
Niveau CECR : [B1-B2]
Read/Listen first
Next Thursday I’m going to present how our team uses AI to save time on routine tasks. The format is short, so I will keep each slide simple and move quickly between points. I should open with a clear signpost, explain two examples, and end with a small call to action. When anxiety rises, breathing slowly and practising aloud helps me sound more confident. Good slides are cleaner than crowded ones and better for a ten‑minute talk. If I prepare on Tuesday and rehearse on Wednesday, the delivery will feel natural. People compare days, notice small changes, and decide what to wear or bring. Simple observations turn into friendly talk, and practice grows naturally. The situation is easy to imagine and helps fluent, confident speaking. These everyday lines are useful at work, while travelling, or with neighbours. You can repeat key chunks and play with alternatives to build range. This keeps the language simple, natural, and easy to reuse. This keeps the language simple, natural, and easy to reuse.
⚡ Learning goals
- Use signposting to structure a short presentation clearly.
- Use going to and should to talk about plans and advice.
- Compare options (better/worse) when choosing slide designs.
✨ Grammar Points — 4 Structures
1️⃣ Going to for plans
Rule: Use be going to to describe future plans you decided before speaking.
Examples: I’m going to present two examples → We’re going to keep slides simple → I’m going to rehearse on Wednesday.
Practice prompt: Make a sentence with this pattern.
✅ I’m going to time my talk.
Exercise: Choose: “I ____ going to use three slides.”
✅ I am going to use three slides.
Common pitfall + fix: Don’t drop *am/are/is*.
1️⃣ Should for advice
Rule: Use should to give friendly advice or recommendations.
Examples: You should keep slides clean → You should practise aloud → You shouldn’t overload text.
Practice prompt: Make a sentence with this pattern.
✅ You should start with a clear signpost.
Exercise: Pick the advice:
✅ You should practise aloud.
Common pitfall + fix: Avoid *must* unless the rule is strict.
1️⃣ Signposting phrases
Rule: Use phrases to guide listeners through a talk.
Examples: First, I’ll show… → Then, we’ll look at… → Finally, I’ll suggest….
Practice prompt: Make a sentence with this pattern.
✅ First, I’ll show two quick examples.
Exercise: Complete: “Finally, I’ll ______ a next step.”
✅ suggest
Common pitfall + fix: Keep phrases short and predictable.
1️⃣ Comparatives: better/worse
Rule: Use better/worse to compare options in general.
Examples: Cleaner slides are better → Crowded slides are worse → Shorter texts are better for speed.
Practice prompt: Make a sentence with this pattern.
✅ Shorter lists are better for timing.
Exercise: Choose: “This layout is ______ for a short talk.”
✅ better
Common pitfall + fix: No *more better*; just *better*.
✍️ Vocabulary (6 entries)
signpost
Meaning: a phrase that guides listeners
Synonyms: cue, marker, pointer
Chunk/Idiom: ““clear signposting””
Example: Use a short signpost to open.
Morphology: noun/verb; plural signposts; neutral
Self-practice: Say it aloud with your own variation.
rehearse
Meaning: to practise a speech before giving it
Synonyms: practice, run through, drill
Chunk/Idiom: ““rehearse on Wednesday””
Example: I will rehearse on Wednesday.
Morphology: verb; rehearsed/rehearsing; neutral
Self-practice: Say it aloud with your own variation.
slide
Meaning: one page in a presentation
Synonyms: page, visual, deck page
Chunk/Idiom: ““keep slides simple””
Example: Keep each slide simple.
Morphology: noun; plural slides; neutral
Self-practice: Say it aloud with your own variation.
anxiety
Meaning: a strong feeling of worry or stress
Synonyms: stress, nervousness, tension
Chunk/Idiom: ““when anxiety rises””
Example: Breathing slowly reduces anxiety.
Morphology: noun; plural anxieties; neutral
Self-practice: Say it aloud with your own variation.
delivery
Meaning: the way a speaker gives a talk
Synonyms: performance, presentation, style
Chunk/Idiom: ““natural delivery””
Example: Her delivery sounded natural.
Morphology: noun; plural deliveries; neutral
Self-practice: Say it aloud with your own variation.
call to action
Meaning: a short request to do something next
Synonyms: prompt, invitation, ask
Chunk/Idiom: ““end with a call to action””
Example: End with a clear call to action.
Morphology: noun phrase; neutral
Self-practice: Say it aloud with your own variation.
☁️ Examples (+ audio)
- First, I’ll show two quick examples of AI at work.
- Then, we’ll look at time saved on routine tasks.
- Next, I’m going to explain a simple workflow.
- Finally, I’ll suggest one action for the team.
✏️ Exercises
1) Grammar
-
Which sentence is correct?
1) I going to present. 2) I am going to present. 3) I am go to present.
✔︎ Answer: I am going to present. — Be + going to + base verb. -
Choose the best advice:
1) You must add busy slides. 2) You should keep slides clean. 3) You should overload text.
✔︎ Answer: You should keep slides clean. — Use should for friendly advice. -
Fill with the best answer: _____ I’ll summarise the benefits. (Finally/While)
→ Solution: Finally — Signposting word to close. -
Fill with the best answer: I will ______ the talk on Wednesday. (rehearse)
→ Solution: rehearse — Verb collocates with talk/speech.
2) Vocabulary & Comprehension
-
Signpost means:
1) a road sign only 2) a guiding phrase in a talk 3) a long story
✔︎ Answer: a guiding phrase in a talk — Used to guide listeners. -
Delivery is:
1) the way a talk is given 2) the number of slides 3) a payment method
✔︎ Answer: the way a talk is given — Delivery = speaking performance. -
Fill with the best answer: Short lists are ______ for timing.
→ Solution: better — Comparative of good. -
Fill with the best answer: I will ______ my slides tomorrow.
→ Solution: rehearse — Verb for practising a talk.
⚙️ Integrated content
Mini-dialogue — Natural situation
A: I’m going to keep the slides simple and clean.
B: Good—first, show two examples, then explain the workflow.
A: Finally, suggest one clear next step.
Why this matters
Clear structure reduces anxiety and helps your audience follow a short talk.
Verb & Adjective Pack (ready-to-use chunks)
• open with a signpost → “First, I’ll show…”
• keep slides simple → “This slide is cleaner.”
• rehearse on Wednesday → “I will rehearse on Wednesday.”
• end with a call to action → “Please try this workflow.”
️ Try and compare — guided production + model answers
Exercise 1 — Fill the blank: “First I’ll show X, then I’ll ______.”
→ ✔︎ explain the workflow
Exercise 2 — Self-correction: You said: “I going to present.”
→ Better: “I am going to present.”
Exercise 3 — Practice aloud: Say your opening, a middle signpost, and your closing line.