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 publishing, reading & the digital book 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 vemos a personas leyendo, pero el entorno y el medio son muy diferentes. Describe las diferencias y similitudes, y especula sobre las ventajas y desventajas de cada método de lectura. Debes hablar durante 1 minuto de forma continua.
🖼️ 
Useful phrases
- In the first image, it appears that... — En la primera imagen, parece que... 🔊
- By way of contrast, the second scene depicts... — A modo de contraste, la segunda escena representa... 🔊
- While the former suggests a sense of... — Mientras que la primera sugiere una sensación de... 🔊
- On the other hand, the latter conveys... — Por otro lado, la segunda transmite... 🔊
- It is highly likely that the person is... — Es muy probable que la persona esté... 🔊
- One could argue that the atmosphere is... — Se podría argumentar que el ambiente es... 🔊
- There is a striking difference between... — Hay una diferencia llamativa entre... 🔊
- The two scenarios stand in stark contrast to... — Los dos escenarios contrastan fuertemente con... 🔊
- It might be inferred that... — Se podría inferir que... 🔊
- Judging by the setting, it seems as though... — A juzgar por el entorno, parece como si... 🔊
- Both images touch upon the theme of... — Ambas imágenes abordan el tema de... 🔊
- The transition from print to digital is evident in... — La transición de lo impreso a lo digital es evidente en... 🔊
Pronunciación
Para alcanzar un nivel C1, evita hablar de forma monótona. Utiliza el 'Pitch range' (rango de entonación) para enfatizar puntos clave. Cuando compares dos ideas opuestas, sube ligeramente el tono al introducir el contraste para guiar al examinador. La entonación debe reflejar tu intención: usa un tono más pausado para ideas reflexivas y un tono más dinámico para resaltar diferencias marcadas.
Model answer
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Both images illustrate the act of reading, yet they represent two entirely different eras and lifestyles. In the first image, we see a person immersed in a traditional setting, surrounded by physical books in what looks like a classic library. The warm lighting and the leather armchair suggest a sense of nostalgia and a desire for a tactile, uninterrupted experience. It appears that the reader is seeking an escape from the modern world through the weight and smell of paper.
In stark contrast, the second image depicts a much more contemporary scene. Here, a person is using a digital e-reader in a bright, modern cafe. This setting highlights the portability and convenience of digital publishing. While the first person seems to value solitude and tradition, the individual in the second photo represents the modern, mobile reader who integrates literature into a busy, tech-driven lifestyle.
Ultimately, while the former offers a sensory, timeless experience, the latter provides unparalleled accessibility. It is highly likely that both individuals are equally absorbed in their stories, despite the vast technological gap between their chosen mediums. One prioritises atmosphere, whereas the other prioritises practicality.