examples:

• How do I cook this soup?
• Come on Rob, it's not rocket science, all you have to do is open the tin and heat it up.
• I can't understand why our company is in such a mess?
• It's not rocket science to figure that out - there are too many managers!

Yang Li: OK Kaz, the phrase 'it's not rocket science' is used for situations that are obvious. But I get the feeling that the phrase 'it's not rocket science' is quite informal, right?

Kaz: You're right Li. So please use with care!

Yang Li: Absolutely.

Kaz: It's usually used with the negative 'It's not rocket science'.

Yang Li: Well, I'm sure of one thing Kaz.

Kaz: What's that Li?

Yang Li: Presenting this programme is not exactly rocket science - it's easy!

Both: Bye!

(Sound of a rocket being launched)

Firework, by Katy Perry

This gap filling activity will help you to practise your English listening skills.
Watch the video, and while listening to the song fill in the gaps with the words needed

LYRICS:

Do you ever feel like a plastic bag
________________ through the wind
Wanting to start again

Do you ever feel, so paper ____________
Like a house of cards
One blow from caving in

Do you ever feel already buried ___________
Six feet under scream
But no one seems to hear a thing

Do you know that there's still a chance for you
Cause there's a ____________ in you

You just got to ____________ the _________
And let it shine
Just own the __________
Like the Fourth of July

Cause baby you're a _______________
Come on let your colors _____________
Make them go "Oh, oh, oh!"
You're going to leave them falling down

You don't hace to feel like a waste of space
You're original, cannot be replaced
If you only knew what the future holds
After a hurricane comes a _______________

Maybe you're reason why all the doors are closed
So you could open up one that leads you to the perfect road
Like a _________bolt, your heart will blow
And when it's time you'll know


Then you can check your answers by googling Firework lyrics.
You can also go to this website Lyrics training to have them corrected as you fill them in

New Year's resolution

A New Year's resolution is a goal made on 1st January, which a person aims to complete within that year.

Examples

- Have you made any New Year's resolutions? I want to lose weight and get fit.

- My mum's New Year's resolution is to stop smoking.

- Let's make it our New Year's resolution to run a marathon in 2013!

Take note

If you break your resolution, you are unsuccessful at completing it.

I don't bother making New Year's resolutions, as I always break them. 

Interesting fact

Many people use the New Year as an opportunity to make resolutions to change their life. Popular resolutions include eating healthily and getting fit, although around 60% of gym memberships taken out in January are said to go unused.