Exam Review Lab 05 · Lessons 17–20
The Critics’ Circle
Review Lessons 17–20 in one focused 60-minute 1:1 lab — review writing, scanning for Reading Part 7, a cloze combo, and an extended discussion.
Stage 1 · 5 min
Warm-up checkpoint
🎯 Where are you right now?
Rate each skill 1–3. Pick your weakest for extra focus today.
- 1 = shaky — needs more practice
- 2 = okay — getting there
- 3 = confident — can teach it back
Tap a number. Move on in 60 seconds.
Stage 2 · 12 min
Extended discussion round
🎙️ Answer 6 examiner questions
Tap to hear the question in a British examiner voice. Answer aloud — aim for 2–3 sentences each.
- Don’t answer with just one sentence
- Add a reason or example after every opinion
- Use a linker: because, for example, especially
- Keep going if you stumble — examiners reward recovery
60 seconds per question. Move on even if imperfect.
Quick Tip
Use a 2-step answer: direct answer + reason or example.
Exam Hack
Stretch short answers with “especially when…” or “mainly because…”.
Common Mistake
Don’t echo the question word-for-word — start with your own opinion.
What was the last film, book or restaurant you would recommend to a friend? Why?
Do you think online reviews are reliable? Why or why not?
How important is it for a review to mention both good and bad points?
Tell me about a time a review changed your mind about something.
Do you prefer reading reviews or asking friends for recommendations? Why?
How do you think reviews will change in the future?
Stage 3 · 8 min
Listening sprint
🎧 Listen twice, then answer
Listen to two friends reviewing a film. Answer the three questions.
- First listen: get the gist — don't write anything
- Second listen: choose your answers
- Use the timeline to replay any tricky moment
Review lab listening
Tap play to listen. Drag the timeline to jump anywhere.
1.What does Nina praise most?
2.What do they both agree on?
3.Owen would recommend the film to…
Stage 4 · 20 min
Use of English mixed sprint
📝 12 items · three formats · one check
Work through MCQ Cloze, Open Cloze and Word Formation. Hit Check at the end of each block.
- MCQ Cloze: think collocation and dependent prepositions
- Open Cloze: one word per gap, grammar first
- Word Formation: change the WORD IN CAPS, mind prefix + suffix
- Don’t leave blanks — guess from pattern
1.The critic gave the restaurant a _____ review, praising almost everything.
2.Overall, the film fell _____ of my expectations.
3.The plot was _____ but the acting saved the film.
4.I’d recommend this book _____ reservation to anyone who enjoys mystery.
The service was slow, the food more than made up for it.
This is by far the meal I have ever had in this city.
It is worth that the museum is closed on Mondays.
Not only the hotel comfortable, but the staff were also friendly.
The novel received widespread ___ from critics. (PRAISE)
Her latest album is a huge ___ from her previous work. (DEPART)
The ending felt rushed and ___. (SATISFY)
The play offers a genuinely ___ evening of entertainment. (MEMORY)
Stage 5 · 15 min
Today’s prompt
✍️ Write the opening paragraph
140–190 words. Give background, opinion, and a clear recommendation.
- Read the prompt twice
- Plan 30 seconds before you write
- Aim for 3 sentences, no more
- Use one B2 linker
Self-check with the chips below when you finish.
You see this notice on an English-language website. Reviews wanted! Have you visited a place recently that you would recommend? Write us a review of a café, restaurant or venue, saying what makes it special and whether you would recommend it to others. Write your review.
Stage 6 · 3 min
Exit reflection
🧭 One thing to fix before next lesson
Pick the single skill you’ll work on this week. Be specific.
- Name the skill (not just “grammar”)
- Say what you’ll DO (read, drill, record yourself)
- Set a number (10 items, 5 minutes, 3 days)
Share this with your teacher at the start of Lesson 07.
Next on the roadmap
Lesson 21 · Collocations & Phrasal Verbs