1) Ladder at a glance
| Slot | Best for | Sentences | Word target | Frame |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 sec | Part 1 | 3 to 4 | 55 to 70 | PREP: Point, Reason, Example, Point back |
| 45 sec | Strong Part 1 | 4 to 5 | 80 to 95 | PREP plus contrast |
| 60 sec | Part 3 short | 5 to 6 | 110 to 130 | SEE: Statement, Explanation, Example |
| 90 sec | Part 3 full | 7 to 8 | 160 to 190 | TREE: Topic, Reason 1, Reason 2, Example, End |
| 120 sec | Part 2 long turn | 9 to 11 | 210 to 250 | SPARK: Setup, Past, Analysis, Result, Key message |
Word targets assume a steady pace near 110 to 130 words per minute.
2) Starter frames you can paste
30 sec PREP
Point: I prefer evening study.
Reason: It is quiet and I can focus.
Example: For instance, I revise vocabulary after dinner.
Point back: This routine keeps me consistent.
60 sec SEE
Statement: Online courses are effective for adults.
Explanation: They remove travel time and offer flexible schedules.
Example: Last year I finished a finance course during my commute.
120 sec SPARK
Setup: My most useful gadget is a fitness watch.
Past: I bought it in 2023 to rebuild my routine.
Analysis: The data shows sleep trends and helps me plan workouts.
Result: I walk more and feel energetic on busy days.
Key message: Small feedback loops can change habits.
3) Expansion tools that add seconds without fluff
- Add a micro contrast: while, whereas, in contrast
- Add a small why: this matters because
- Add one short example: for example, last week I
- Add a measured hedge: in most cases, to some extent
- Add a result line: as a result, this helps me
Limit each tool to one line to avoid circles.
4) Linkers by function
Add: also, in addition, besides
Contrast: however, while, whereas, by contrast
Cause: because, since, as
Result: so, therefore, thus, as a result
Example: for example, for instance, such as
Time: at first, later, finally
Rotate families rather than repeating one word.
5) Timing blueprint for Part 2: 120 sec
- 0 to 10 sec: Setup and topic line
- 10 to 35 sec: Past or background
- 35 to 75 sec: Main idea with two details
- 75 to 100 sec: Example story
- 100 to 115 sec: Result or lesson
- 115 to 120 sec: Clean end line
End line ideas: Overall, it changed how I plan my day. That is why it is important to me.
6) Sample prompts with outlines
Describe a useful app you use
30 sec: point, one reason, one example, close.
60 sec: benefit 1, benefit 2, small limit, example.
120 sec: when started, what it does, two features, story, effect.
Do you prefer working in a team or alone
45 sec: preference, reason, contrast, example, close.
90 sec: two reasons, example, condition when the other option is better, end.
7) Fluency fixes
- Shorten subjects: Long subjects slow you. Start with I or It.
- Beat the um: pause silently for one beat instead of filling the gap.
- Breath rule: speak one idea per breath.
- Verb first: prefer active verbs such as helps, shows, leads to.
- Numbered ideas: first, second, finally keeps pace steady.
8) Self check rubric
Score 0 to 3 for each item.
Flow: ideas link smoothly.
Range: mix of linkers and grammar links.
Pace: within the word target.
Clarity: one idea per sentence.
Ending: finished cleanly within time.
Target 11 to 12 overall for solid control.
9) Micro drills with keys
A. Add 15 seconds
Base: I read at night. It is calm.
Add: one example and one result.
Model: I read at night because it is calm. For example, I read two chapters yesterday, and as a result I slept earlier.
B. Build a 30 sec answer
Prompt: a place you relax.
Model outline: point, reason, example, close.
C. Stretch to 60 sec
Add a contrast and a small limit.
Model line: It works for me, although it can be crowded on weekends.
10) Daily timer routine: 12 minutes
- Minute 1: pick a prompt.
- Minute 2: write a 4 line outline for the target slot.
- Minute 3: dry run at 0.8 speed.
- Minutes 4 to 5: record a 30 sec version.
- Minutes 6 to 7: record a 60 sec version.
- Minutes 8 to 9: record a 120 sec version.
- Minute 10: mark linkers used and remove repeats.
- Minutes 11 to 12: rewrite the end line and re record one slot.
11) Cheat cards
Openers: I would like to talk about, One example is, In my case
Opinion: I believe, In my view, It seems to me
Compare: Compared with, By contrast, On the other hand
Cause: because, since, as
Result: so, therefore, as a result
Enders: Overall, In short, That is why it matters
12) Quick targets by slot
30 sec: 1 idea plus example
45 sec: 1 idea plus example plus contrast
60 sec: 2 ideas plus example
90 sec: 2 ideas plus example plus small limit
120 sec: story arc with lesson
Practice the ladder in order. When each slot feels easy, raise the next rung.