TIp # 7 Speaking Task #2. Practice CHoice questions, follow prep structure, use consistent phrasing, Reduce struggle hesitation

Remember that key to success is getting practice with choice questions but also having a structure to your talk as well as strategies to use comfortable phrases and hesitation strategies that do not reveal struggle.

 Practice Question (Task 2 – Preference Type)

*Some people think the best way to get your news is through the internet. Others think it is best through traditional means like newspapers or television. Which do you prefer and why? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.*

⏱ **15 seconds to prepare**  
⏱ **45 seconds to speak**

## What to Write in 15 Seconds
```
Opinion: Internet – faster, more choice
R1: Get news instantly
   If waiting → outdated info
   e.g. stock prices, sports scores
R2: Choose what to follow
   If only TV → limited topics
   e.g. I follow tech news only
Counter: I know newspapers are reliable, but...
```

Model Answer (45 seconds – spoken)

Transcript

I prefer getting my news from the internet rather than from newspapers or TV. I have two main reasons.  

First, the internet gives me news instantly. If I had to wait for a newspaper or the evening TV news, the information might already be outdated. For example, when I check stock prices or live sports scores, I need updates every minute — not once a day.  

Second, I can choose exactly what news to follow. If I only watch TV, I have to sit through stories I don’t care about. But on the internet, I can follow only technology news if I want. For instance, I use a news app that shows me just the topics I select.*  

I know newspapers are reliable, but for speed and choice, the internet works better for me.

Post-Task Assessment & Reflection

After you finish speaking, take **2–3 minutes** to complete this.

Part 1: Structure Check

Did you…                                                                                           | Yes | No |

| State your opinion clearly in the first 5–10 seconds?                | ☐ | ☐ |
| Give **two** reasons?                                                                      | ☐ | ☐ |
| Use **"If… then…"** for at least one example?                             | ☐ | ☐ |
| Mention the other side briefly (counterargument)?                | ☐ | ☐ |
| Finish before the 45-second beep?                                             | ☐ | ☐ |

Part 2: Fluency Check (Listen to your recording)

| Did you…
                                                                                                                             |Yes | No|

1. Avoid long pauses (more than 3 seconds)?                                         | ☐ | ☐ |
2. Avoid too many *"uhhh"* or *"ummm"* sounds?                               | ☐ | ☐ |
3. Use positive hesitation words like *"Well…"* or *"The thing is…"*?  | ☐ | ☐ |

Part 3: Reflection Questions (write short answers)

1. **What was the hardest part of this question?**  
   *(Example: "I couldn't think of a second reason fast enough.")*  
   _________________________________________________________________

2. **Did your examples feel real and specific? If not, how could you improve them?**  
   _________________________________________________________________

3. **Listen to your answer. Did you sound like you were reading a template or having a conversation?**  
   _________________________________________________________________

4. **If you had 10 more seconds, what would you add?**  
   _________________________________________________________________

5. **What is one thing you will do differently in your next Task 2 practice?**  
   _________________________________________________________________

Sample Reflection (for this practice)

1. The hardest part was choosing only two reasons — I thought of three but ran out of time.*  
2. Yes, the stock prices example felt real because I actually check them daily.*  
3. It sounded like a conversation because I used "I know newspapers are reliable, but…" which felt natural.*  
4. I would add one more sentence about how the internet is also free, unlike newspapers.*  
5. Next time, I will speak a little slower so I don't finish 5 seconds early.*