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Model description: The jug has a rounded body, a narrow opening and one sturdy handle. Its deep blue glaze runs unevenly into pale speckled clay, creating a rough-looking transition. Dried wheat rises from the opening. Language focus: relative clauses; unevenly; could be used for. Speaking extension: Describe how the jug might feel to hold, then compare its decorative and practical uses.

Model description: The open box reveals a carefully arranged mechanism: a pinned cylinder sits above a row of fine metal teeth, while screws and gears hold the parts in place. The walnut case is scratched but polished at its edges. It seems designed to make music, though no sound can be heard here. Language focus: inside, above, while; passive construction. Speaking extension: Explain the likely sequence from winding the key to hearing a tune.

Used paper is torn into small pieces and soaked. Next, it is broken down into pulp. A mesh screen lifts a thin layer, allowing the water to drain away. The sheet is pressed and dried. The result is new paper with a slightly uneven surface. Try explaining this using passive verbs.

A lump of clay is shaped into a bowl and allowed to dry. It is fired to make it hard. After that, glaze is applied, and the bowl is fired again. Finally, it is left to cool. Useful language: is shaped into…, after that…. Explain how the surface changes during the process.

The vacant seats, weathered stone and long afternoon shadows suggest a quiet pause after many performances, although the picture cannot tell us exactly what happened there. Try ‘There is/are ___, which gives the place a ___ quality.’ What might change if the amphitheatre were full of people?

The pale fog hides the far pier, while the yellow coat and dark ropes provide small points of focus. This limited visibility can be described with ‘The mist makes it difficult to see ___.’ Which foreground details help you understand the setting, and what question would you ask about the person on the pier?

A theatre lighting crew is preparing a small stage. The designer is pointing towards a spotlight, a colleague is adjusting the console, and an older technician is checking the cable route. Useful phrase: ‘They are setting up the lights.’ Extension: describe how the pools of light are changing the mood of the stage.

A sign-language interpreter is signing beside a speaker in a bright community hall. The audience is watching her hands and facial expressions, while an older attendee holds a tablet. Useful phrase: ‘She is interpreting the talk.’ Extension: explain which visible features help the audience follow the presentation.

telescope

microscope

The hand is wet.

A frog can swim.

A rat can sit in a bag.

Dad has a map.

The cub plays next to a blue cube.

A kit rests under a bright kite.

Language focus: Describing renovation and purpose Model answer: The bare balcony has been turned into a small urban garden. Several plants have been added, the broken chair has been replaced by a bench, and lights have been hung above it. The space is now useful for both gardening and relaxing. Useful language: • has been turned into • has been replaced by • is now used for Try this: What would you grow on this balcony?

Language focus: Repair verbs and passive voice Model answer: At first, the bicycle was rusty and unusable. Its tyres were flat and its chain was missing. After the restoration, the frame was repainted, the damaged parts were repaired, and a new basket was fitted. It looks almost brand-new. Useful language: • At first ... • was repaired/repainted • Afterwards ... Try this: Would restoring this bicycle be worth the time and cost?

Simple: People are growing vegetables on a roof. Natural: Neighbours of different ages are working together in a rooftop garden above the busy city. Vivid: High above the traffic, neighbours tend a pocket of green where tomato vines, fragrant herbs, and bright flowers soften the hard city skyline. Language focus: present continuous; relative clauses; contrast with where Try this: What are the advantages of sharing a garden like this?

Simple: A cook is making noodles at a busy market. Natural: Customers are eating together while a vendor prepares fresh noodles at a lively night market. Vivid: Steam curls into the lantern glow as the cook deftly lifts a tangle of noodles, surrounded by conversation, clattering bowls, and the shine of rain on the pavement. Language focus: while; sensory verbs; participle phrases Try this: Which sights, sounds, and smells would you notice here?

Question: Would you rather spend a week by the tropical beach or in the snowy cabin? Model answer: I would rather stay in the snowy cabin. Although I enjoy swimming, I prefer crisp air, quiet forests, and evenings beside a fire. I would need much more luggage, but the snow activities would make the trip memorable. Useful language: • I would rather ... • Although I enjoy ... • ... would make it ... Try this: Which destination would be easier to pack for?

Question: Would you rather wake early for the sunrise or stay up late to watch the stars? Model answer: I would pick the sunrise hike because I usually have more energy in the morning. Reaching the viewpoint would require an early start, whereas stargazing would mean staying awake much later than usual. Both would offer an amazing view. Useful language: • I would pick ... • would require • whereas ... would mean ... Try this: What preparation would each choice require?

Missing action: Attach the seat and backrest to the joined side frames, then tighten the screws. The side structure must be built before the remaining pieces are fixed in place. Once every connection is secure, the chair is ready to use.

Missing action: Cook the pasta until tender, then drain the water before adding the sauce. First the pasta goes into boiling water; after it cooks, it is drained; finally, it is mixed with sauce and served. Draining prevents a watery meal.

Answer: colander Don't say: • colander • strainer • sieve Model description: This kitchen bowl has many small holes. Liquid passes through it while pasta, fruit, or vegetables stay inside. Useful language: • It is designed to let ... • You would find it near ... • Unlike an ordinary bowl, ... Try this: Explain how to use it without naming any food.

Answer: power bank Don't say: • power bank • portable charger • battery pack Model description: This pocket-sized device stores electricity and transfers it to your phone when there is no wall socket nearby. Useful language: • It comes in handy when ... • You connect it to ... • It allows you to ... Try this: Describe a situation in which this object could rescue your day.

Likely reading: The candidate may be alert and slightly anxious, while the interviewer is trying to create a comfortable atmosphere. The clasped hands and edge-of-seat posture suggest tension; the forward lean, soft smile and open gesture suggest attention.

Likely reading: One traveller is alarmed, another is disappointed, and the third is assessing the situation. Pointing and wide eyes show sudden surprise; slumped shoulders suggest frustration; checking the watch may indicate practical thinking. These are plausible readings, not certainties.

Task: Give directions from the park gate to the duck pond. Model Directions: Enter the park and take the left-hand path at the rose garden. Cross the small stone bridge, then keep the playground on your right. Follow the curved path behind the glass pavilion. The duck pond is just beyond it, on your left. Useful language: • take the left-hand path • keep ... on your right • just beyond Challenge: Describe the longer route around the rose garden.

Task: Direct the visitor from the entrance to the dinosaur hall. Model Directions: Go around the information desk on the left and walk through the central gallery beneath the whale. Continue towards the broad staircase, but do not go upstairs. Turn right through the arched passage just before the stairs. The dinosaur hall is the first large room on your left. Useful language: • go around • just before • the first ... on your left Challenge: Guide the visitor via the gem room instead.

Differences: There is a croissant on the plate on the left, while there is a muffin on the right. The customer's scarf changes from green to orange. The sparrow is on the railing on the left, but it is standing on the table on the right. The chair nearest the viewer is wooden on the left and metal on the right. The sugar bowl has a lid on the left, but it is uncovered on the right. The hanging basket contains white flowers on the left but red flowers on the right.

Differences: The picnic basket is open on the left, but it is closed on the right. There are three red apples on the left and two green apples on the right. The kite is diamond-shaped on the left, but it is shaped like a fish on the right. The dog is wearing a blue bandana on the left and a purple one on the right. The thermos is on the blanket on the left, but it has moved onto the grass on the right. The sky is cloudless on the left, while a small cloud appears above the hill on the right.

Memory check: What colour was the suitcase by the bench? It was teal. What was the child wearing around their neck? A yellow travel pillow. How many paper-plane sculptures hung from the ceiling? There were three. Use past-tense recall sentences when you answer.

Memory check: What colour was the kettle? It was red. How many oranges were in the wooden bowl? There were five. Where was the black-and-white cat sitting? It was sitting on a blue chair. Practise the patterns there was, there were and was sitting.

Task: Which item is the odd one out? Give a category and a reason. Possible answers: • The ice skate stands out because it has a blade and is designed for ice rather than ordinary ground. • The high heel could be different because it is mainly formal footwear. • The hiking boot could be the odd one because it covers and supports the ankle. Useful language: • is designed for • is mainly used when • differs from the rest in that ...

Task: Select an odd one out, then explain what connects the other three. Possible answers: • The desk lamp could be the odd one because it needs electricity. • The campfire is different because it is not an object that can simply be carried away. • The candle could stand out because it has neither a handle nor a protective cover. Useful language: • runs on • can be carried • has ... whereas the others ...

Model explanation: The spiral stand blows warm air around a wet umbrella and collects the water in a tray underneath. It would keep an entrance floor dry and reduce musty smells, but it would need a quiet fan and an easy-to-empty reservoir.

Model explanation: This backpack lets someone carry a plant while a small reservoir waters it slowly through narrow tubes. It might appeal to travelling plant lovers, although the designer would need to prevent leaks and protect the leaves on crowded transport.

Situation: Someone's bag is on the only free seat in a crowded train. Model Dialogue: • Passenger: Excuse me, is anyone sitting here? • Traveller: No, sorry. Let me move my bag. • Passenger: Thanks very much. Useful Phrases: • Is anyone sitting here? • Would you mind moving ...? • Thanks, that's kind of you. Tone Note: Ask rather than assume; the seat may be reserved for someone you cannot see. Variation: How would you ask if you particularly needed to sit down?

Situation: Music from your neighbour's flat is keeping you awake. Model Dialogue: • Resident: Hi, sorry to interrupt. Would you mind turning the music down a little? It's coming through quite loudly in my bedroom. • Neighbour: Of course. I didn't realise it was that loud. • Resident: Thanks, I really appreciate it. Useful Phrases: • Sorry to interrupt • Would you mind ...? • It's coming through quite loudly

books

cups

cliff

sniff

cereal

celery

rainbow

moonlight

The superhero leaps into action.

The child rubs lotion on her arm.

cactus

magnet

tiger

music

patch

hatch

sock

rock

Possible caption: “Premium wash, open-air edition.” Example dialogue: “You did put the roof up, didn’t you?” / “I thought you did.” What happens when the brushes arrive?

Possible caption: “The dogs are taking notes.” Example dialogue: “Are we sure this is the beginners’ class?” / “The spaniel looks disappointed.” Who completes the course best?

Possible interpretation: The singer’s performance has persuaded the vending machine to give an encore of snacks. Explain why the performance began, how the commuters react and what station staff might do next.

Possible interpretation: These commuters travel with their homes on their backs. Compare the patient passengers with the late arrival and predict whether anyone will manage to board the bus quickly.

shell

sheep

stretch

screen

cart

farm

One possible prediction: The second server will help stabilise the tray, and they will set the cups down before anything spills.

One possible prediction: The reception will move indoors before the rain starts, and the staff will secure the remaining decorations.

Example viewpoints: The diner may feel disappointed, the server may want to correct the mistake quickly, and the chef may wonder where the order was confused.

Example viewpoints: The tenant sees an exciting move, the movers see a difficult route, and the neighbour sees disruption in a shared space.

Possible problem and solution: The accessible entrance is blocked. Staff should clear the ramp immediately and keep deliveries in a designated area.

Possible problem and solution: The hall is too echoey for discussion. Moving acoustic panels and microphones closer can make speech clearer.

Example description: The bedroom is tucked under a sloping roof, with the bed beneath the skylight and musical instruments along the opposite wall. The warm lamps, wooden beams and collection of records give it a creative, cosy atmosphere.

Example description: Tall bookcases cover both sides of this narrow office, leaving a clear path to the desk by the window. A rolling ladder, framed maps and carefully sorted papers make the small room feel scholarly and well organised.

Example description: The kitchen, dining corner and sitting area share one bright open-plan space, and sliding doors lead onto a leafy balcony. The layout would work well for a couple who enjoy entertaining, though cooking smells might spread through the living room.

Example description: Exposed beams and skylights give this attic flat plenty of character and daylight. The storage under the eaves is clever, but the low ceilings could be awkward for tall residents and leave little space for full-height furniture.

map

bag

flag

frog

snail

tray

The sailor ties a knot in the rope.

The knight rides a calm white horse.

A friendly alien blows one bubble.

The blue marble rolls under the chair.

A sailboat crosses the blue sea.

A red leaf lands on the mitten.

The old myth tells of a giant turtle.

The robot finds a star symbol on the door.

A child stirs soup with a spoon.

The family shares food at the table.

The rabbit hopped across the path.

The dancers danced under the lights.

A cute robot holds a red balloon.

The mule pulls a small cart.

Two ducks swim across the pond.

The children stand beside the red wagon.

The cup is in the tub.

The sun is up.

The dog jogs past the pond.

A frog sits on a hot rock.

The clam sits on the sand.

The flag flaps in the wind.

A wet pet rests on the step.

The hen sits in a nest.

The farmer is planting tiny seeds.

A purple kite floats in the sky.

A girl paints her face.

A gentle giant hugs a tree.

A brown cow naps by the pond.

The rocket will launch at noon.

A brave girl rides through the rain.

The rainbow shines above the campsite.

One possible account: The cyclist lost control near the bakery and dropped a bag of pastries. The delivery worker and pedestrians started helping, while the dog took advantage of the confusion and grabbed a bread roll.

One possible account: Someone left the pan on the stove too long and burned dinner. The guests opened the windows, turned off the heat and ordered takeaway while they cleared the smoke.

Example description: Several vendors are arranging crates of fruit and flowers while shoppers carry bags. Two cyclists are standing beside their bicycles, and three dogs are watching pigeons near the fountain.

Example description: Commuters are queuing beside the trains with backpacks, briefcases and suitcases. Station workers are pushing luggage carts, cleaners are collecting cups and newspapers, and passengers are carrying umbrellas.

Possible inference: The colleagues are preparing a surprise celebration for someone who has not arrived yet. They are hiding with balloons and gifts while one person lights the cake and another watches the elevator.

Possible inference: The car has broken down just before a storm. The open bonnet, steam, tools and warning triangle suggest an engine problem, while the empty water bottle and dark clouds make the situation more urgent.

A fox can poke a globe.

A robot can pose by a rose.

A bee sits on a tree.

Three sheep sleep.

A vine is on a gate.

A duck can dive.

A circus girl twirls.

A turtle curls on a rug.

A chimp can munch.

These shells are pink.

A red hen pecks.

A pig digs in a pit.

A cat can rip a rag.

A cube is on a log.

A snake is by a lake.

A kid can make a cake.

Jay can spray.

Jill can lay clay on a tray.

A snail can sit on a pail.

A train can pass a van.