Preliminary speaking: description, decision and discussion
| English | 中文 | Pinyin |
|---|---|---|
| discourse management/ˈdɪskɔːs ˈmænɪdʒmənt/ | 语篇组织能力 | yǔ piān zǔ zhī néng lì |
| speculation/ˌspekjʊˈleɪʃn/ | 推测 | tuī cè |
A decision before an answer
- A photograph shows actions you can describe. It rarely tells you names, exact ages or what happened yesterday.
- Your goal: Respond to personal questions (Part 1).
Read the relationship
- Part 1 answers personal questions with relevant development. Part 2 is an individual photograph description.
- Describe one colour photograph for about one minute (Part 2).
Which photo statement avoids invented facts?
The visible action supports a cautious description.
Use the defining rule
- Describe location, people, actions and relationships. Use cautious language such as seems when interpreting uncertain details.
- Discuss options with a partner and extend a topic discussion (Parts 3–4).
A collaborative task needs:
Interaction is part of the assessed performance.
Check the conditions
- Part 3 asks paired discussion of visual options and a decision. Compare, invite and respond rather than delivering separate speeches.
- Discuss options with a partner and extend a topic discussion (Parts 3–4).
Photo practice: three friends at a café, one holding a menu and another carrying a cup. “They seem to be choosing drinks” is plausible. “Her name is Mei and she is exactly seventeen” invents unsupported details. In discussion, explain which venue suits a shared purpose.
A cautious interpretation can begin “It ____ that…”
Seems marks an interpretation rather than a certain fact.
Apply the task format
- Part 4 extends the topic with opinion questions. Teachers assess grammar/vocabulary, discourse management, pronunciation, interactive communication and global achievement.
- Discuss options with a partner and extend a topic discussion (Parts 3–4).
Part 2 is an individual long turn; Part 3 is collaborative. A memorised monologue cannot replace partner interaction.
Which answer fits this case?
Respond to personal questions (Part 1)
A written paragraph is an equivalent replacement for the speaking performance.
Pronunciation, spoken discourse and interaction need live evidence.
Keep the distinctions
- discourse management 语篇组织能力 — Organising connected speech clearly.
- speculation 推测 — A cautious interpretation of uncertain information.
- Respond to personal questions (Part 1).
- Describe one colour photograph for about one minute (Part 2).
- Discuss options with a partner and extend a topic discussion (Parts 3–4).
Match each term with its precise meaning in this lesson.
Keep the distinctions stated in the teaching example.
Put this lesson’s reasoning or event sequence in order.
The order follows the stated process; check each stage before the next.