Speaking Lab
Image-based speaking practice with useful phrases, pronunciation focus and model response.
Lesson objectives
- Describe, compare and speculate more naturally under speaking-task pressure.
- Use useful phrases with better rhythm, stress and connected speech.
- Respond to image prompts connected to climate policy & international agreements with C1-level range.
Listen to the model audio before you answer the lesson tasks.
Speaking — describe & compare
Compara estas dos imágenes. En ambas imágenes hay personas o consecuencias relacionadas con el medio ambiente. Describe las diferencias entre las dos situaciones y especula sobre cómo las decisiones tomadas en la primera imagen podrían afectar el escenario mostrado en la segunda. Debes hablar durante 1 minuto de forma continua.
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Useful phrases
- In stark contrast to the first image, the second one depicts... — En marcado contraste con la primera imagen, la segunda representa... 🔊
- While the former illustrates a proactive approach, the latter suggests... — Mientras que la primera ilustra un enfoque proactivo, la segunda sugiere... 🔊
- It is highly probable that these two scenes are intrinsically linked. — Es muy probable que estas dos escenas estén intrínsecamente ligadas. 🔊
- One could argue that the decisions made here will dictate... — Se podría argumentar que las decisiones tomadas aquí dictarán... 🔊
- The juxtaposition of these two scenes highlights the urgency of... — La yuxtaposición de estas dos escenas resalta la urgencia de... 🔊
- There is a sense of tension between the polished setting and... — Hay una sensación de tensión entre el entorno pulido y... 🔊
- Judging by the visual cues, it seems as though... — A juzgar por las pistas visuales, parece como si... 🔊
- The disparity between the two environments is quite striking. — La disparidad entre los dos entornos es bastante impactante. 🔊
- It might be inferred that the lack of action leads to... — Se podría inferir que la falta de acción conduce a... 🔊
- The first image conveys a sense of hope, whereas... — La primera imagen transmite una sensación de esperanza, mientras que... 🔊
- Both images touch upon the global issue of... — Ambas imágenes abordan el problema global de... 🔊
- The consequences of policy failure are vividly captured in... — Las consecuencias del fracaso de las políticas se capturan vívidamente en... 🔊
Pronunciación
Presta atención a la derivación polisilábica y al cambio de acentuación. En inglés, al pasar de un sustantivo a un adjetivo o verbo, el acento tónico puede desplazarse. Por ejemplo: 'POLICY' (acento en la primera sílaba) frente a 'POLITICAL' (acento en la segunda sílaba). Practica la transición de 'ENVIRONMENT' a 'ENVIRONMENTAL' para asegurar que el ritmo de la frase no se pierda.
Model answer
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The two images present a striking juxtaposition between political decision-making and its environmental consequences. In the first image, we see a group of delegates in a sophisticated boardroom, engaged in what appears to be a high-level summit regarding climate policy. The atmosphere is professional and controlled, suggesting a proactive attempt to shape global regulations. In stark contrast, the second image depicts a desolate, arid landscape, characterized by cracked earth and an unforgiving sun. This scene serves as a grim reminder of environmental degradation.
While the former illustrates a space of diplomacy and hope, the latter suggests the reality of ecological collapse. It is highly probable that these two scenes are intrinsically linked; the decisions made by the leaders in the boardroom will directly dictate the fate of the landscape shown on the right. One could argue that if the policies discussed in the first image fail to be implemented effectively, the second image will become the global norm. Ultimately, the disparity between the polished, technological setting and the barren wasteland highlights the urgency of international cooperation to prevent such catastrophic outcomes.