Micro Lessons (15 Minute Boosters) - Set 1

How to use this set

• Run one lesson per day or mix two in a 30 minute block.
• Use a timer and a notes page to log errors and rules.
• Follow the 0-2-10-14-15 minute split: 2 warm up, 8 drill, 4 challenge, 1 log.

Lesson 1 - Reading: Skim-Scan-Answer

Goal: Find proof lines fast for True False Not Given.
Materials: One short passage, 5 T F NG items.
Plan:

• 0-2: Skim title, first lines, and last lines. Write a 3 word gist.
• 2-10: For each item, underline two keywords, scan to paragraph, read one line above and below, mark proof.
• 10-14: Recheck items with no proof. If none found, choose NG.
• 14-15: Log one error and one fix rule.
  Success check: 4 of 5 correct and each with a proof line.
  Extension: Time the same set again in 5 minutes.

Lesson 2 - Reading: Matching Headings Map

Goal: Choose headings by main idea, not details.
Materials: 5 paragraphs, 7 headings.
Plan:

• 0-2: Number paragraphs and write a one line gist per paragraph.
• 2-10: Match headings using the gist only. Avoid detail words like dates and names.
• 10-14: Compare two closest headings and decide using the first and last sentence.
• 14-15: Log one trap you noticed.
  Success check: 4 of 5 correct on first pass.
  Extension: Create two wrong to right explanations.

Lesson 3 - Listening: Prediction and Proof

Goal: Improve short answer accuracy with prediction.
Materials: One 4 minute audio with 5 short answer items.
Plan:

• 0-2: Circle word types for each blank, for example number, noun, verb.
• 2-10: First play. Answer only, no pausing.
• 10-14: Second play. Confirm with key words and time codes, adjust spelling.
• 14-15: Log the time code of one mistake.
  Success check: 4 of 5 correct and all answers within word limits.
  Extension: Write a one line summary of the audio.

Lesson 4 - Listening: Multiple Choice Filters

Goal: Remove distractors quickly.
Materials: One 4 minute dialogue, 5 MCQs.
Plan:

• 0-2: Mark contrast words like however, but, instead.
• 2-10: First play. Eliminate options that were mentioned then rejected.
• 10-14: Second play. Confirm the selected option with a phrase match.
• 14-15: Log a distractor phrase used.
  Success check: 4 of 5 correct with a proof phrase for each.
  Extension: Create one new distractor for any item.

Lesson 5 - Writing Task 2: Fast Idea Funnel

Goal: Produce a 10 sentence body paragraph that stays on task.
Materials: One task question.
Plan:

• 0-2: Write topic line with a clear stance.
• 2-10: Build a 6 step chain: claim, reason, example, mini result, counterpoint, short reply.
• 10-14: Replace weak words with precise verbs and nouns.
• 14-15: Log one better verb and one better noun.
  Success check: 10 lines, one clear idea chain, no off topic lines.
  Extension: Convert the same chain into a quick outline.

Lesson 6 - Writing Task 1 Academic: Trend Language Drill

Goal: Report change and comparison clearly.
Materials: One line graph or table.
Plan:

• 0-2: Note the highest, lowest, biggest change.
• 2-10: Write 4 model sentences: increase, decrease, stability, comparison.
• 10-14: Merge into a 6 line overview plus one detail.
• 14-15: Log one sentence you can reuse later.
  Success check: Overview has trend plus key figures, no raw lists.
  Extension: Reduce word count by 15 percent without losing data.

Lesson 7 - Speaking Part 2: One Minute Plan, Two Minute Talk

Goal: Speak for two minutes with clear structure.
Materials: One cue card, phone recorder.
Plan:

• 0-2: Plan using four bullets: who, where, what, why.
• 2-10: Record a two minute answer.
• 10-14: Replay once. Note two weak areas and rewrite the opener.
• 14-15: Log one filler to avoid and one better connector.
  Success check: 100 to 140 words, clear opening and closing.
  Extension: Record again using a new opener.

Lesson 8 - Speaking Part 3: Reason-Example-Result

Goal: Give compact, analytical answers.
Materials: 5 discussion questions.
Plan:

• 0-2: Write a template: reason, example, result.
• 2-10: Answer 5 questions using the template.
• 10-14: Replace general words with precise lexis, for example policy, access, cost, impact.
• 14-15: Log one versatile phrase.
  Success check: Each answer under 25 seconds with one example.
  Extension: Turn one answer into two contrasting views.

Lesson 9 - Vocabulary: Collocation Triads

Goal: Learn usable chunks fast.
Materials: 12 target words from recent practice.
Plan:

• 0-2: Group words by topic, for example education, health.
• 2-10: Build triads like make a proposal, pose a risk, deliver results. Write mini sentences.
• 10-14: Quick test. Cover the verb and recall it from the noun.
• 14-15: Log three triads to recycle tomorrow.
  Success check: 9 of 12 recalled both ways.
  Extension: Add one synonym triad.

Lesson 10 - Pronunciation: Stress and Chunking

Goal: Sound clear with correct stress and pauses.
Materials: 6 sentences from your writing.
Plan:

• 0-2: Mark content words and slash chunk breaks.
• 2-10: Read and record twice. First slow, second at natural speed.
• 10-14: Listen back. Fix one word stress and one pause.
• 14-15: Log one improved sentence.
  Success check: Clear primary stress and two natural pauses per sentence.
  Extension: Shadow a 30 second clip from a podcast.

Quick tracker template

Date | Lesson No | Score/Result | One fix rule

Tips for steady progress

• Keep all proofs and logs in one folder.
• Repeat any lesson that scores below your target.
• On weekends, chain three lessons into a 45 minute booster.

Use this set for two weeks. Rotate lessons based on your weak areas and watch your accuracy and timing improve with minimal prep time.