Lesson 05

Module 02 · Everyday Talk

PET Speaking Part 4 & Listening Part 2Keeping a PET Exchange Alive

Speaking Part 4 discussion · Listening Part 2 longer dialogue · Reaction questions as PET Discourse boosters

60 min PET — Organising your ideas (Speaking 4 + Listening 2)

PET

Teacher Notes

PET parts in this lesson · mixed-skill spiral

Speaking 4Listening 2Writing 2 storyGrammar

Why this lesson now? Revisits Speaking from M01; introduces Listening 2 and Writing 2 story.

CEFR Pathway · You are here

A0/A1Beginner
A1/A2Elementary
A2/B1Pre-Intermediate
B1/B1+Intermediate
B2Upper-Intermediate
C1Advanced
C2Proficiency

Get ready · 01

5 min

Get talking

activity

PET S4 warm-up: extend, don't end

In pairs, ask 'Do you enjoy cooking?' — partner answers in MINIMUM 3 sentences (yes/no + reason + example). PET Speaking Part 4 penalises any candidate who collapses to a one-line answer.

activity

PET S4 warm-up: bounce back

After your 3-sentence answer, end with a 'How about you?' to your partner. PET examiners reward candidates who treat S4 as a real exchange between the two candidates, not two parallel monologues.

reflection

PET L2 orientation

Look at a PET Listening Part 2 task on screen. Notice: 6 multiple-choice items, 3 options each, ONE longer dialogue. The wrong options usually use words you DO hear — train yourself to listen for the speaker's overall attitude, not single words.

Grammar for the Exam · 02

8–10 min

Reaction questions ('Did you? / Have you? / Are you?') — the PET Organising your ideas booster

Grammar Bank: Reaction questions ('Did you? / Have you? / Are you?') — the PET Organising your ideas boosterJumps straight to this rule — full explanation, examples & practice

Examples

PET Speaking is scored on a 0–5 organisation score that measures how well you extend, link and develop your turn. The single fastest way to move from Band 2 (basic) to Band 4 (clear and well-linked extended turns) is the reaction question. The auxiliary in your reaction MUST mirror the auxiliary in what you just heard: 'I've been…' → 'Have you?'; 'I went…' → 'Did you?'; 'I'm doing…' → 'Are you?'. PET examiners notice immediately when candidates use 'Did you?' after a present-perfect statement — it signals a Grammar Band drop.

→ PET S4 mirror: A: 'I've just got back from Rome.' B: 'Have you? How long were you there for?' (mirrors present perfect → Band 4 Discourse)
→ PET S4 mirror: A: 'I went hiking last weekend.' B: 'Did you? Whereabouts?' (mirrors past simple)
→ PET S4 mirror: A: 'I'm training for a half-marathon.' B: 'Are you? How's it going?' (mirrors present continuous)
→ PET S4 mirror: A: 'I can't stand horror films.' B: 'Can't you? How come?' (mirrors modal — note negative kept)

Visual

PET S4 linking phrases — frequency in a Band 4 candidate answer

Examiners count linking phrases per minute in PET Speaking Part 4. Dropping the markers below at the rates shown puts you firmly in the Band 4 zone.

0%50%100%

90%
well / so
Well, I'd say it depends on the weather…
70%
actually
Actually, I've changed my mind about that.
55%
to be honest
To be honest, I prefer cooking at home.
45%
I mean
I mean, it's not my favourite, but it's OK.
30%
How about you?
How about you — do you do the same?
20%
though / anyway
It was expensive, though.

Question 1.A: 'I've just signed up for a Spanish course.' Choose the PET-correct reaction:

Question 2.A: 'I cycled to work this morning.' Choose the PET-correct reaction:

Question 3.A: 'I'm thinking of moving to Lisbon.' Choose the PET-correct reaction:

Question 4.A: 'I can't stand small talk.' Choose the PET-correct reaction:

Question 5.PET S4 — best linking phrase to BUY THINKING TIME without sounding lost:

Question 6.PET S4 — which answer would score highest for Organising your ideas?

Answer all items, then check.

Conversation Builder

Say it naturally

Build the sentence → spot the natural chunks → say it aloud → reply like a real conversation.

1.PET S4 reaction + follow-up to 'I've been learning to drive.'

Step 1 · Build

Tap words below to build the sentence…

2.PET S4 bounce-back to keep the exchange alive

Step 1 · Build

Tap words below to build the sentence…

3.PET S4 extended answer using a linking phrase

Step 1 · Build

Tap words below to build the sentence…

Quick check 1.PET S4 — which exchange would score HIGHEST for Organising your ideas?

Answer all items, then check.

Exam Vocabulary · 03

5–7 min

Words & phrases to own

Open Vocabulary BankTap any word below to jump straight to its entry

Well, I'd say…

PET S4 opener — buys 1 second of thinking time and signals an opinion. Use INSTEAD of silence.

To be honest, …

PET S4 — signals genuine personal opinion. Lifts organisation score.

It depends on…

PET S4 — perfect when the question is 'Do you prefer X or Y?'. 'It depends on the weather.'

How about you?

PET S4 — the official 'bounce back'. PET examiners explicitly listen for this.

I'd rather… than…

PET S4 preference structure. 'I'd rather watch films than play sports.'

the thing is, …

PET S4 — signals 'I'm about to explain'. Used to extend a turn instead of stopping.

Matching

PET S4 vocabulary drill — match each candidate phrase with its function in PET Speaking Part 4.

Tap an item on the left, then tap its match on the right.

Answer all items, then check.

Categorise

PET S4 chunks fall into three jobs. Sort each phrase under the job it does in Speaking Part 4.

Answer all items, then check.

PET Reading Part 2

PET Reading Part 2 — Five people want to join a club or class that helps them practise CONVERSATION. Match each person to the best of the eight options. There are THREE options you will NOT need.

Tap a person, then tap the text that best matches their needs.

The 5 people

The 8 texts

Answer all items, then check.

Pronunciation for Speaking · 04

3–4 min

PET Speaking scoring point — Pronunciation: rising tone of voice on reaction questions

PET Pronunciation Band 3+ requires controlled tone of voice. Short reaction questions ('Did you? / Have you? / Are you?') MUST rise at the end — falling tone of voice sounds bored or sarcastic and PET examiners mark it down under both Pronunciation AND Organising your ideas. Drill the rises until they sound automatic.

• PET S4 chunk: 'Have you?' ↗ — voice goes UP on 'you' (engaged)
• PET S4 chunk: 'Did you really?' ↗ — UP on 'really' (encouraging)
• PET S4 chunk: 'How about you?' ↗ — UP on 'you' (genuine question)
• PET S4 anti-model: 'Oh… did you.' ↘ — DOWN sounds dismissive; AVOID

Reading Skills · 05

8–10 min

PET Reading Part 3 — One longer text

When I started my new job last year I was shocked to discover that I had almost forgotten how to make small talk. I'd been working from home for nearly four years, and most of my 'conversations' were two-line messages on Slack. The first week in the office I was sitting in the kitchen at lunchtime, completely silent, while three colleagues talked around me about a film I hadn't seen.

What saved me, oddly, was a podcast. A friend recommended one about everyday conversation, and the host's main argument was simple: most people are not waiting for you to be interesting. They are waiting for a sign that you are listening. The two cheapest signs, she said, are a small reaction ('Oh really?' / 'No way!') and a follow-up question. I tried both the next day. The difference was immediate.

I also stopped trying to prepare 'topics'. I used to walk into the kitchen with three mental notes — the weather, the football, a TV show — and then panic when the conversation went somewhere else. Now I just react to whatever the other person says and ask one short question. It feels lazier, but it actually works better.

The one thing I still find hard is bouncing the question back. When someone asks me about my weekend, my instinct is to answer fully and then stop. A more confident speaker would answer, then add 'How was yours?'. I'm getting there, slowly. Last Friday I managed it three times.

Question 1.Why did the writer struggle with small talk at the new job?

Question 2.What did the podcast host say is the main thing people want from a conversation?

Question 3.What two things does the podcast suggest using?

Question 4.Why did the writer stop preparing conversation topics?

Question 5.What does the writer still find difficult?

Answer all items, then check.

PET Reading Part 1

PET Reading Part 1 — Read each short text. Choose A, B or C to show what the message means.

Sign on a language café wall

Conversation tables

CONVERSATION TABLES — Please join a table marked with the language you want to practise. Move tables every 15 minutes (we ring the bell).

1.What MUST visitors do every 15 minutes?

WhatsApp message from a friend

MayaYesterday, 19:23

Hey — coffee tomorrow still on? Just a heads-up I can only stay 30 mins, got a 2pm call. Maybe a quick one near the office instead of the usual place?

2.Why is the friend writing?

Notice in a co-working space kitchen

Quiet hours

QUIET HOURS 9–11am. Please take phone calls to the booths during this time. Whispered conversation between desks is fine.

3.What does the notice tell people?

Text from a study partner

Ben (study partner)17:48

Sorry — can't make our Zoom tonight. Could we push to tomorrow 7pm? I've already sent you my draft so you can have a read first.

4.What does the writer want the reader to do?

Notice at a conversation club

New members — your first session is FREE

NEW MEMBERS — your first session is FREE, but please register at the desk so we can match you with a partner of similar level.

5.What must new members do before their first session?

Answer all items, then check.

PET Reading Part 4

PET Reading Part 4 — Five sentences have been removed from the article. Choose from sentences A–H the one which fits each gap. There are THREE sentences you do NOT need.

Article: 'Three habits of people who never seem to run out of things to say'

Some people seem able to talk to anyone, anywhere. Most of us assume they are simply more confident or more interesting. In fact, when you watch them carefully, what they actually do is surprisingly simple — and copyable. The first habit is to react before answering. A confident conversationalist almost never jumps straight into their reply. That tiny half-second tells the other person 'I heard you, and what you said mattered.' The second habit is to ask one short follow-up question before changing the subject. Most learners give a long, polished answer and then go silent. A confident speaker will instead ask 'How long have you been doing that?' or 'What's that like?' and the conversation keeps moving. The third habit is the bounce-back. After answering a question, they almost always return it. It costs them nothing, but it doubles the amount of conversation they get back. None of these habits requires better grammar or a bigger vocabulary. That, more than anything else, is the secret.

Sentence options

Answer all items, then check.

Listening Skills · 06

8–10 min

PET Listening Part 2 — Two old friends catch up after months apart (longer dialogue, 6 MCQs)

Listening audio

Tap play to listen. Replay as many times as you need.

Show transcript

Isla:George! How have you been? It's been ages.

George:Yeah, far too long. Honestly, the last few months have been a bit chaotic — I've just moved flat.

Isla:Have you? Whereabouts?

George:Just up the road from the old place, near the park. The flat itself is actually smaller, but it's much quieter.

Isla:Oh nice. And what made you decide to move? I thought you loved the old building.

George:I did, honestly. The flat was great, but the neighbours upstairs were unbelievably loud — and they had two dogs that started barking around six every morning.

Isla:No way! How long did you put up with that?

George:Almost a year. I tried talking to them twice but it didn't really help. In the end my landlord was actually quite understanding and let me out of the contract early. Anyway — what about you? Anything new?

Isla:Well, I've started a pottery class, of all things.

George:Pottery? Brilliant. What made you pick that?

Isla:Honestly? My therapist suggested I do something with my hands once a week. I wasn't sure at first, but it's the highlight of my Wednesdays now.

George:That's lovely. And are you any good?

Isla:Absolutely terrible. But that's sort of the point — there's no pressure to be good at it.

Question 1.1. Why did George move flat?

Question 2.2. How does George feel about his new flat overall?

Question 3.3. How did George solve the problem with the neighbours in the end?

Question 4.4. Why did Isla start the pottery class?

Question 5.5. What does Isla now think of the pottery class?

Question 6.6. What does Isla mean by 'that's sort of the point'?

Answer all items, then check.

Tick what you hear

PET Listening Part 2 — listen again. Tick ONLY the linking phrases and reaction questions you actually hear in the dialogue (do not tick ones you would expect to hear).

Answer all items, then check.

PET Listening Part 3

PET Listening Part 3 — You will hear George talking about his new flat at a housewarming. Complete the notes. Use ONE or TWO words for each gap.

Part 3 audio

Tap play to listen. Replay as many times as you need.

Housewarming notes — George's new flat

Notes

Handwritten notes — taken during the chat

Location:
Size compared to old flat:
Main reason for moving:
Number of dogs upstairs:
Time the barking started:
Who helped him leave the contract:

Answer all items, then check.

Exam Strategy · 07

5 min

PET Speaking Part 4 — general conversation between the two candidates (≈3 minutes)

Task

The examiner gives ONE topic linked to the Part 3 photo (e.g. 'free-time activities'). The two candidates must discuss it BETWEEN THEMSELVES for ≈3 minutes. The examiner stays silent. You are scored on whether the conversation flows — not whether you agree.

Strategy

PET S4 formula for each turn: REACT to partner ('Oh really? / I see what you mean…') + GIVE YOUR VIEW with a linking phrase ('Well, to be honest, …') + EXTEND with a reason or example + BOUNCE BACK ('How about you?'). If you stop after just giving your view, your organisation score caps at 2.

Example

Q (examiner): 'So, do you prefer doing free-time activities alone or with other people?' — A: 'Well, to be honest, I'd say it depends on what I'm doing. I really enjoy running on my own — it's the only time my phone is silent — but I'd rather cook with friends than by myself. How about you?'

Writing Task · 08

5 min

Put it in writing

Sentence transformation

Type a short answer (1–3 words)

Q1.Open cloze: 'Well, ____ be honest, I prefer cooking at home.'

Q2.Open cloze: 'I'd ____ watch films than play sports.'

Q3.Open cloze: 'It ____ on the weather, really.'

Q4.Open cloze: 'A: I've been learning Spanish. B: Have ____? How long for?'

Q5.Open cloze: 'The ____ is, I never seem to have the time.'

Q6.Open cloze: 'How ____ you — do you feel the same?'

Answer all items, then check.

Writing Part 2Write a story

≈100 words

PET Writing Part 2 (story) — orientation. PET Writing Part 2 stories are marked on Content (story matches the opening line + has a clear arc), Communicative Achievement (engaging narrative voice), Organisation (linked paragraphs / time markers), Language (range of past tenses + 1–2 idiomatic phrases). The story must be ≈100 words and START WITH the given sentence exactly.

Your writing draft

0 words Saved

Show model answer & examiner comment

PET W2 Band 5 model — 100 words, opening line reused exactly, mix of past simple / past continuous / past perfect, one reaction-question piece of dialogue inside the story. See the full task & worked model below.

Examiner comment

Reward range, organisation and style. Penalise lists, off-topic or under-length answers.

Mark scheme extract

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.

PET Writing Part 1 · Email

PET Writing Part 1 — Read this email from your friend Sam. Write your REPLY (about 100 words). You MUST respond to all FOUR notes.

From: SamSubject: Long time no see!

Hi! I can't believe it's been so long since we properly caught up. I was just looking at old photos and realised it's been almost a year. We need to fix that.

Let me know how you've been and what you've been up to recently — I'll do the same. Honestly, can't wait to hear back. Speak soon, Sam

✎ Say what's been the BIGGEST change in your life this year.

✎ Mention ONE new hobby or class you've started.

✎ Suggest WHEN and WHERE you could meet up.

✎ Ask Sam ONE follow-up question about HIS year.

Your reply must cover:

Identify the biggest change with a present perfect ('I've moved…' / 'I've started…').
Describe the new hobby/class with a reason ('because…' / 'so that…').
Propose a specific date AND place — vague answers lose Content marks in PET.
Ask Sam ONE direct question (mirrors the PET 'bounce back' marking point).

Show model answer

Hi Sam, Great to hear from you — you're right, it's been ridiculous! The biggest change is that I've finally moved out of my parents' place. I'm renting a tiny flat near the river, which I love. I've also started a pottery class on Wednesdays — honestly, I'm terrible at it, but it's the highlight of my week. How about meeting up at the little café on Bridge Street on Saturday the 18th, around 11am? Easy for both of us. And what about you — what's been the best part of your year? Speak soon, Alex

Speaking Task · 09

10–15 min

Make it a real conversation

Open Expressions BankConversation phrases and functional language from across the course

PET Speaking Part 4 simulation — in pairs of 3 (Examiner + Candidate A + Candidate B = the real PET format). Examiner gives a topic ('keeping in touch with friends'), then STAYS SILENT for 3 minutes. Candidates A and B must talk to EACH OTHER — not to the examiner. Each turn must contain: reaction + opinion with linking phrase + reason/example + bounce back. Swap roles. Aim for the full 3 minutes with no examiner intervention.

Useful phrases

Dialogue completion

PET Speaking Part 4 micro-drill — Candidate A's lines are fixed. Choose the Candidate B response that would score HIGHEST in PET Speaking Part 4 (reaction + opinion + reason + bounce back).

AI'm learning to drive at the moment — it's harder than I expected.
B_______________
AHonestly, the roundabouts are the worst. About fifteen lessons in and I still panic.
B_______________

Answer all items, then check.

PET Speaking Part 1 · Examiner script

PET Speaking Part 1 quick recycle (from Lesson 1) — before today's Part 4 work, warm up the Part 1 script. Work in pairs and take turns being the examiner.

Phase 1 — short factual questions

1.Examiner: "Where do you live?"
Tip: Town + one detail (e.g. district, how long).
2.Examiner: "Do you work or are you a student?"
Tip: Job/study + ONE extra detail.
3.Examiner: "What do you do in your free time?"
Tip: Routine (Simple) + Right-now (Continuous).

Phase 2 — extended question (aim for 3–5 sentences)

Examiner: "Now, please tell me something about a person you enjoy spending time with."

Tip: Aim for 4–5 sentences: who + what you do together + 'at the moment' + how you feel.

Show model extended answer

Well, the person I enjoy spending time with most is probably my older sister. We usually meet up once a week for coffee, and we always end up talking for hours. At the moment we're actually planning a short trip to Porto together for her birthday. I'd say she's the easiest person in the world to talk to — we never run out of things to say. How about you?

Optional · Teacher-led

Teacher Activities

PET Speaking Part 4 exam-mode rehearsal — replicate exam conditions (timed, examiner silent, candidates address each other not the teacher). ~30 min total

Homework · 10

Take-home

Take it 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.

SpeakingProductive

PET Speaking Part 4 mock (solo self-study) — record yourself speaking for 3 minutes on the topic 'how people keep in touch today'. Imagine you're in the exam with a partner: react out loud, use linking phrases, and drop in bounce-back questions ('How about you?') as if a partner were there. Self-score 0–5 on Organising your ideas using the PET descriptors below.

Your response

0 words Saved

Materials included

Examiner-style prompt (read once, then start the timer)

Your photos showed different ways of keeping in touch with friends. Now I'd like you to talk about how people keep in touch today. Cover ALL of these — spend roughly 40 seconds on each: • the ways you personally keep in touch with friends and family • whether messaging has replaced phone calls for you • how keeping in touch was different for your parents/grandparents • whether social media brings people closer or pushes them apart Speak for about 3 minutes. Voice-record on your phone so you can play it back and self-score.

Reaction / discourse chunks to try to use (aim for 6+)

Reactions: Really? · Are you? · Have you? · Do you? · Oh, nice! Agree/disagree: I know what you mean · I see your point but… · Actually, I'd say… Extend: The thing is… · What I mean is… · For example… Bounce back: How about you? · What do you think? · Do you agree?

Attempt the task first, then check your answers.

ListeningReceptive

PET Listening Part 2 mock — complete the full 6-item set below. Aim for 5/6. After marking, write down which wrong option tricked you and WHY (almost always: a word you DID hear).

Your response

0 words Saved

Materials included

How to do this at home (self-study)

For each question, read the question and 3 options first, then cover the options and read the recording script aloud to yourself twice at natural speed — once through, then again to double-check your answer. Tick A, B or C. Mark yourself against the key at the end.

Question 1 · Recording — Woman talking about a book she just finished

"I'd been looking forward to it for weeks because everyone at work kept recommending it. Honestly? I thought the ending was clever but the middle really dragged — I nearly gave up around chapter ten. I'm glad I stuck with it, but I wouldn't rush to read it again." How does the woman feel about the book? A — disappointed she read it B — glad she finished it despite a slow section C — keen to read it a second time

Question 2 · Recording — Man leaving a voicemail about a delivery

"Hi, it's about the sofa delivery on Thursday. The driver's just called — the lorry's stuck in traffic on the motorway, so they'll now arrive between 4 and 6 instead of before lunch. Sorry for the change. There's no charge for the delay, and if that time no longer works, ring us back today." Why is the man calling? A — to cancel the delivery B — to change the delivery time C — to charge extra for a late delivery

Question 3 · Recording — Two friends talking about a new café

A: "Have you been to that new café by the station?" B: "Yeah, last Saturday. The coffee's really good — better than the old place — but it's tiny. We waited half an hour for a table." A: "Would you go again?" B: "Definitely, but I'd go on a weekday." What does the woman think about the new café? A — the coffee is worse than at the old café B — the coffee is great but seating is a problem C — she won't go back

Question 4 · Recording — Radio presenter about a music festival

"The Riverside Festival returns this July. Last year rain almost cancelled the Sunday, but organisers say the new site drains much better. Tickets are the same price as last year, but there'll be one extra stage and food from twelve different countries — that's twice as many as before." What is DIFFERENT about the festival this year? A — ticket prices have gone up B — there is a new site with more food options C — there will be fewer stages than last year

Question 5 · Recording — Teenager talking about learning to drive

"I passed my theory test last month — first go, which surprised me. The practical is much harder. My instructor keeps telling me my steering's fine, it's the parallel parking that lets me down. I'm hoping to take the test in October if I can afford enough more lessons." What is the boy's main problem with driving? A — the theory test B — steering the car C — parking the car

Question 6 · Recording — Woman recommending a weekend trip

"If you're thinking of going to Brighton, don't bother with the big pier — it's always packed. What I loved was walking the back streets — tiny shops, great little bookshop cafés. The beach was fine, but honestly it's the shops and cafés that made the day." What does the woman recommend in Brighton? A — the pier B — the beach C — the small streets and cafés

Attempt the task first, then check your answers.

WritingProductive

PET Writing Part 1 mock — write a ~100-word reply to the friend's email below. Self-check: all 4 notes covered? at least one Present Perfect? a direct question to the friend at the end?

Your response

0 words Saved

Materials included

Stimulus email · from your friend Alex

Hi! Guess what — I've just bought my first flat! I'm so excited but also a bit overwhelmed. What's the ONE thing you'd say I should sort out first when I move in? Have you ever moved somewhere new — how did you feel in the first week? Also, I'd love you to come over for a housewarming — when's a good weekend for you? Can't wait to hear back, Alex • Reply to Alex. • Say what Alex should sort out first. • Tell Alex about a time you moved somewhere new. • Suggest a good weekend for the housewarming. • Ask Alex a question about the new flat. Write your reply in about 100 words.

Attempt the task first, then check your answers.

VocabularyLanguage

PET Vocabulary drill — learn the 10 discourse / reaction chunks below; then write each inside a TWO-sentence PET S4 exchange (A says X / B reacts with the chunk).

Your response

0 words Saved

Materials included

10 discourse / reaction chunks from this lesson

1. Really? / Are you? / Have you? (mirror reactions) 2. Oh, nice! 3. I know what you mean. 4. I see your point, but… 5. Actually, I'd say… 6. The thing is… 7. What I mean is… 8. For example… 9. How about you? 10. What do you think?

Model exchange (do the other 9 like this)

Chunk: 'How about you?' A: I mostly keep in touch with friends by voice notes — it feels warmer than texting. B: Oh, nice! I love voice notes too. How about you — do you send long ones or short ones?

Recap · 11

2–3 min

What you've learned

PET Speaking Part 4 = 3-minute candidate-to-candidate conversation. Examiner stays silent. Going silent = automatic Organising your ideas Band 2 ceiling.
PET S4 turn formula: REACT + opinion with linking phrase + reason/example + BOUNCE BACK ('How about you?').
PET reaction questions MUST mirror the auxiliary they answer: 'I've…' → 'Have you?'; 'I went…' → 'Did you?'; 'I'm…' → 'Are you?'.
PET Listening Part 2 wrong options usually contain words you DO hear — listen for overall attitude, not isolated words.
Rising tone of voice on reaction questions = Pronunciation Band 3+; flat tone of voice sounds dismissive and loses marks.
PET Writing Part 1 to a friend must END with a question to the writer — it mirrors the PET 'bounce back' marking point.

Lesson 4 All lessons Lesson 6 →