Exam Review Lab 01 —Mixed recycle
Mixed practice across R-P1 · S-P1 · S-P4 · L-P2 · W-P1 · W-P2 article — exam-paced and communication-first. Revision only · recycles Modules 02–03 — no new language.
PET parts in this lesson · mixed-skill spiral
Why this lesson now? First spiral checkpoint — every PET part from M1–3 returns here.
CEFR Pathway · You are here
Exam Boost · Performance Session
A progress checkpoint, not a test.
Recycle this phase's language through challenges, mini-tasks and longer speaking turns. Aim for fluency, not perfection — replay anything, skip nothing.
Get ready · 01
5 minGet talking — no pressure
Which PET part has felt easiest so far — and which still feels uncomfortable? Why?
Name ONE phrase from Modules 1–3 you've actually used outside class.
Pick one personal target: speed, accuracy, fluency, or confidence. Tell your teacher.
Grammar recap · 02
8–10 minTense + modal recycle (Modules 1–3)
Match the verb form to the time signal: NOW · ROUTINE · FINISHED · LINK TO NOW · ADVICE / POSSIBILITY.
Modules 1–3 introduced present simple/continuous, present perfect (experience + duration), past simple, and the modal family (can, could, should, might, must). PET examiners reward learners who pick the right form quickly — not learners who use rare grammar. This lab rebuilds the speed of that choice.
→ I usually walk to work. (routine — present simple)
→ I'm staying with my cousin this week. (now / temporary — present continuous)
→ I've lived here for two years. (link to now — present perfect)
→ We went there last summer. (finished time — past simple)
→ You should book early. (advice — modal)
Challenge 1.She ___ in Madrid since January.
Challenge 2.Yesterday we ___ to the beach.
Challenge 3.I ___ a film right now — call me later.
Challenge 4.You ___ tell anyone — it's a secret.
Challenge 5.He ___ ever been to Italy.
Build the sentence → spot the natural chunks → say it aloud → reply like a real conversation.
1.Rebuild the sentence — then say it aloud.
2.Rebuild the sentence — then say it aloud.
3.Rebuild the sentence — then say it aloud.
Quick check 1.Which sentence links a past action to NOW?
Quick check 2.Which is the most natural Speaking Part 1 answer?
Vocabulary recap · 03
5–7 minRecycle your toolkit
to meet and talk after not seeing someone for a while
Who would you like to catch up with soon?
to say something reasonable or valid
Tell your partner an opinion, then respond 'You have a point, but...'.
causing admiration because of size, skill or quality
Describe something impressive you've seen recently.
to spend relaxed time together
Where do you usually hang out with friends?
used to introduce a personal view
Start a sentence about homework with 'In my opinion...'
Tap an item on the left, then tap its match on the right.
Activation · Personalise · Recycle
Reactivate Modules 2–3 language out loud — nothing new here, just faster recall.
Ask your partner
- Who would you like to catch up with soon?
- Tell your partner an opinion, then respond 'You have a point, but...'.
- Finish: 'Suddenly, the lights…'
"Describe something impressive you've seen recently."impressive
Which of these Modules 2–3 phrases do you still forget under exam pressure? Why?
Write 25–35 words about your English progress using BOTH recycled phrases.
Pronunciation polish · 04
3–4 minChunking + linking under time pressure
Two short pauses per sentence beat silence. Aim for 3–5 word chunks.
- • On the whole / I really enjoy it / mainly because / it helps me relax.
- • To be honest / I haven't seen him / since the summer.
- • For example, / last weekend, / we went to a small / family wedding.
- • Having said that, / I don't do it / every single day.
Reading challenge · 05
8–10 minPET Reading Part 3 — Why Exam Review Labs work
Most language learners assume that learning is linear: you cover a topic once and move on. The research disagrees. Studies on 'spaced practice' show that meeting the same skill again — three or four weeks later, in a slightly different shape — boosts long-term memory far more than meeting it once and never returning.
That's why exam-prep courses build in 'Exam Review Labs'. The point of an Exam Review Lab isn't to test you, but to force your brain to retrieve old material under slight pressure. The retrieval itself is what locks the language in. So if today feels harder than week one, that's not a bad sign — it's exactly what's supposed to happen. The difficulty is the lesson.
Challenge 1.What is the main idea of the text?
Challenge 2.What does the writer say about Exam Review Labs?
Challenge 3.'The difficulty is the lesson' suggests that…
Q1.The writer thinks language learning is mostly linear.
Q2.Spaced practice helps long-term memory.
Q3.If an Exam Review Lab feels hard, you've probably fallen behind.
1.What does Mum want her son to do?
STAFFROOM
Tea and coffee now £0.50. Please pay in the honesty box. No IOUs.
2.What's changed?
3.Why is the library writing?
POOL CLOSED
Closed for cleaning Saturday morning. Re-opens 2pm.
4.When can you swim on Saturday?
Please use the cloakroom for large bags. Photography without flash only.
5.What does the sign tell visitors?
Listening challenge · 06
8–10 minPET Listening Part 2 — Two friends meet after the weekend (2-min dialogue)
Listening audio
Tap play to listen. Replay as many times as you need.
Show transcript
Sam:Hey Mia — you look exhausted. Good weekend?
Mia:Honestly, mixed. Saturday was lovely — we finally went to that new ramen place near the river. Sunday, though, I spent the whole day helping my brother move flat.
Sam:Ouch. Was the new flat nice at least?
Mia:On the whole, yeah — it's smaller, but the light is incredible, and he's much closer to the metro now. Having said that, there are five flights of stairs and no lift…
Sam:Oh no. So that's why you're walking like a robot today.
Mia:Exactly. What about you? Did you finish the photography course?
Sam:Almost. One more class. To be honest, I wasn't sure at first, but I've really got into it — I might even take a follow-up course in the spring.
Challenge 1.How did Mia feel about her weekend overall?
Challenge 2.What is the main DOWNSIDE of her brother's new flat?
Challenge 3.How does Sam feel about the photography course now?
Skills challenge · 07
5 minMixed-paper time discipline
Two seconds to decide, ten to commit. Never leave a PET question blank.
Task
Practise switching between paper types without losing pace. The same brain runs Reading Part 1 (45 sec/item), Speaking Part 1 (10 sec/answer) and Writing Part 1 (one minute of planning). Train the switch, not just each task.
Example
Reading Part 1: 'The notice says no flash photography.' → Two seconds: that means flash isn't allowed. Commit to 'B'. Move on.
Writing challenge · 08
5 minShow what you can do
Q1.PET Reading Part 6 (open cloze) — type ONE word: 'I haven't seen him ___ Friday.'
Q2.Type ONE word: 'She's been studying English ___ five years.'
Q3.Type ONE word: 'My brother is good ___ playing the guitar.'
Q4.Type ONE word: 'On ___ whole, I prefer cities.'
PET Writing Part 2 (article, ≈100 words). Magazine prompt: 'Three weeks of an English course — what's actually changed for you?' Use ONE present perfect, ONE example linker and ONE softener (e.g. 'having said that').
Your writing draft
0 words SavedShow model answer & examiner comment
I've been studying English seriously for three weeks now, and the change is small but real. The biggest difference isn't grammar — it's confidence. For example, last weekend I ordered food in English without rehearsing the sentence five times in my head first. Having said that, I still freeze on Reading Part 3, where the questions look easy and the options look identical. On the whole, though, I'm enjoying it. I've taken up daily five-minute reviews, and that tiny habit is doing more than any long Sunday session ever did.
Examiner comment
| 5 | All content points covered; consistent style; range of structures; minor errors only. |
| 3 | Content mostly covered; mostly suitable style; some range; errors don't stop the reader understanding. |
| 1 | Limited content; intrusive errors; very basic structures; under-length. |
Hi! Great news — I've got a free weekend at the end of the month and I'd love to come and see you. Can you tell me what the weather's like so I know what to pack? Also, is there anything fun we could do together while I'm there? And, importantly — can I bring my dog?! Let me know! Jamie
Your reply must cover:
- Confirm or decline the visit
- Describe current weather
- Suggest a specific activity (not just 'something nice')
- Give a clear yes / no about the dog, with a reason
Show model answer
Hi Jamie, brilliant — yes, please come! The weather here has been a bit mixed lately: sunny mornings but cold evenings, so bring a jacket and one warmer layer. I was thinking we could do the coastal walk on Saturday morning and then try the new ramen place near the station for lunch. About the dog — of course! My flatmate loves dogs, and there's a huge park literally two minutes away. Just let me know which train you're on and I'll meet you at the station. Can't wait! See you soon.
Communication lab · 09
10–15 minTalk it out
PET Speaking Part 4 — In pairs, take 4 minutes total. Question: 'Is it better to study with a teacher or to learn a language on your own?' Use PEEL and at least TWO recycled linkers (on the whole, having said that, to be honest, it depends on…).
- ExaminerDo you enjoy studying English?
- Candidate_______________
- ExaminerAnd do you prefer studying alone or with a teacher?
- Candidate_______________
Phase 1 — short factual questions
1.Examiner: "What's your name?"
2.Examiner: "Where are you from?"
Tip: Add ONE detail: a region, the size, a famous thing.
3.Examiner: "Do you work or study?"
Tip: Say what, plus one reason or feeling.
4.Examiner: "What did you do last weekend?"
Tip: Use past simple, then 'because' or 'for example'.
Phase 2 — extended question (aim for 3–5 sentences)
Examiner: "Tell me about a place you really enjoy visiting."
Tip: Aim for 25–35 seconds. Where? Why? One specific memory. One link back.
Show model extended answer
There's a small fishing town near my parents' house called Cudillero — it's about 90 minutes from here on the bus. I love going back, mainly because the streets are tiny and colourful and there's amazing seafood. For example, last summer my sister and I went for the day and ended up staying for dinner. Having said that, it's quite touristy in August, so I prefer going in spring.
Candidate A — A networking event
Need help? Show prompts (try describing with no help first)
- • What can you see?
- • Where do you think they are?
- • How are they feeling?
- • Why might they be there?
- • Would you enjoy this kind of event?
Candidate B — Friends in a café
Need help? Show prompts (try describing with no help first)
- • What can you see?
- • What time of day might it be?
- • What are they probably talking about?
- • How do they look?
- • Do you meet friends in cafés?
Useful phrases
- • In the photo I can see…
- • It looks as if…
- • They seem to be…
- • In the background…
- • I think they're probably…
Show model 1-minute description
In the first photo I can see a group of adults standing in what looks like a conference centre. They're holding drinks and chatting in small groups, so it's probably a networking break between talks. On the whole they look relaxed, although the man on the right seems a bit unsure of what to say.
Optional · Teacher-led
Teacher Activities
Run this lab as a brisk, communicative checkpoint — not a test. Keep the energy high; talk to weaknesses, not at them. Use the Self-Score at /labs/1 to anchor the next-step plan. ~40 min total
Keep it going · 10
Take-homeExtend it at home
Self-study — everything you need is included below. All four skills are covered so you keep the spiral going between lessons; pick the order that suits you.
PET Reading Part 1 mock — re-do the 5-item notices task from this lesson in 5 minutes. For each item, note which option you eliminated FIRST.
Your response
0 words SavedMaterials included
Task
Elimination log
PET Writing Part 1 mock — reply to Jamie's email (below) in 100 words. Cover all four notes.
Your response
0 words SavedMaterials included
Stimulus email
4 notes
Attempt the task first, then check your answers.
PET Speaking Part 2 mock — record a 60-second photo description using PEEL at least once.
Your response
0 words SavedMaterials included
Photo choice
PEEL slot
Attempt the task first, then check your answers.
Listening recycling drill — read the Sam/Mia dialogue aloud twice. Tick every recycled linker from earlier modules.
Your response
0 words SavedMaterials included
Dialogue
Tick if you hear it
Attempt the task first, then check your answers.
Wrap-up · 11
2–3 minWhat you can now do
- Exam Review Labs are memory practice, not tests — difficulty is the lesson.
- Match the tense to the time signal: NOW · ROUTINE · FINISHED · LINK TO NOW.
- PET Reading Part 1 = two seconds to decide, then commit.
- PET Writing Part 1 = ALL FOUR notes covered, ~100 words.
- PET Speaking = extend one sentence past the obvious answer.
- Recycled linkers (on the whole · having said that · to be honest) are the fastest way to sound B1+.