FCE (First Certificate in English)- 'Have Something Done' Speaking Practice

Have Something Done- Speaking Practice

Part One: Initial speaking task

Is it better to have the things below done for you or to do them yourself? Choose one of
the things listed below, give your opinion on who should do it, and discuss it with your
partner. Then do the same for some others from the list below.

-

Burying a pet

-

Changing a tyre on your bicycle

-

Changing the oil in your car

-

Cleaning your house or flat

-

Dealing with pests like insects and mice in your house or flat

-

Doing a manicure

-

Driving a speedboat across a lake or around a bay

-

Dying your hair

-

Entertaining kids at a big party

-

Ironing

-

Painting or wallpapering the inside of your house

-

Preparing food for a big party

-

Trimming your trees and bushes

-

Typing up a long handwritten document

-

Washing suits

-

Washing your car

-

Waxing your legs

-

Writing a CV (= resume)

Part Two: FCE Speaking Part Three style collaborative task

Change partners and have the same discussion for about two and half minutes, then in
the last 30 seconds or so decide which two would you have done for you if you were an
elderly person with limited money.

Part Three: Discussion questions

Do you have any experience of having the things above or similar stuff done for you? How
did you feel about it?

What kinds of events might you use outside catering for?

What kind of gardening and decorating work would you not do for yourself?

How would you feel about having a maid, butler or other servants in your house?

Written by Alex Case for UsingEnglish.com © 2014