In academic discussions, especially during standardized English tests like the ITEP Academic-Plus, students are often asked to reflect on past experiences and express their views clearly and fluently. This lesson will prepare students to confidently answer opinion and experience-based prompts, using appropriate grammar, precise vocabulary, and natural conversational flow. Today’s topics—valuable courses and mandatory attendance—are directly related to academic life and are common on English proficiency tests.
Vocabulary
To express personal beliefs and evaluations in an academic tone, it's important to use structured opinion phrases and discipline-appropriate vocabulary. This section provides students with useful expressions that signal reflection and justification.
| Word | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| In my opinion | Used to introduce a personal viewpoint | In my opinion, attendance policies should be more flexible. |
| From my experience | Refers to one’s personal history or past | From my experience, group projects lead to better learning outcomes. |
| Course content | The material taught in a course | The course content covered a wide range of historical case studies. |
| Assignment deadlines | Due dates for submitted work | Meeting assignment deadlines taught me time management. |
Grammar
Reflecting on past academic experiences requires consistent and appropriate use of verb tenses. A common error among advanced learners is tense inconsistency, particularly when shifting between personal narratives and general reflections.
Using the Past with Reflection
When describing a course you took, use the simple past tense to narrate what happened. For example:
The most valuable course I took was Introduction to Cognitive Science. It challenged the way I think about perception.
When you shift to how that course continues to impact you now, you may need the present perfect or present simple. For instance:
Since taking that course, I’ve become more analytical in my research.
Consistency means maintaining the same temporal reference within a sentence or paragraph unless a clear shift is intentional. Avoid sentences like:
I was taking Psychology 101 and it helps me a lot now.
I took Psychology 101 and it has helped me a lot since.
Fluency Drill
This activity develops quick-thinking verbal fluency in a test-like environment. Each student will receive one of today’s speaking prompts and respond spontaneously for 30 seconds. Peers will listen, take brief notes, and prepare feedback.
Prompts:
- What is the most valuable course you’ve taken?
- Should attendance be mandatory in university courses?
While speaking, focus on structure: begin with your main idea, add supporting details, and finish with a strong concluding sentence. For example:
In my opinion, the most valuable course I’ve taken was Academic Writing. It taught me how to organize arguments, cite sources, and write clearly. Even today, I use those skills in every class, so it’s definitely had a lasting impact.
30-Second Timer
Use this silent countdown during your spontaneous speaking drills.
Speaking
Students will rotate through three partners, answering both of today’s prompts in conversation. Each round lasts four minutes: two minutes per speaker. Use your vocabulary sheet during the discussion, but try to speak naturally and without reading full sentences.
I took Psychology 101 last year and it helped me to understand people better. I think it was good because the professor explained the topics clearly.
I took Biology 101 last year. It was extremely valuable because it improved my understanding of scientific thinking. From my experience, the lab work helped me apply concepts we discussed in lectures. I still use those skills in my current coursework.
Wrap-up Reflection
Now that you’ve practiced and observed different responses, choose the answer you felt strongest delivering—either about the valuable course or attendance policy. Prepare a new version of your response and record it. Think about:
- Did I clearly state my opinion?
- Did I support it with strong reasons or examples?
- Did I use the correct verb tenses?
- Did I vary my vocabulary?
Record your improved answer and listen to it. Ask a partner to review your recording and give you one strength and one area for improvement. If time allows, try a second recording with those suggestions in mind.
Note
When preparing for ITEP-style speaking questions, always remember to support your opinions clearly, keep your grammar accurate, and speak with confidence. Even if your ideas are simple, expressing them clearly is more important than sounding overly academic.