english-for-life-speaking-b1-intermediate_compress

Collins English for Life: Speaking B1+ Intermediate

Introduction

• Goal: Improve spoken English for everyday situations.

• Use as self-study or supplementary material.

• Focus on various speaking skills:

  • Starting, continuing, directing, and ending conversations.

  • Dealing with interruptions and asking for clarification.

  • Making requests, giving advice, sharing opinions.

• Structure: 20 units, each with a consistent format.

  • Useful tips, conversations, understanding exercises, speaking practice, language and cultural notes.

Section 1: Get Talking

Unit 1: Starting an Informal Conversation

• Tips for Small Talk:

  • Comment on ordinary things with enthusiasm.

  • Find common ground with listeners.

  • Match listener's mood; avoid one-word answers.

• Key Strategies:

  • Find commonalities, show interest.

Unit 2: Responding

• Effective Responses:

  • Use any information from the speaker to keep the conversation flowing.

  • Echo their words for engagement.

  • Ask open-ended questions.

Unit 3: Interruptions

• Polite Interruptions:

  • Wait for an appropriate moment to add your point.

  • Use phrases like "Excuse me," or "Sorry, can I just say...?"

• Handling Interruptions:

  • Remind listeners you were speaking to regain the conversation flow.

Section 2: Keep Talking

Unit 4: Exchanging Information

• Strategies:

  • Offer information before asking questions.

  • Use indirect questioning with statement tags.

  • Build relationships by using names and inclusive language.

Unit 5: What to Say When You Don’t Remember a Word

• Tips:

  • Use simpler words, explain the word, or compare it with opposites.

  • Use examples to clarify meanings.

Unit 6: Changing the Subject

• Tips for Changing Topics:

  • Self-interrupt respectfully to transition topics.

  • Maintain some connection to the previous subject for smooth transitions.

Section 3: Requests and Responses

Unit 7: Making Suggestions or Proposals

• Strategies for Suggestions:

  • Apologize for negative responses; suggest alternatives.

  • Be positive when responding.

Unit 8: Making Polite Requests

• Polite Requests:

  • Use "Could," "Would you mind," etc., to soften requests.

  • Start with apologies to show consideration.

Unit 9: Asking for and Giving Advice

• Advice Giving:

  • Show empathy and understand the other’s situation.

  • Help them consider all options.

Section 4: Having a Discussion

Unit 10: Asking for and Giving Opinions

• Expressing Opinions:

  • Neutral: "In my view..."

  • Strong: "I strongly believe..."

Unit 11: Agreeing and Disagreeing

• Agreeing:

  • Use phrases like "I totally agree" or express qualified agreement.

• Disagreeing:

  • Start with a polite apology, then state your disagreement.

Section 5: Dealing with Negatives

Unit 12: Giving Negative Feedback or Bad News

• Delivering Bad News:

  • Be gentle, express empathy, and offer support where possible.

Unit 13: Saying No Politely

• Polite Refusals:

  • Emphasize with "really" or "very" with apologies and brief explanations.

Unit 14: Complaining About Something

• Complaining Tactfully:

  • Apologize for needing to complain, assume no malice in the issue, and suggest solutions.