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Communication Checkpoint
Exam Review Lab 07 — Listening tips
A2
Lesson 107

Exam Boost 07 —Mock 2 practice

Full-conditions practice across Reading & Writing, Listening and Speaking · comparing progress against Mock 1. Revision only · recycles Modules 01–02 — no new language.

60 min · Exam Boost Exam focus · Mock 2 practice

A2 Key parts in this lesson

Listening 1Listening 2Listening 3Listening 4Strategy

Why this lesson now? Exam-focus hour attached to Module 04.

Your level · You are here

  1. A0/A1Beginner
  2. A1/A2Elementary
  3. A2/B1Pre-Intermediate
  4. B1/B1+Intermediate
  5. B2Upper-Intermediate
  6. C1Advanced
  7. C2Proficiency

Exam Boost · Performance Session

A progress checkpoint, not a test.

Practise the language from this part of the course again. Try challenges, mini-tasks and longer speaking turns. Do not worry about small mistakes. You can replay any part.

Fluency review
Skills challenges
Speaking first

Get ready · 01

5 min

Get talking — no pressure

reflection
Compare

What is ONE thing you did better this week than before Mock 1?

discussion
Timing check

How much time do you think you should spend on each Reading & Writing part?

activity
Today's goal

Set a personal target for Mock 2: beat your Mock 1 score, or beat your Mock 1 time.

Grammar recap · 02

8–10 min

Comparatives for progress talk (Modules 1–2 recycle)

Grammar Bank: Comparatives for progress talk (Modules 1–2 recycle)Jumps straight to this rule — full explanation, examples & practice
Quick rule

Use comparatives (better, faster, more confident) to describe progress between Mock 1 and Mock 2.

How it works
  1. 1Modules 1–2 introduced comparatives and superlatives.
  2. 2This lab reuses them for a very practical purpose: talking about exam progress.
  3. 3Faster, better, more confident let learners describe change clearly, which is also useful language for the Speaking paper.
Examples
  • I'm faster at Reading Part 1 than I was last month.

  • My Writing is better than before.

  • I feel more confident about Listening now.

  • This mock was easier than the last one.

  • I made fewer mistakes this time.

Challenge 1.I'm ___ at Reading now than last month.

Challenge 2.This mock was ___ than the last one.

Challenge 3.I made ___ mistakes this time.

Challenge 4.My Writing is ___ than before.

Challenge 5.I feel ___ confident about Listening now.

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.Rebuild the sentence — then say it aloud.

Step 1 · Build
Tap words below to build the sentence…

2.Rebuild the sentence — then say it aloud.

Step 1 · Build
Tap words below to build the sentence…

3.Rebuild the sentence — then say it aloud.

Step 1 · Build
Tap words below to build the sentence…

Quick check 1.Which sentence correctly compares progress?

Quick check 2.Which is the best answer describing timing progress?

Answer all items, then check.

Vocabulary recap · 03

5–7 min

Recycle your toolkit

Open Vocabulary BankTap any word below to jump straight to its entry
1

progress

improvement over time

Use it

Say one area where you've made progress.

2

confident

sure of your own ability

Use it

Which task type makes you feel most confident?

3

under pressure

while feeling stressed by time or difficulty

Use it

Do you work well under pressure?

4

to keep track of (time)

to watch how much time is passing

Use it

How do you keep track of time in an exam?

5

realistic

close to what will really happen

Use it

Is your study plan realistic?

6

consistent

the same every time, reliable

Use it

Are your exam scores consistent?

Matching

What to do

  1. 1.Revision only — every word here comes from Modules 1–2.
  2. 2.Match each one with its meaning.

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

Answer all items, then check.
Categorise

What to do

Sort the recycled words by the module where you first met them.

Answer all items, then check.
Use it now

Activation · Personalise · Recycle

Reactivate Modules 1–2 language out loud — nothing new here, just faster recall.

Ask your partner
Task 1

Ask your partner

  • Say one area where you've made progress.
  • Which task type makes you feel most confident?
  • Do you work well under pressure?
Useprogressconfidentunder pressure
Complete it
Task 2

"Is your study plan realistic?"realistic

Discuss
Task 3

Which task type do you want to be more consistent at before the real exam?

Talk for 60 seconds with a partner.
Quick write
Task 4

Write 25–35 words about your exam timing using BOTH recycled phrases.

Useto keep track of (time)consistent

Pronunciation polish · 04

3–4 min

Steady pace under timed conditions

Say it like this

Keep a steady speaking speed — not too fast, not too slow — even when the clock is running.

  • I finished Reading Part 1 in about four minutes.
  • I feel more confident about Listening this time.
  • I'm going to check my time on every part.
  • This mock felt easier than the last one.

Reading challenge · 05

8–10 min

Reading Part 3 — Why a second mock matters

Read along — listen to the text

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

The first time you do something under exam conditions, part of your brain is busy just coping with the format — the timing, the instructions, the pressure. A second mock exam removes most of that surprise, so you can measure real progress in the language itself, not just in exam experience.

Comparing Mock 1 and Mock 2 is most useful when it's specific. 'I did better' isn't very helpful. 'I finished Reading Part 4 two minutes faster and made one fewer mistake' tells you exactly what's working.

Teachers often say the biggest jump in score happens between the first and second full practice run — not because students suddenly learn more grammar, but because they learn how to use the time they already have.

Challenge 1.What does the text say about a first mock exam?

Challenge 2.What kind of comparison is most useful, according to the text?

Challenge 3.Why do scores often jump between Mock 1 and Mock 2?

Answer all items, then check.
True / False
Decide if each statement is True or False

Q1.The text says the first mock is mostly about coping with format.

Q2.The text recommends vague comparisons like 'I did better.'

Q3.Teachers often see the biggest score jump between Mock 1 and Mock 2.

Answer all items, then check.
PET Reading Part 1

What to do

  1. 1.Reading & Writing Part 1 — Read each notice and choose A, B or C.
  2. 2.About 5 minutes.
On the study centre noticeboard

MOCK 2 TODAY

Mock 2 starts at 10am sharp. Bring a pen, a watch, and your Mock 1 notes.

1.What should students bring?

Text before the mock
Teacher09:45
Good luck today! Remember to check your time on each part — that's what we practised.

2.What does the teacher remind students to do?

On the exam room door

Silence please. Mock exam in progress.

3.What does the sign ask people to do?

Email to students
Exam centre
Subject: Mock 2 timing
Mock 2 will use the exact real exam timing: 60 minutes for Reading & Writing.

4.What does the email tell students about Mock 2?

On the classroom wall

REMEMBER

Compare your Mock 2 result to Mock 1 — look for specific progress, not just the total.

5.What does the poster suggest?

Answer all items, then check.

Listening challenge · 06

8–10 min

Listening Part 3 — Two students prepare for Mock 2

Listening audio

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

Show transcript

Ella:Are you ready for Mock 2?

Dan:I think so. I practised the Writing Part 7 story every day this week.

Ella:Good idea. I focused on Listening Part 2, the note completion — I kept missing numbers.

Dan:Did it help?

Ella:Yes, I'm much faster at writing numbers down now, without losing the next sentence.

Dan:That's real progress. What time does Mock 2 start?

Ella:Ten o'clock, in the main hall. Don't forget your watch — there's no clock on the wall in there.

Dan:Thanks for reminding me!

Challenge 1.What did Dan practise every day this week?

Challenge 2.What was Ella's problem in Listening Part 2?

Challenge 3.What time does Mock 2 start?

Answer all items, then check.
Tick what you hear

What to do

Tick every Mock 2 preparation word or phrase you hear in the dialogue.

Answer all items, then check.

Skills challenge · 07

5 min

Measuring specific progress between mocks

Strategy

Compare time and accuracy on the SAME task type, not just the total score.

Task

This clinic trains learners to run a full mock under real timing, then compare their result against Mock 1 in a specific way — same task type, time taken, and number of correct answers.

Example

Mock 1: Reading Part 2 took 9 minutes, 4/7 correct. Mock 2: same part took 7 minutes, 6/7 correct → clear, specific progress.

Writing challenge · 08

5 min

Show what you can do

Sentence transformation
Type a short answer (1–3 words)

Q1.Type ONE word: 'I'm more confident ___ Listening now.'

Q2.Type ONE word: 'This mock was easier ___ the last one.'

Q3.Type ONE word: 'I need to keep track ___ the time.'

Q4.Type ONE word: 'I made fewer mistakes ___ time.'

Answer all items, then check.
Writing Part 2Write a story
≈100 words

Reading & Writing Part 7 (story, 35+ words). Write a short story that begins: 'When I finished Mock 2, I felt...' Use past simple, comparatives, and a simple linker (and, but, because, so).

Your writing draft

0 words Saved
Show model answer & examiner comment

When I finished Mock 2, I felt much better than after Mock 1. I finished Reading & Writing faster, and I only made two mistakes in the Listening test. My Writing was also better, because I remembered to check the word count. I was proud of myself, so I called my friend to tell her the good news.

EX

Examiner comment

Reward range, organisation and style. Penalise lists, off-topic or under-length answers.
Mark scheme extract
5All content points covered; consistent style; range of structures; minor errors only.
3Content mostly covered; mostly suitable style; some range; errors don't stop the reader understanding.
1Limited content; intrusive errors; very basic structures; under-length.
PET Writing Part 1 · Email

What to do

  1. 1.Reading & Writing Part 6 — Reply to this message in 25 words or more.
  2. 2.Cover ALL three notes.
From: TeacherSubject: How was Mock 2?

Hi! How did Mock 2 go for you? Was it easier or harder than Mock 1? What do you want to practise next?

Say how Mock 2 went
Compare it to Mock 1
Say what you want to practise next

Your reply must cover:

  1. Describe the overall result
  2. Give a clear comparison to Mock 1
  3. Name a specific next step
Show model answer

Hi, thanks for asking! Mock 2 went really well — it felt easier than Mock 1, because I finished with more time left. I'd like to practise Reading Part 4 next, because I still make a few mistakes there. Thanks, Ella

Communication lab · 09

10–15 min

Talk it out

Open Expressions BankConversation phrases and functional language from across the course

Speaking Part 2 — In pairs, discuss: 'Was Mock 2 easier or harder than Mock 1, and why?' Use comparatives and simple linkers (and, but, because, so).

Dialogue completion

What to do

Choose the most natural Speaking Part 2 answer.

  • ExaminerWas Mock 2 easier or harder than Mock 1?
  • Candidate_______________
  • ExaminerWhat will you focus on before the real exam?
  • Candidate_______________
Answer all items, then check.
PET Speaking Part 1 · Examiner script

What to do

  1. 1.Speaking Part 1 — the examiner asks short personal questions about Mock 2 (about 3–4 minutes total).
  2. 2.Answer naturally, then add one extra detail.

Phase 1 — short factual questions

  1. 1.Examiner: "How did Mock 2 go?"

  2. 2.Examiner: "Was it easier or harder than Mock 1?"

    Tip: Use a comparative and a reason.

  3. 3.Examiner: "Which part are you most proud of?"

    Tip: Add a detail about why.

  4. 4.Examiner: "What's your plan before the real exam?"

    Tip: Use 'going to' plus a specific action.

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

Examiner: "Tell me about the progress you've made since Mock 1."

Tip: Use comparatives and give at least one specific example.

Show model extended answer

Mock 2 went much better than Mock 1 for me. It felt easier, because I finished Reading & Writing with ten minutes to spare, which never happened before. I'm most proud of my Listening score, because I used to miss numbers, but now I write them down much faster. Before the real exam, I'm going to keep practising Reading Part 4, because that's still my weakest part.

PET Speaking Part 2 · Photo description

What to do

  1. 1.Speaking Part 2 — Look at the picture together with your partner.
  2. 2.Describe what you can see, then discuss the questions below.
  3. 3.Give simple opinions and preferences.
Candidate A Photograph 1
A student writing in an exam hall with a clock on the wall

Exam hall

Need help? Show prompts (try describing with no help first)
  • What can you see in the picture?
  • How do you think the person feels?
  • Do you like timed tests?
  • What helps you stay calm in an exam?
Candidate B Photograph 2
Two students comparing their notes after a test

Comparing notes

Need help? Show prompts (try describing with no help first)
  • What can you see in the picture?
  • Do you like comparing results with friends?
  • What's useful about talking after a test?
  • How do you feel after a mock exam?

Useful phrases

  • In the picture I can see…
  • I think…
  • I prefer… because…
  • In my opinion…
  • For example…
Show model 1-minute description

In the picture I can see a student writing during a timed test, and there's a clock on the wall. I think checking the time regularly is important. I prefer comparing results with friends afterwards, because it helps me see my own progress more clearly.

Optional · Teacher-led

Teacher Activities

Run Mock 2 as close to real exam conditions as possible: strict timing, silence, one watch per student, no phones. ~30 min total

Keep it going · 10

Take-home

Extend 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.

ReadingReceptive

Comparison chart — write your Mock 1 and Mock 2 scores side by side for each paper.

Your response

0 words Saved

Materials included

Task

List Reading & Writing, Listening, Speaking scores for both mocks.

Attempt the task first, then check your answers.

WritingProductive

Reading & Writing Part 6 practice — reply to the teacher's message in 25+ words. Cover all three notes.

Your response

0 words Saved

Materials included

Stimulus message

From: Teacher Subject: After Mock 2 Hi! What was different about Mock 2 compared to Mock 1? What are you going to do this week? Do you feel ready for the real exam? Teacher

3 notes

1) Say what was different. 2) Say your plan for this week. 3) Say if you feel ready.

Attempt the task first, then check your answers.

SpeakingProductive

Speaking Part 1 mock — record yourself answering 4 questions comparing Mock 1 and Mock 2, adding one extra detail each time.

Your response

0 words Saved

Materials included

Questions

1) How did Mock 2 go? 2) Was it easier or harder? 3) What's your proudest moment? 4) What's your plan now?

Attempt the task first, then check your answers.

ListeningReceptive

Listening recycling drill — read the Ella/Dan dialogue aloud twice.

Your response

0 words Saved

Materials included

Dialogue

Use the Ella/Dan dialogue already provided in this lesson. Read it aloud twice at natural speed.

Attempt the task first, then check your answers.

Wrap-up · 11

2–3 min

What you can now do

  • A second mock removes the surprise of the format, so it measures real progress.
  • Compare specific things — time and accuracy on the same task type — not just totals.
  • Comparatives (faster, better, more confident) are useful for describing progress.
  • Reading & Writing Part 6 = cover every note in 25+ words.
  • Speaking Part 1 = add one extra detail to short answers.
Extra Practice

Need more practice?

Optional · your lesson progress stays the same
All Extra Practice