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 corruption, transparency & accountability 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 se muestra una forma de gestión o de interacción profesional, pero el ambiente es muy distinto. Describe las diferencias y explica qué crees que está ocurriendo en cada escena. Debes hablar durante 1 minuto de forma continua y luego responder a una pregunta adicional. Tu respuesta debe durar aproximadamente 2 minutos en total.
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Useful phrases
- At first glance, it appears that... — A primera vista, parece que... 🔊
- The two scenes stand in stark contrast to one another. — Las dos escenas contrastan fuertemente entre sí. 🔊
- One could argue that the atmosphere is quite tense. — Se podría argumentar que el ambiente es bastante tenso. 🔊
- While the first image depicts secrecy, the second suggests openness. — Mientras que la primera imagen representa el secretismo, la segunda sugiere apertura. 🔊
- It is highly likely that they are engaging in illicit activities. — Es muy probable que estén participando en actividades ilícitas. 🔊
- On the contrary, the second scene radiates transparency. — Por el contrario, la segunda escena irradia transparencia. 🔊
- The lighting serves to highlight the difference in integrity. — La iluminación sirve para resaltar la diferencia en la integridad. 🔊
- Judging by their body language, the men seem to be hiding something. — A juzgar por su lenguaje corporal, los hombres parecen estar ocultando algo. 🔊
- There is a palpable sense of dishonesty in the left-hand image. — Hay una sensación palpable de deshonestidad en la imagen de la izquierda. 🔊
- In stark contrast to the shadows, the right side is bathed in light. — En marcado contraste con las sombras, el lado derecho está bañado por la luz. 🔊
- It might be inferred that accountability is lacking in the first scene. — Se podría inferir que falta rendición de cuentas en la primera escena. 🔊
- The visual cues suggest two entirely different ethical standards. — Las pistas visuales sugieren dos estándares éticos totalmente diferentes. 🔊
Pronunciación
Para mejorar tu fluidez, presta atención a los pares mínimos. Practica la diferencia entre la vocal corta /ɪ/ (como en 'sit') y la larga /iː/ (como en 'seat'). Luego, distingue entre /æ/ (como en 'cat') y /ʌ/ (como en 'cut'). Finalmente, diferencia el sonido /ɒ/ (como en 'hot') del diptongo /əʊ/ (como en 'hope). Practicar estos sonidos te ayudará a evitar confusiones de significado al hablar.
Model answer
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Both images depict professional environments, yet they represent polar opposites in terms of ethics and transparency. In the left-hand image, we see a dimly lit, clandestine meeting. The atmosphere is heavy with secrecy, as two individuals are seen exchanging an envelope under a table. It is highly likely that this depicts a corrupt deal or a bribe being passed in shadows to avoid detection. The lack of light reinforces this sense of illegality and lack of accountability.
In stark contrast, the right-hand image presents a bright, modern office filled with natural light. Here, the setting is open and transparent, with officials working collectively in a visible space. Unlike the first scene, there is no attempt to hide actions; instead, the environment suggests a culture of integrity and public scrutiny. While the first image illustrates the dark side of power through backroom deals, the second highlights the importance of transparency in governance. Ultimately, the two scenes serve to illustrate the difference between systemic corruption and an environment built on accountability and openness. One is driven by hidden agendas, while the other is defined by clarity and professional honesty.