IGCSE Speaking
IELTS Prep Course

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

Week 31: Human achievements

IELTS Band 5 - 6

QTS ALIGNED Teacher Lesson Plan Human achievements

Learning Objectives

WALT (We Are Learning To)Explain human achievements and describe values, effort, and impact in extended speaking.

Success Criteria

WILF (What I'm Looking For)Use relative clauses, compare choices, support opinions, and speak simply with clear examples.

Support (Band 5.0 Target)

Use the frame: An achievement that I respect is ___ because ___. Add one person and one result.

Stretch (Band 6.0+ Target)

Explain how quiet effort and public success can both show real achievement.
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 Human achievements
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: human achievements
1 Can you tell me something about an achievement you respect?
Yes, I respect students who improve slowly and honestly. For example, my classmate raised his English score after months of reading aloud. To me, that is a real achievement because it took steady effort.
Your Answer
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0 / 20 minimum
2 Can you tell me about a time when you worked hard for a goal, and what it was like?
Last term, I prepared for a speaking test every evening. At first, I felt shy, but I asked my desk mate to listen. After two weeks, I could answer more smoothly and felt proud.
Your Answer
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0 / 20 minimum
3 Do you think famous achievements are always the most important? Why?
No, I think, small achievements can be important too. In my view, helping a family member or improving a weak subject also matters. For example, many quiet students work hard without getting prizes.
Your Answer
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0 / 20 minimum
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Section 2
Weekly Grammar Point
4 MIN
Keep

Relative Clauses for Defining Achievement

Grammar

A relative clause adds information about a person or thing. Use "who" for people and "which" or "that" for things.

Example

I admire people who solve problems for others.

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

Emphatic Stress for Values

👂 Listen: Stress the value word when you explain why an achievement matters: effort, courage, help, hope.

🗣️ Practise: Say it clearly, He showed effort. He helped others. He reached a goal.

Section 4
Vocabulary Table
4 MIN
Keep
Resilience韧性 Nounadj.resilientadv.resiliently
Perseverance坚持不懈 Nounadj.perseveringv.persevere · persevered
Recognition认可 / 表彰 Nounadj.recognisedv.recognise · recognised
Contribution贡献 Nounadj.contributoryv.contribute · contributed
Ambition抱负 / 雄心 Nounadj.ambitiousadv.ambitiously
Breakthrough突破 Nounadj.breakthrough
Opportunity机会RECYCLED Nounadj.opportune
Creativity创造力RECYCLED Nounadj.creativeadv.creativelyv.create · created
Idiom 1: Make history — 创造历史 ExplanationDo something important that people will remember. ExampleThe young scientist made history with a simple but useful invention.
Idiom 2: Reach a goal — 达成目标 ExplanationAchieve something you planned to do. ExampleMy cousin reached a goal when she entered her dream high school.
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Section 5
Shadowing Text
8 MIN
Cut in Lab Mode

Adapted from the Cambridge IGCSE ESL Coursebook

In school life, human achievement is not only about medals or news reports. For example, a student can show resilience (韧性) after failing a test, then try again. At first, the result may look small, but steady perseverance (坚持不懈) can change a weak subject. When classmates notice this effort, they often respect the learner more. In addition, every student needs an opportunity (机会) to improve, not only top students. Most importantly, clear ambition (抱负 / 雄心) helps teenagers choose better habits. If they reach a goal step by step, they can feel proud without showing off. Overall, ordinary effort can help students reach a goal (达成目标) and speak about success in a natural way.

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Section 6
Part 2 Question and Model Answer
15 MIN
Keep

SITUATION Your headteacher has asked students how the school should celebrate human achievement. You are considering the following options:

OPTION A a prize ceremony for top students
OPTION B a school display about helpful achievements

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

Model Answer
SITUATION Well, I will compare two ways to celebrate achievement at school.
OPTION A On one hand, a prize ceremony gives public recognition (认可 / 表彰) to students who work hard. However, it may only praise exam results and leave quiet helpers outside. Although prizes feel exciting, some students may feel they can never win.
OPTION B On the other hand, a display can show each useful contribution (贡献), such as helping a club or improving a skill. Also, it can include creativity (创造力) and teamwork, not only scores. When students see many examples, they understand achievement in a wider way.
PREFERENCE I would choose, the school display. REASON The main reason is, it can show a real breakthrough (突破) and help ordinary students make history (创造历史) in their own class.
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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 How important is effort when young people try to achieve something difficult?
Model Answer
OPINION In my opinion, effort is very important for young people. REASON This is because, when a task is difficult, steady perseverance (坚持不懈) keeps them moving. EXAMPLE / EXTENSION For example, a student who practises speaking daily may improve before exam day.
Your Answer
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0 / 20 minimum
2 Some people say schools should only praise top results. What do you think?
Model Answer
OPINION I do not agree, schools should praise only top results. REASON The reason is, although prizes are useful, many students show resilience (韧性) after problems. EXAMPLE / EXTENSION For instance, a shy speaker who answers clearly deserves praise too.
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 What could happen if teenagers never get a chance to show their talents?
Model Answer
OPINION From my point of view, teenagers need chances to show talents. REASON This is because, if no opportunity (机会) is given, quiet students may stop trying. EXAMPLE / EXTENSION For example, a class display could reveal art, sport, or science skills.
Your Answer
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0 / 20 minimum
4 How important is recognition after a major achievement?
Model Answer
OPINION In my view, recognition after a major achievement can encourage young people. REASON This is because, when students see effort being noticed, they want to keep improving. EXAMPLE / EXTENSION For example, a school assembly could give simple recognition (认可 / 表彰) to pupils who work hard quietly 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 the best relative pronoun for each achievement sentence.

  • 1. A person ______ helps others quietly can be admirable. (who / where)
  • 2. An achievement ______ improves lives is worth respect. (that / when)
  • 3. Students ______ keep trying often grow stronger. (who / what)

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 (Relative Clauses for Defining Achievement).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. who 2. that 3. who
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