SPEAKING 7

Content Focus

Describe an item: Appearance or Feature / Function or Purpose / Value

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the lesson, students are able to:

● structure and generate ideas relevant to describing an item.
● acquire a wide range of vocabulary to describe different kinds of items.

Procedure & Activities

A. CHECK-IN QUIZ
Goal: Guide Ss to identify and describe two types of items: physical and non-physical.
Notes for teacher: Refer to [RM] Speaking 7 to introduce and explain these two types of items.
Focus on the language that each candidate used in their answer.
ANSWERS

TASK 1
Candidate 1 talks about a journal notebook - a physical item.
Candidate 2 talks about a cooking class experience - a non-physical item.
TASK 2
Candidate 1:
● how you would choose the gift: a journal with a beautiful cover - soft leather binding -
unique design - paper quality (smooth, thick)
● when you would like to give him/her the gift: her birthday - perfect timing → often reflects
on her life + set goals - add a note → more meaningful
● why you want to choose this gift for him/her: values her thoughts & memories -
understand her interests - encourage her to keep up with her writing - match her hobbies &
passion - appreciated - put thought into the gift
Candidate 2:
● how you would choose the gift: a great way to learn new techniques & skills, fun experience,
research, look for class in our area, focuses on cuisine she likes, suitable for skill level →
comfortable, many options → read reviews & ask around
● when you would like to give him/her the gift: as a surprise, around holiday season, free
 time & plan around → get the most out of it, attent with her → fun to share and encourage her
● why you want to choose this gift for him/her: interests & unique, support her passion, give
her confidence, remember long, brings us together

Knowledge: Describe An Item

When describing items, you need to consider the following types:
● For physical items, you may have to describe their physical appearance, including
aspects such as colour, shape, size, material, taste, and texture, before talking about
their features and purpose.
● For non-physical items, emphasise their features and purpose, detailing what the
item does, how it functions, and why it is beneficial.
● For both types, make sure to include the item’s value - explaining how meaningful or
significant it is to you or others.

Exercise 1
Categorise the topics below. Is the item physical or non-physical? Which topic can you
describe both types of items?

a) Describe a technological invention that is b) Describe a skill that you learned from older people.
useful in your daily life. You should say:
You should say: ● what the skill is
● what the invention is ● who you learned it from
● what it can do ● how you learned it
● whether it is difficult or easy to use and how you feel about it
and explain why you think it is useful

c) Describe a course that impressed you a lot. d) Describe a piece of clothing someone gave you.
You should say: You should say:
● what the course was about ● what it was
● where you took the course ● who gave it to you
● what you did during the course ● when you got it
and explain why it impressed you a lot and explain why this person gave you the clothing

e) Describe a traditional dish in your country.

You should say:
 ● what it is
● when you eat it
● how it is made
and explain how you feel about the dish

ANSWERS

Physical item: a (it can be a computer, phone, bluetooth earphones,...), d, e,

Non-physical item: a (it can be an application like cloud storage or it can be the internet,...), b, c
Note that for the first topic, Ss can choose to describe either a physical item (like a gadget or
tool) or a non-physical item (such as a digital app or service).

B. DESCRIBE PHYSICAL FEATURES

Exercise 2
Organise the words into the appropriate category based on the feature they describe. You
can use any word more than once.

smooth soft oversized slim cotton

crunchy compact rectangular linen fresh (herbs)

metal denim tender (meat) aromatic breathable

sliced (onion) flavourful clear (broth) stretchy authentic

plastic fitted lightweight silicone rough

A technological invention Material:

Texture:
Size/Shape:

A piece of clothing Material:

Texture:
Size/Shape:

A traditional dish Ingredients:

Texture:
 Taste:

Exercise 3
Use the correct form of the verb in the brackets, using either passive or active voice.
Highlight the features of each item described in the sentence.
1. Smartphones (design) __________ with a high-resolution display and Wi-Fi enabled
features to keep people connected through calls, messages, and apps.
2. Designers often (choose) __________ durable, wrinkle-free fabrics for ao dai with
features like button closures or zippers to ensure both comfort and elegance.
3. This smartwatch (create) __________ with a scratch-proof frame and a rechargeable
battery, which (enable) __________ it to monitor daily activities and heart rate.
4. This GPS device can (track) __________ your location using its voice-control navigation
to (offer) __________ easier travel.
5. The silk ao dai (tailor) __________ with a breathable fabric and adjustable waist,
showcasing the beauty of traditional Vietnamese attire.
6. Many winter coats (line) __________ with thermal-fibre and water-resistant fabric to
retain body heat in cold weather.
7. Many Vietnamese noodle dishes (garnish) __________ with lime, fresh chilli, and basil,
and can be customised with additional sauces for an aromatic flavour.
8. These noise-cancelling headphones (build) __________ with Bluetooth connectivity,
high-quality speakers, and a durable, water-resistant design to block out surrounding
sounds to (support) __________ a focused listening experience.
9. This tablet (allow) __________ users to access information quickly with its touch screen
and convenient USB port, making it easy to stay organised throughout the day.
10. Traditional Vietnamese dishes like Pho (prepare) __________ with aromatic broth and
(enhance) __________ with special spices to give them an authentic flavour.
11. I watch the chef (add) __________ a unique blend of herbs, lime, and fish sauce to the
pho broth to give it a rich taste.
12. This camera (equip) __________ with high-quality lens and scratch-proof frame, which
(make) __________ it ideal for both beginners and professionals.
Exercise 4
Notes for teacher: To save time, have Ss quickly select an item and encourage them to use
vocabulary from the previous exercises to discuss its physical features only.
Now choose an item in the list and describe its physical features.

a) Describe a technological invention that is d) Describe a piece of clothing someone gave you.
useful in your daily life. You should say:
You should say: ● what it was
● what the invention is ● who gave it to you
● what it can do ● when you got it
● whether it is difficult or easy to use and explain why this person gave you the clothing
and explain why you think it is useful

e) Describe a traditional dish in your country.

You should say:
● what it is
● when you eat it
● how it is made
and explain how you feel about the dish

ANSWERS
Exercise 2
A technological invention:
● Material: metal, plastic, silicone
● Texture: smooth, soft, compact, stretchy (silicone or rubber), rough
● Size/Shape: slim, rectangular, lightweight
A piece of clothing:
● Material: cotton, linen, denim
● Texture: smooth, soft, breathable, stretchy, rough
● Size/Shape: oversized, slim (similar to ‘fitted’), fitted, lightweight
A traditional dish:
● Ingredients: fresh herbs, tender meat, sliced onion, rice noodles
● Texture: smooth, crunchy, tender, clear (broth)
● Taste: fresh, flavourful, authentic, aromatic
Exercise 3
1) are designed; 2) choose; 3) is created / enables; 4) track / offer; 5) is tailored; 6) are lined
7) are garnished; 8) are built / support; 9) allows; 10) are prepared / enhanced
11) add; 12) is equipped / makes
Exercise 4
Suggested answers:
Topic 1: A smart watch
So, this smartwatch has a sleek, lightweight design, with a rounded rectangle shape and a
smooth, metallic finish. It… uh… kinda feels premium but isn’t heavy. The strap is soft
silicone, comfy and a little grippy. And then, uh, there’s a bright, responsive touchscreen and
a small side button to wake it up. Sensors on the back sit snugly on your wrist, tracking your
heart rate and other metrics without feeling weird. It’s also water-resistant and the battery
easily lasts a couple of days. You’d barely notice it’s there… until you need it!
Topic 2: A hoodie
This hoodie has a soft, cosy fabric that feels like a perfect blend of cotton and… uh… I don’t
know how to describe, maybe something stretchy, which makes it comfortable and easy to
move in. It’s cut just right - not too tight nor too loose - with subtle stitching details that give
it a polished look. There’s also this small, understated logo, and the sleeves are just the right
length, adding to its overall snug feel. It’s one of those hoodies you reach for every day
because, like, it’ll be effortlessly stylish, um, you’ll just feel good in it.
 Topic 3: Bánh xèo
Well, bánh xèo is, like, a crispy, golden pancake, thin and light, and I think it is almost lacy at
the edges. Inside, it’s stuffed with tender shrimp and pork, or sometimes just veggies,
depending on your style, along with crunchy bean sprouts that add this fresh texture. Ah….
It’s served with a big pile of leafy greens, like lettuce, mint, maybe some basil, for wrapping,
and a side of tangy fish sauce for dipping. Every bite is this great mix of crunchy, savoury and
fresh, making it a real flavour-packed experience.

Knowledge: Describe Physical Features of An Item

When describing a physical item, you can talk about:
● Appearance: material/ingredients, texture, size/shape, taste or colour.
● Components: purpose (what it is designed or made with, and what it is used for)
● Characteristics: the item’s practical usability

C. DESCRIBE FUNCTION
Goal: Help Ss understand the different ways to categorise and think about functions in a
systematic way.
Exercise 5
TASK 1: Discussion.
Look at the topic below.

a) Describe a technological invention that is useful in your daily life.

You should say:
● what the invention is
● what it can do
● whether it is difficult or easy to use
and explain why you think it is useful

Discuss with your partner and answer the question:

What do you think a technological invention like cloud storage is used for?
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
TASK 2: Below are descriptions of how different people use cloud storage in their lives. Read
each description carefully and decide which type of person is speaking. Number 1 has been
done for you as an example.

Honestly, cloud storage has been a total lifesaver for me. I can, like, 1. a student
access all my notes and assignments from anywhere - whether I’m at
home, on campus, or even, like, studying at a friend’s place. And for
group projects, it’s amazing. We can all just share and edit files in real-
time, so we’re always on the same page. Plus, it automatically backs up
my work. I can’t even tell you how relieved I am to know my essays are
saved… just in case, you know, something happens to my laptop.

Cloud storage is totally a game-changer. I mean, I can access all my work 2. …………………………
files from pretty much any device - my office computer, my laptop at
home, even my phone if I need to, you know, work on the go. Sharing
files with my team is so much easier now, too, and I don’t have to, like,
worry about emailing versions back and forth. And it’s super secure, too.

I’ve gotta say, cloud storage has really helped me keep track of all my 3. …………………………
important documents. I can be a bit forgetful these days, and it’s nice
knowing everything - my will, insurance papers, even some of my
medical records - are all in one place. If I forget where I put something, I
don’t have to dig through drawers; I can just pull it up on my phone or
computer. And I’ve even shared access with my daughter and grandson,
just in case I need a little help finding something.

Cloud storage has been such a lifesaver since my baby came along! I can 4. …………………………
keep all the baby photos and videos safely backed up - my husband and I
have taken so many that my phone fills up fast! And it’s nice to know
those precious moments are safe and organised. I also use it to store
health and medical records, like vaccination dates and checkup notes, so
I don’t have to dig around for them when we’re at the doctor’s.

TASK 3: Discuss the functions of these non-physical items based on the needs of different
people. For the last column, choose a type of person yourself and describe how they might
use these functions.

Others
Skills Students Workers
(...........................)
 1. The Internet

2. Time-management skills

3. Photography course

Exercise 6
TASK 1: The functions of 'email services' have been labelled as BF (Basic Function) and AF
(Advanced Function). Discuss why each function has been classified as 'basic' or 'advanced.'

Email Services ● compose and send emails BF

● scheduled email sending AF
● automated replies AF
● receive emails BF
● predictive text suggestions AF
TASK 2: Review the functions listed for each non-physical item. Label each function as BF
or AF.

1. Online Banking ● automate savings ☐

● categorise spendings ☐
● check account balance ☐
● talk to chatbots ☐
● view recent transactions ☐

2. Navigation Apps ● provide directions ☐

 ● voice searching tool ☐
● real-time traffic updates ☐
● route suggestions ☐
● suggestions on nearby gas station ☐

3. Writing Skills ● structure essays ☐

● self-edit and self-revise ☐
● develop main ideas ☐
● develop a unique style ☐
● using grammar correctly ☐

4. Public Speaking Skills ● deliver a clear message ☐

● use persuasive techniques ☐
● control anxiety ☐
● practise vocal clarity ☐
● read the room and adjust speech ☐

5. Graphic Design Course ● understand typography ☐

● develop visual identity ☐
● use software (Photoshop,...) ☐
● edit photos and videos ☐
● design professional portfolios ☐

6. Coding Course ● create an app or website ☐

● use basic programming language ☐
● correct simple errors in code ☐
● optimise algorithms ☐
● practise core coding (functions,...) ☐

TASK 3: Use your own experiences to discuss the basic and advanced functions of these non-
physical items.
1. Online learning platforms
 BF: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
AF: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
2. Problem-solving skills
BF: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
AF: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
3. A foreign language course
BF: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
AF: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
ANSWERS
Exercise 5
TASK 1: store and access files online, organise files, real-time collaborate,...
TASK 2: 2) a worker; 3) an old person; 4) a new mother
TASK 3: Suggested answers:
1. The Internet:
● Students: conduct research for assignments, join virtual study groups, access
educational tools and platforms
● Workers: collaborate on projects remotely, communicate via email and video
conferencing, access industry news and updates
2. Time-Management Skills:
● Students: organise study schedules around exams, set aside time for
assignments and extracurriculars, avoid procrastination through plans
● Workers: follow meeting deadlines for projects and reports, allocate time for
meetings and independent tasks, balance work-life commitments efficiently
3. Photography Course:
● Students: create visual projects or portfolios, document events for school
activities, gain skills for potential creative careers
● Workers: improve product photography for business needs, create content for
marketing or social media, learn visual storytelling for presentations
Exercise 6
TASK 1:
● Basic Functions: Explain that these are the essential, foundational features that serve
core purposes. They’re often simpler and widely applicable, meeting the most common
needs of all users.
● Advanced Functions: Highlight that these go beyond basic needs, offering additional
capabilities or more complex features. They’re often tailored for specific situations,
expert users, or enhanced efficiency.
TASK 2:
1) AF, AF, BF, AF, BF
2) BF, AF, AF, BF, AF
3) BF, AF, BF, AF, BF
4) BF, AF, BF, BF, AF
5) BF, AF, BF, BF, AF
 6) AF, BF, BF, AF, BF
TASK 3: Suggested answers:
1. Online learning platforms
BF: Accessing course materials and watching video lectures at your own pace.
AF: Interactive features like live discussions, quizzes with immediate feedback, and
personalised learning paths based on progress and skill level.
2. Problem-solving skills
BF: Identifying and analysing a problem to come up with potential solutions.
AF: Using advanced techniques like root-cause analysis, creative brainstorming, and
evaluating multiple solutions to find the most effective approach.
3. A foreign language course
BF: Learning foundational vocabulary, basic grammar rules, and common phrases for
everyday conversations.
AF: Developing fluency through advanced grammar, practising natural expressions,
idioms, and regional dialects, and engaging in real-life conversation practice to build
confidence and cultural understanding.

D. PRACTICE SPEAKING
Exercise 7
Practice answering the following Part 2 topics.

Describe something that you can’t live without Describe a sport that you would like to take up
(not your computer/phone) in the future
You should say: You should say:
● what it is ● what the sport is
● what you can do with it ● how to play it
● how it helps you in your life ● where you can play it
and explain why you can’t live without it and explain why you would like to take up this
sport in the future

ANSWER

Topic 1: Describe something that you can’t live without (not your computer/phone)
Off the top of my head, I can say there are several things which I can’t live without. But for
today, I'd like to talk about my planner. It might sound simple compared to all the tech
gadgets out there, but this physical item helps me stay organised and productive every day,
especially in my work life.
My planner is a compact book, about the size of a paperback, with a sturdy leather cover that
has a warm, brown tone. Inside, it’s filled with dated pages divided into daily, weekly, and
monthly sections, with space for to-do lists, notes, and reminders.
With my planner, I can organise my schedule, jot down important deadlines, and create daily
task lists. On a basic level, it helps me remember meetings, manage my priorities, and track
my progress on projects. But it also offers some “advanced” features like goal-setting pages,
habit trackers, and even a small section for yearly reflections. These extras might seem minor,
but they actually help me set larger goals and review how I’m doing over time, which keeps
me focused and motivated.
As an office worker, my planner is essential for keeping track of multiple projects and
deadlines. It’s always within reach on my desk, and I find that physically writing things down
helps me remember and process information better. By keeping everything organised, it
reduces stress and lets me manage my workload more effectively. I often make quick notes
during meetings, and because the planner is organised by date, I can easily flip back and see
what I discussed with different teams.
Honestly, I can’t live without my planner because it gives me a sense of structure and control
over my day. I rely on it to stay on top of everything I need to do, and it provides a break from
all the screen time. For me, it’s not just a tool for work; it’s something that helps me stay
grounded and ready for whatever tasks come my way.
Topic 2: Describe a sport that you would like to take up in the future.
Well, as a person who often feels the pressure of a busy workday, I’m always looking for ways
to manage stress and improve focus. So if I am to describe a sport I'd like to take up, I’d like
to talk about mindfulness meditation. It may not be a traditional sport, but it offers similar
benefits through regular practice and mental discipline.
Mindfulness meditation is all about focusing the mind on the present moment and building
awareness of thoughts, emotions, and surroundings.
The basic way to practise mindfulness is by sitting in a quiet space, closing your eyes, and
paying attention to your breathing. This simple practice helps reduce stress and refocuses the
mind. However, there are also more advanced forms, like guided body scans, visualisation
techniques, and mindfulness in movement, which deepen focus and help manage stress more
 effectively.
I can practise mindfulness anywhere, but ideally, it’s done in a quiet, peaceful setting - a calm
corner at home, a quiet room in the office, or even outdoors if it’s safe and serene. Many
workplaces even have wellness rooms or quiet spaces where employees can take a few
minutes to practise mindfulness, which is perfect for this purpose.
As an office worker, I think taking up mindfulness would be really helpful for me. With the
stress and mental demands of a busy workday, mindfulness would offer a way to manage
anxiety, refocus between tasks, and keep my mind clear and calm. In the long run, I believe it
would improve my ability to stay resilient under pressure and even boost my productivity by
helping me approach each task with a calm and clear mind.

Homework

Exercise 8
Practice answering the following Part 2 topics.

Describe something that you can’t live without Describe a sport that you would like to take up
(not your computer/phone) in the future
You should say: You should say:
● what it is ● what the sport is
● what you can do with it ● how to play it
● how it helps you in your life ● where you can play it
and explain why you can’t live without it and explain why you would like to take up this
sport in the future