Lesson 12: Using the 1-Minute Prep / Note-Taking
use the 1-minute prep to make keyword notes that let you talk for a full 2 minutes without drying up.
Why this matters
In Part 2 you get 1 minute to prepare and must speak for 2 minutes. Most band-5 candidates either write full sentences (then read robotically) or write nothing (then run out at 40 seconds). Smart keyword notes are what keep you fluent for the full 2 minutes.
The Tip/Trick
Notes = keywords on the 4 bullets + one "story spine". Write 1–2 words per bullet, plus a sequence of 4–5 keywords you'll actually narrate. Never full sentences.
- Before (full sentences): "The place I want to describe is a coffee shop near my house that I really like because…" → you read, sound flat, and run out of new ideas.
- After (keywords): place: rooftop café · where: District 3 · when: Sun mornings · why: calm, view, ritual · spine: discover→regular→favourite seat→feeling → you speak freely.
Grammar Focus — Past continuous (background action)
Rule: was/were + -ing sets the scene/background, often interrupted by a past simple action. Great for making descriptions vivid. Reference: the "Past continuous (background action)" section.
- "The sun was setting when I first walked in."
- "People were chatting quietly while I read my book."
- "It was raining, so the café felt really cosy."
Vocabulary Cluster — Describing a place
Add to under "Describing a place".
- off the beaten track — away from crowds — "It's a little café off the beaten track."
- a hidden gem — a great little-known place — "It's a real hidden gem."
- to have a cosy atmosphere — warm, comfortable feel — "The place has a cosy atmosphere."
- bustling / lively — full of energy — "The market is always bustling."
- breathtaking views — stunning scenery — "There are breathtaking views from the roof."
- to get away from it all — escape stress — "I go there to get away from it all."
- tucked away — hidden in a quiet spot — "It's tucked away down a side street."
- my go-to spot — the place I always choose — "It's my go-to spot for studying."
Drill these as flashcards — flip, then grade yourself.
Answer Outline — keyword notes for any "describe a place"
- What: (1–2 words)
- Where: (1–2 words)
- When/who: (1–2 words)
- Why/feeling: (2–3 words)
- Story spine: discover → why I go → a typical visit → how I feel
Model Answers: 5.0 vs 7.0
Cue card: Describe a place you like to go to relax.
Band 5.0 (≈40 sec, then stuck): "I like go to coffee shop. It near my house. It is nice and quiet. I drink coffee and use phone. I like it. Em… that's all."
Band 7.0 (≈2 min, fluent): "I'd like to talk about a little rooftop café that's tucked away in District 3 — a real hidden gem. I first discovered it by accident when it was raining and I needed shelter, and I've been a regular ever since. It's got a wonderfully cosy atmosphere, and from the terrace there are breathtaking views over the city. Most Sunday mornings I head there to get away from it all — I'll grab my go-to seat by the window, order an iced coffee, and just read for an hour. The reason I love it so much is that, while the streets below are bustling, up there it feels completely calm…"
What changed:
- Keyword-driven fluency: the answer follows a story spine, so it never stalls.
- Past continuous: "it was raining and I needed shelter".
- Collocations: "tucked away", "hidden gem", "cosy atmosphere", "get away from it all".
- Contrast for coherence: "while the streets below are bustling, up there it feels calm".
- Reading notes word-for-word → sounds flat. Glance at keywords only.
- Stopping at 40 seconds → use the story spine to keep going to 2 min.
- "I like go" → "I like to go / I like going" (Lesson 05).
Your Turn (Record)
Task: Take the cue card "Describe a place where you feel relaxed." Set a 1-minute timer and write keyword notes only. Then record yourself speaking for a full 2 minutes. ⏱ 1 min prep + 2 min talk.
Your turn — record & get scored
Part 2- Describe a place where you feel relaxed.
Self-Check + Spaced Review
Done when:
- My notes were keywords, not sentences.
- I spoke for close to 2 minutes without long pauses.
- I used past continuous at least once and ≥2 place collocations.
Spaced review:
- From Lesson 11: did you cover all 4 bullet prompts?
- From Lesson 02: use a "there is/are + place" structure in your description.