IGCSE Speaking
IELTS Prep Course

Aligned to Cambridge IGCSE ESL (0510 / 0511) exam standards

Week 5: Holidays

IELTS Band 5 - 6

QTS ALIGNED Teacher Lesson Plan Holidays

Learning Objectives

WALT (We Are Learning To)Describe a trip using holiday vocabulary, past tenses, and clear travel details.

Success Criteria

WILF (What I'm Looking For)Use blue-bold starters, five highlighted items, one yellow complex sentence, and a clear holiday choice.

Support (Band 5.0 Target)

Use the frame: I went to ___, and I was ___ when ___ happened. Add who, where, and why.

Stretch (Band 6.0+ Target)

Compare two holiday plans and explain which is more relaxing, safer, or more memorable.
Plan A Classroom Only 80 MIN
Default plan. Sections 11 & 12 are completed at home as unsupervised homework.
TimeTeacherStudents
Sec 1 0–5 min Warm-Up
  • Open with WALT / WILF.
  • Send students to Section 1 and circulate.
  • Discuss the warm-up questions in pairs, in English.
Sec 2 · 3 · 4 5–15 min Input
  • Teach Sec 2 grammar, Sec 3 pronunciation, Sec 4 vocabulary.
  • Give an example sentence for each item.
  • Listen and take notes on the handout.
  • Offer your own example sentences.
Sec 5 · 6 · 7 · 8 15–35 min Shadow Read
  • Play TTS for Sec 5, 6, 9 text & model answers.
  • Students Listen → Repeat until pronunciation is clean.
  • Stand. Write own notes on whiteboards for Sec 6 & 9. Memorize answers.
Sec 7 35–55 min Speaking · 4-3-2
  • 2-min spot speaking tests. Correct mistakes. Note errors.
  • Repeat your answer 3× — faster each round.
  • Listener checks target items & pushes speed.
Sec 9 55–75 min Part 3 Discussion
  • Explain OPINION → REASON → EXAMPLE structure.
  • Push "why?" & "can you give an example?" for short answers.
  • Write Sec 9 notes in the lined space.
  • Repeat your Part 3 answers 3× in pairs — faster each round.
Sec 10 75–80 min Wrap-Up
  • Put top errors on the board.
  • Supervise Sec 10 exit ticket.
  • Correct your errors.
  • Log this week's homework (Sec 11 & 12).
Homework Sec 11 & Sec 12 (required, ~40 min).
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QTS ALIGNED Teacher Lesson Plan Holidays
Plan B Computer Lab + Classroom 40 + 40 MIN
Use when homework must be supervised. Sec 11 & 12 done in the lab; classroom shrinks to 40 min. Cut sections shown below.
Computer Lab · 40 min · supervised
TimeTeacherStudents
Sec 11 0–20 min After Last Lesson
  • Circulate the lab and check recording quality across Part 1, 2 & 3.
  • Push AI written feedback on each student's Sec 6 answer.
  • Record LAST week's Sec 1, Sec 6 & Sec 9 answers (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3).
  • Run AI correction on the Sec 6 written answer.
Sec 12 20–40 min Before Next Lesson
  • Confirm each student previews NEXT period's vocab and grammar.
  • Check students shadow Transcoded Text and Model Answers.
  • Preview NEXT period's vocab and grammar.
  • Shadow all Transcoded Text and Model Answers for pronunciation practice.
Classroom · 40 min
TimeTeacherStudents
Sec 1 0–5 min Warm-Up
  • Open with WALT / WILF.
  • Send students to Section 1 and circulate.
  • Discuss the warm-up questions in pairs, in English.
Sec 6 5–20 min Practice
  • Observe students' Sec 6 answer prep on boards.
  • Correct errors before speaking.
  • Stand up at a whiteboard / window / large screen.
  • Write your own answer to Sec 6.
Sec 7 20–35 min Speaking · 4-3-2
  • Briefly intro Sec 7 and run the 4-3-2 circuit (pairs, standing).
  • Strict time — fastest repetitions must be min 2 mins.
  • Repeat your answer 2× alone — faster each round.
  • Round 3 with a partner to push you to speak fast.
  • Last round must be fast and min 2 mins.
Sec 10 35–40 min Wrap-Up
  • Put top errors on the board.
  • Supervise Sec 10 exit ticket.
  • Correct your errors.
  • Log this week's homework (Sec 6 written answer).
Cut in Lab Mode Sec 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 8 — Input, Pronunciation, Shadowing and Writing dropped from classroom (handled with AI feedback in the lab / at home).
Homework Write Section 6 Answer, use AI correction, then write the corrected answer by hand into the student textbook.
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Section 1
Part 1 Interview
5 MIN
Keep
Topic: holidays and trips
1 Can you tell me about a place you would like to visit on holiday?
Yes, I would like to visit Chengdu during a school holiday. For me, it is an exciting destination (目的地) because the food, pandas, and parks look interesting.
Your Answer
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0 / 20 minimum
2 Can you tell me about a time when you went on a trip, and what it was like?
Last summer, I went to Hangzhou with my family. At first, it was hot, but the lake looked beautiful and the boat ride was calm.
Your Answer
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0 / 20 minimum
3 Do you think holidays are important for students? Why?
Yes, I think, holidays are important for students. This is because, a short break can be relaxing (令人放松的) after exams and can help families spend time together.
Your Answer
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0 / 20 minimum
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Section 2
Weekly Grammar Point
4 MIN
Keep

Past Continuous vs Past Simple

Grammar

Past continuous shows an action in progress in the past. Past simple shows a finished action that happened during or after it.

Example

I was packing my bag when my cousin called.

Your Examples
0 / 20 minimum
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Section 3
Weekly Pronunciation Point
2 MIN
Cut in Lab Mode

Weak Forms of was/were

👂 Listen: In natural speech, was and were are usually weak unless you are correcting someone.

🗣️ Practise: Say it smoothly, I was walking, we were waiting, they were taking photos.

Section 4
Vocabulary Table
4 MIN
Keep
Destination目的地 Noun
Sightseeing观光 Nounadj.sightseeing
Itinerary行程安排 Noun
Relaxing令人放松的 Adjectiven.relaxationadv.relaxinglyv.relax · relaxed
Explore探索 Verbn.explorationadj.exploratory
Accommodation住宿 Nounadj.accommodatingv.accommodate · accommodated
Route路线RECYCLED Nounv.route · routed
Journey旅程RECYCLED Nounv.journeyed · journeyed
Idiom 1: Get away from it all — 远离尘嚣，彻底放松 ExplanationTake a break from normal busy life. ExampleDuring National Day, my family wanted to get away from it all.
Idiom 2: Once in a lifetime — 一生一次的 ExplanationVery special and unlikely to happen again. ExampleThe trip to see the sunrise felt once in a lifetime.
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Section 5
Shadowing Text
8 MIN
Cut in Lab Mode

Adapted from the Cambridge IGCSE ESL Coursebook

Usually, students feel excited when they choose a holiday destination (目的地). For example, a city trip may include food, museums, and sightseeing (观光). Before travelling, families often make an itinerary (行程安排) so nobody forgets the train time. Also, a slow walk near a lake can be very relaxing (令人放松的). When exam weeks finish, many students want to get away from it all (远离尘嚣，彻底放松) with their families. Sometimes, the best trip is not far away. In fact, a short visit to a nearby park can feel fresh. Overall, good holiday plans help people rest and remember happy moments.

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Section 6
Part 2 Question and Model Answer
15 MIN
Keep

SITUATION Your parents have asked you to help choose a short family holiday during the next school break. You are considering the following options:

OPTION A a quiet mountain stay for two days
OPTION B a city trip with museums and food streets

Talk about the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Say which option you would prefer, and why.

Model Answer
SITUATION Well, my family needs to choose a short holiday plan.
OPTION A On one hand, a mountain stay lets us explore (探索) quiet paths. Also, simple accommodation (住宿) near trees can feel peaceful. Although the air may be fresh, rainy weather could stop outdoor activities.
OPTION B On the other hand, a city trip has an easy route (路线). Also, the journey (旅程) is shorter by high-speed rail. However, food streets may be crowded.
PREFERENCE I would choose the city trip, because it suits my grandparents. REASON The main reason is, museums are calm and safe. REASON Also, eating local food together feels once in a lifetime (一生一次的).
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Section 7
Listener Task — Tick the Speaker's Checklist
5 MIN
Keep

Tick each item you hear in your partner's Part 2 answer.

Section 8
Writing Space
10 MIN
Cut in Lab Mode

Stand up and write your answer on the board or classroom windows. The teacher will correct it as you write. Copy the corrected answer below.

📝 Draft
0 / 20–300
✨ AI-Corrected
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Section 9
Part 3 Questions
20 MIN
Keep

Answer the Part 3 discussion questions below. Use the Model Answer for guidance, then write your own response in the lined space.

1 Do you think short holidays are better than long holidays for students? Why?
Model Answer
OPINION In my opinion, short holidays are often better for students. REASON This is because, when a journey (旅程) is short, students can rest without missing much study. EXAMPLE / EXTENSION For example, a two-day trip after exams feels enough.
Your Answer
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0 / 20 minimum
2 What are the advantages of travelling with family?
Model Answer
OPINION From my point of view, family travel has many advantages. REASON The reason is, although people may like different activities, they can share meals and stories. EXAMPLE / EXTENSION For instance, parents can choose safe accommodation (住宿) and students can take photos.
Your Answer
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0 / 20 minimum
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Section 9
Part 3 Questions (continued)
20 MIN
Keep

Continue answering Part 3 questions. Use the Model Answer for guidance, then write your own response in the lined space.

3 How important is planning an itinerary before a holiday?
Model Answer
OPINION Overall, planning an itinerary is very important before a holiday. REASON This matters because, if the itinerary (行程安排) is clear, families waste less time. EXAMPLE / EXTENSION For example, they can book tickets early and avoid long queues.
Your Answer
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0 / 20 minimum
4 What are the advantages of choosing a holiday place carefully?
Model Answer
OPINION In my view, choosing a holiday place carefully makes family trips easier. REASON This is because, when families discuss their needs first, they avoid long arguments later. EXAMPLE / EXTENSION For example, my family could compare the price, weather, and main destination (目的地) before booking during a short class talk.
Your Answer
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0 / 20 minimum
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Section 10
Exit Ticket
4 MIN
Keep

🎯 Fix the Error: Choose past continuous or past simple.

  • 1. At that moment, I _______ photos. (take)
  • 2. Suddenly, the guide _______ us. (call)
  • 3. When it started raining, we _______ near the lake. (walk)

Section 11
After Today's Lesson
Lab or Home
  • aRECORD10 MINAPP Recording: Mock Test: Record all answers to questions in Part 1, 2 and 3 and SEND for scoring. MUST USE: 1 complex sentence + this week's grammar (Past Continuous vs Past Simple).作业APP录音：模拟考试：录制Part 1、2和3全部问题的回答并发送评分。要求：必须使用1个复合句和本周语法点。
  • bWRITING10 MINType and AI correct your Part 2 answer. Handwrite your corrected answer into your coursebook.键入Part 2答案并使用AI批改。将批改后的答案手写到你的课本中。
Section 12
Before Next Week's Lesson
Lab or Home
  • aSHADOW10 MIN'Speaking Practice › Fluency'. Listen to next week's Section 1, 5, 6 & 9. Shadow their pronunciation — copy American or British intonation exactly — until you are comfortable with the pronunciation."口语练习 › 流利度"。听下周的第1、5、6和9部分。跟读模仿美式或英式的语调和发音，直到你对发音感到自如为止。
  • bRECORD10 MINRecord Sections 5 & 6: Memorise useful phrases and use bullet-point notes to help you repeat the paragraphs in your own words 3 times, out loud. Record your 3rd attempt.录音第5和第6部分：记忆有用的短语，并使用要点笔记帮助你用自己的话重复段落3遍，大声朗读。录下你的第3次尝试。
Section 10 Answers: 1. was taking 2. called 3. were walking
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