English Language

What was going on

Goal: tell a short past story with a background and a surprise. Outcome: sets the scene and names the interruption with "It was ...ing", "I was ...ing when ...", "While ..., ...". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: telling a neighbour what happened at last week's community dinner in the local hall.

What you've done so far

Goal: talk about your experience and your recent progress. Outcome: reports what you have and have not done with "I've ...", "I haven't ... yet", "since ...", and switches to the past when a date appears. Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: your first evening at a book club in a café, each person saying a little about themselves.

Explaining and connecting

Goal: explain a decision out loud so it holds together. Outcome: links reason, contrast, purpose and result with "because", "so", "however", "although", "in order to", "therefore", across spoken sentences. Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: friends asking why you ordered the cake for a surprise party from the more expensive bakery.

Saying what you think

Goal: take part in a discussion and hold your position. Outcome: opens, softens, agrees, disagrees and invites others with "In my opinion, ...", "I see your point, but ...", "What do you think?". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: friends at a café discussing whether to give up sugar for a month.

If this happens

Goal: agree a plan that depends on something happening. Outcome: states real conditions, exceptions and warnings with "If it rains, we'll ...", "Unless ...", "If you don't ..., you'll ...". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: arranging a Saturday move with a friend when the weather is uncertain.

If I were you

Goal: talk about unreal situations and give advice through them. Outcome: builds "If I had ..., I would ...", asks "What would you do if ...?" and advises with "If I were you, I'd ...". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: coffee with a friend deciding between two evening courses.

Plans and ambitions

Goal: talk about where you are going in the next few years. Outcome: separates intentions, hopes and predictions with "I plan to ...", "I hope to ... by ...", "I think I'll ...". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: an old friend at a café asking about your plans for the next few years.

Reading longer texts

Goal: get what you need out of a long text. Outcome: from texts of three to four paragraphs, finds the main idea, one detail and the writer's opinion, guesses a new word with "It probably means ...", and reacts in one sentence with "I agree that ..., but ...". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a local news article about your neighbourhood that a friend asks you about.

Messages that get answers

Goal: write short messages that get a clear reply. Outcome: opens, answers, asks and confirms in one sentence each, with "Could you tell me ...?", "Just to confirm, ...", "I'm afraid I can't ...". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a chat thread with a service company about a repair.

Keeping the conversation going

Goal: stay in a conversation when you cannot say everything. Outcome: catches the main point of what you hear, reacts, buys time and extends an answer with "Really?", "Let me think", "Yes, because ...". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a long wait at a train station beside a traveller who likes talking.

Small talk and catching up

Goal: fill the small moments with people you barely know. Outcome: opens, asks, answers briefly and closes light conversation with "How was your weekend?", "How are things with you?", "Anyway, I should get going". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a coffee break at an evening cooking course full of people you have just met.

Interviews

Goal: get through an interview for a job, a course or a volunteer place. Outcome: presents yourself, your experience and your reasons, and asks your own question, with "I'm currently ...", "I was responsible for ...", "What interests me is ...", "Could you tell me ...?". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a twenty-minute interview for a customer-service job you really want.

Renting a place

Goal: find and hold a place to live. Outcome: says what you need, asks about a flat, reads the contract and reports a problem with "I'm looking for ...", "Is ... included?", "The ... isn't working". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: renting a flat in a new city.

Customer service calls

Goal: get a problem fixed by a company on the phone. Outcome: explains the problem, gives details and confirms the promise with "I'm calling about ...", "My account number is ...", "So you'll ... by ...?". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a support line about one wrong bill.

Reporting what happened

Goal: report events when what happened matters more than who did it. Outcome: describes changes, incidents, announcements and rules with "the post is collected", "two windows were damaged", "the entry system will be updated", "this form must be signed". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a water cut on your street and the short report that follows it.

Passing on what people said

Goal: pass on what someone said when they are not in the room. Outcome: relays statements, questions and instructions with "she said the rent was fixed", "he asked whether we could arrive early", "they told us to wait". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: two flatmates who missed the landlord's call about your new flat.

What could have been

Goal: explain a decision that went wrong and what you would do differently. Outcome: links past and present with "if we had known, we'd have left earlier", "we'd still be waiting", "I wish I'd asked". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: two members of your sports club questioning the minibus you chose for the club last spring.

Saying it with emphasis

Goal: put the important part where the listener cannot miss it. Outcome: picks out people and points with "the cousin whose wedding is in May", "what I need is two more days", "the thing is". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: proposing a booking calendar for the shared room to your residents' group.

The right word

Goal: say exactly what you mean instead of reaching for the nearest word. Outcome: chooses precise verbs such as "carry out", "sort out" and "turn down", sets strength with "fairly", "rather" and "absolutely", and replaces "good" and "thing" with "encouraging", "mixed" and "issue". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a written update to your building's residents' group.

Holding your own in a discussion

Goal: stay in a discussion where people talk fast and disagree with you. Outcome: structures, hedges, challenges and concedes with "first of all", "I'm fairly sure that", "I take your point, but", "so, to sum up". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: relatives who want to hold a family birthday party a week earlier than planned.

Reading between the lines

Goal: get what a writer means when it is not written plainly. Outcome: names a writer's attitude, evidence and references, using "at least on paper", "studies show", "the latter" and a measured reaction with "I'd agree that ..., but ...". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a local food blog article that a friend wants your view on before dinner tomorrow.

Emails that get things done

Goal: get a result from someone by email without a second exchange. Outcome: reads a short email and answers in one clear sentence, using "I'm following up on", "I'm afraid I can't", "just to confirm", "unless I hear otherwise". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: an email thread with a party venue about the date of a family birthday booking.

Messages under pressure

Goal: follow spoken English you cannot stop and rewind. Outcome: from short talks and announcements, catches attitude in "apparently" and "to be fair", the unsaid in "it's on hold for now", and exact details, read back with "so that's ... at ...". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a council briefing for residents about changes on your street.

Explaining what you know

Goal: make what you know clear to people who don't share it. Outcome: explains mechanism, local habit, change and cause with "think of it as", "here we tend to", "rose by", "this was driven by", "we expect it to". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a short update to a running club's members on its last three months.

What was going on

Goal: tell a short past story with a background and a surprise. Outcome: sets the scene and names the interruption with "It was ...ing", "I was ...ing when ...", "While ..., ...". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: telling a neighbour what happened at last week's community dinner in the local hall.

What you've done so far

Goal: talk about your experience and your recent progress. Outcome: reports what you have and have not done with "I've ...", "I haven't ... yet", "since ...", and switches to the past when a date appears. Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: your first evening at a book club in a café, each person saying a little about themselves.

Explaining and connecting

Goal: explain a decision out loud so it holds together. Outcome: links reason, contrast, purpose and result with "because", "so", "however", "although", "in order to", "therefore", across spoken sentences. Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: friends asking why you ordered the cake for a surprise party from the more expensive bakery.

Saying what you think

Goal: take part in a discussion and hold your position. Outcome: opens, softens, agrees, disagrees and invites others with "In my opinion, ...", "I see your point, but ...", "What do you think?". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: friends at a café discussing whether to give up sugar for a month.

If this happens

Goal: agree a plan that depends on something happening. Outcome: states real conditions, exceptions and warnings with "If it rains, we'll ...", "Unless ...", "If you don't ..., you'll ...". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: arranging a Saturday move with a friend when the weather is uncertain.

If I were you

Goal: talk about unreal situations and give advice through them. Outcome: builds "If I had ..., I would ...", asks "What would you do if ...?" and advises with "If I were you, I'd ...". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: coffee with a friend deciding between two evening courses.

Plans and ambitions

Goal: talk about where you are going in the next few years. Outcome: separates intentions, hopes and predictions with "I plan to ...", "I hope to ... by ...", "I think I'll ...". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: an old friend at a café asking about your plans for the next few years.

Reading longer texts

Goal: get what you need out of a long text. Outcome: from texts of three to four paragraphs, finds the main idea, one detail and the writer's opinion, guesses a new word with "It probably means ...", and reacts in one sentence with "I agree that ..., but ...". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a local news article about your neighbourhood that a friend asks you about.

Messages that get answers

Goal: write short messages that get a clear reply. Outcome: opens, answers, asks and confirms in one sentence each, with "Could you tell me ...?", "Just to confirm, ...", "I'm afraid I can't ...". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a chat thread with a service company about a repair.

Keeping the conversation going

Goal: stay in a conversation when you cannot say everything. Outcome: catches the main point of what you hear, reacts, buys time and extends an answer with "Really?", "Let me think", "Yes, because ...". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a long wait at a train station beside a traveller who likes talking.

Small talk and catching up

Goal: fill the small moments with people you barely know. Outcome: opens, asks, answers briefly and closes light conversation with "How was your weekend?", "How are things with you?", "Anyway, I should get going". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a coffee break at an evening cooking course full of people you have just met.

Interviews

Goal: get through an interview for a job, a course or a volunteer place. Outcome: presents yourself, your experience and your reasons, and asks your own question, with "I'm currently ...", "I was responsible for ...", "What interests me is ...", "Could you tell me ...?". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a twenty-minute interview for a customer-service job you really want.

Renting a place

Goal: find and hold a place to live. Outcome: says what you need, asks about a flat, reads the contract and reports a problem with "I'm looking for ...", "Is ... included?", "The ... isn't working". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: renting a flat in a new city.

Customer service calls

Goal: get a problem fixed by a company on the phone. Outcome: explains the problem, gives details and confirms the promise with "I'm calling about ...", "My account number is ...", "So you'll ... by ...?". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a support line about one wrong bill.

Reporting what happened

Goal: report events when what happened matters more than who did it. Outcome: describes changes, incidents, announcements and rules with "the post is collected", "two windows were damaged", "the entry system will be updated", "this form must be signed". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a water cut on your street and the short report that follows it.

Passing on what people said

Goal: pass on what someone said when they are not in the room. Outcome: relays statements, questions and instructions with "she said the rent was fixed", "he asked whether we could arrive early", "they told us to wait". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: two flatmates who missed the landlord's call about your new flat.

What could have been

Goal: explain a decision that went wrong and what you would do differently. Outcome: links past and present with "if we had known, we'd have left earlier", "we'd still be waiting", "I wish I'd asked". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: two members of your sports club questioning the minibus you chose for the club last spring.

Saying it with emphasis

Goal: put the important part where the listener cannot miss it. Outcome: picks out people and points with "the cousin whose wedding is in May", "what I need is two more days", "the thing is". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: proposing a booking calendar for the shared room to your residents' group.

The right word

Goal: say exactly what you mean instead of reaching for the nearest word. Outcome: chooses precise verbs such as "carry out", "sort out" and "turn down", sets strength with "fairly", "rather" and "absolutely", and replaces "good" and "thing" with "encouraging", "mixed" and "issue". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a written update to your building's residents' group.

Holding your own in a discussion

Goal: stay in a discussion where people talk fast and disagree with you. Outcome: structures, hedges, challenges and concedes with "first of all", "I'm fairly sure that", "I take your point, but", "so, to sum up". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: relatives who want to hold a family birthday party a week earlier than planned.

Reading between the lines

Goal: get what a writer means when it is not written plainly. Outcome: names a writer's attitude, evidence and references, using "at least on paper", "studies show", "the latter" and a measured reaction with "I'd agree that ..., but ...". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a local food blog article that a friend wants your view on before dinner tomorrow.

Emails that get things done

Goal: get a result from someone by email without a second exchange. Outcome: reads a short email and answers in one clear sentence, using "I'm following up on", "I'm afraid I can't", "just to confirm", "unless I hear otherwise". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: an email thread with a party venue about the date of a family birthday booking.

Messages under pressure

Goal: follow spoken English you cannot stop and rewind. Outcome: from short talks and announcements, catches attitude in "apparently" and "to be fair", the unsaid in "it's on hold for now", and exact details, read back with "so that's ... at ...". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a council briefing for residents about changes on your street.

Explaining what you know

Goal: make what you know clear to people who don't share it. Outcome: explains mechanism, local habit, change and cause with "think of it as", "here we tend to", "rose by", "this was driven by", "we expect it to". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a short update to a running club's members on its last three months.

Deciding things together

Goal: lead a group from open discussion to a decision everyone can act on. Outcome: opens, updates, invites views, raises a risk and closes with "let's start with", "here's where we are", "what do you think, Ana?", "so the plan is to". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: friends at a café planning a weekend trip.

Negotiating small things

Goal: get a better deal on everyday things without a fight. Outcome: asks, trades and refuses with "would it be possible to push it to Friday?", "could you hold the price?", "that doesn't work for us". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a garage that may not finish your car before a family trip.

Travel disruptions

Goal: get yourself moving again when a trip falls apart. Outcome: explains the problem and asks for a fix with "my flight has been cancelled", "what are my options?", "I'd like to be rebooked". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a day of delays at an airport.

Precision in formal situations

Goal: report, recommend and emphasise with formal precision. Outcome: hedges a claim, recommends an action and fronts the key point with "It is thought that ...", "We recommend that ... be ..." and "What matters is ...". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a formal complaint meeting at your child's school about an accident in the playground.

Choosing the exact word

Goal: choose the word that carries the exact shade you mean. Outcome: picks expected pairings, vivid images, degree words and exact amounts with "reach a consensus", "an uphill battle", "markedly better than ..." and "roughly a third of ...". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: reporting a local club's year to its members.

Making a long point clear

Goal: hold the floor while you make a point that takes more than one sentence. Outcome: signals shifts, concedes, fronts the key part and repairs mid-sentence with "That brings me to ...", "Admittedly, ..." and "What I mean is ...". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a university seminar where you must justify a complicated proposal.

Reading dense texts

Goal: extract a claim, stance and evidence from a dense text. Outcome: finds the stance, the strength of the evidence and the thread of a long argument through signals such as "so-called", "one might object that ...", "it follows that ..." and "these results suggest that ...". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: your tutor's reading list, from which you pick the studies worth reading before a seminar.

Emails with weight

Goal: write the one sentence that moves a serious email forward. Outcome: proposes, hedges and cuts the padding with "I'd like to propose that ...", "We would expect ..., though ..." and "In short, ...". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a formal complaint to an airline about a refund for a cancelled flight.

Meaning in conversation and media

Goal: interpret short spoken messages and the meaning beneath their wording. Outcome: from dialogues, debates, pitches and broadcasts, reads irony in "well, that went brilliantly", recovers "shoulda" as "should have", places positions after "I'd push back on that" and names the goal behind "the window closes on Friday". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a radio discussion about a city plan.

Standing your ground

Goal: hold your ground when someone wants more than you can give. Outcome: refuses without damage, concedes only conditionally and leads with what matters, using "I'm afraid that won't be possible", "What I can do is ..." and "provided that ...". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a volunteer organiser pressing you to take on more than you can.

Register on demand

Goal: say the same thing in the tone the moment needs. Outcome: understates, switches register and drops words for a casual reader with "not exactly ideal", "the street party has been deferred" and "any news on that?". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a late sofa delivery reported in a flatmates' chat and then to your landlord.

Discussing sensitive topics

Goal: discuss contested subjects while distinguishing wording, intention and interpretation. Outcome: qualifies claims, states the other side fairly, spots loaded wording and names cultural framing with "it's more complicated than that" and "the strongest version of their argument is ...". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a group of friends divided after one of them felt left out of a planned weekend away.

Negotiating what matters

Goal: negotiate a bigger agreement from opening position to confirmed terms. Outcome: opens a position, finds what the other side needs and trades conditionally with "What we're looking for is ...", "What's driving that?" and "If you can ..., we can ...". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: renewing a lease with a landlord who wants a rise.

Speaking to a group

Goal: carry a short talk and handle the questions after it. Outcome: opens, signposts, lands the key point and answers pressure with "I want to start with one number" and "Let me take that in two parts". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a short talk at a community event, followed by questions.

Leading a group

Goal: say the hard things that leading a group of people involves. Outcome: delegates precisely, regroups after a setback, refuses and corrects with "I need you to own ...", "What I can do instead is ..." and "What I'd like to see instead is ...". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: coordinating volunteers for a neighbourhood event.

Nuance and precision

Goal: respond precisely to challenging questions without overstating claims or concessions. Outcome: controls emphasis, hedging and concession so each claim keeps its intended scope, with "Never have we ...", "We recommend that ... be ...", "It would appear that ..." and "While that is true, ...". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a residents' association answering the housing authority's letters about its late objection to a rent rise.

Words that carry weight

Goal: make a persuasive public case using precise and context-appropriate word choices. Outcome: uses metaphor, collocation, evaluation, formal verbs, understatement and fixed expressions, such as "a tourniquet, not a cure", "a compelling case" and "that argument cuts both ways", while separating evidence from rhetorical framing. Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a parents' group asking the council's health committee to trial car-free streets outside schools.

Reading critically

Goal: evaluate an opinion piece before relying on or sharing it. Outcome: from several short paragraphs, identifies stated claims, assumptions, evidence limits, allusion and irony, then gives a supported one-sentence verdict such as "that is assumed rather than established". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: reading the week's opinion pieces on the four-day week before a debating club evening.

Finding the message beneath the words

Goal: infer a person’s position from wording and context. Outcome: from displayed exchanges, distinguishes commitment from conditional openness in "In principle, yes", interprets allusions and irony, and reconstructs compressed forms like "should've" without assuming an unheard vocal delivery. Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: three neighbours deciding how to share the cost of repairing your shared roof, followed through displayed messages and conversation.

Public discourse

Goal: communicate responsibly in a challenging public exchange. Outcome: mediates, opens with "By the end, I'll ask you for one decision", leads with "Recommend we proceed, subject to ...", corrects with "Let me correct one point of fact" and closes with "Here is what we will do by ...". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a public debate about a new road through your town.

Big public moments

Goal: handle a big public or ceremonial moment with clear and considerate language. Outcome: announces hard news, toasts, offers sympathy and declines an honour with "I'll come straight to it", "Please join me in raising your glasses", "I'm honoured to be asked, but ...". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: speeches and hard news at a community gathering in the local hall.

Wit and diplomacy

Goal: repair misunderstandings and manage delicate exchanges while preserving relationships. Outcome: offers face-saving interpretations with "I may have explained it badly", corrects facts precisely with "Unless I'm mistaken, that was ...", chooses optional self-directed humour and closes with "I won't keep you" and an explicit follow-up when needed. Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a dinner party with friends of friends.

Deciding things together

Goal: lead a group from open discussion to a decision everyone can act on. Outcome: opens, updates, invites views, raises a risk and closes with "let's start with", "here's where we are", "what do you think, Ana?", "so the plan is to". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: friends at a café planning a weekend trip.

Negotiating small things

Goal: get a better deal on everyday things without a fight. Outcome: asks, trades and refuses with "would it be possible to push it to Friday?", "could you hold the price?", "that doesn't work for us". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a garage that may not finish your car before a family trip.

Travel disruptions

Goal: get yourself moving again when a trip falls apart. Outcome: explains the problem and asks for a fix with "my flight has been cancelled", "what are my options?", "I'd like to be rebooked". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a day of delays at an airport.

Precision in formal situations

Goal: report, recommend and emphasise with formal precision. Outcome: hedges a claim, recommends an action and fronts the key point with "It is thought that ...", "We recommend that ... be ..." and "What matters is ...". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a formal complaint meeting at your child's school about an accident in the playground.

Choosing the exact word

Goal: choose the word that carries the exact shade you mean. Outcome: picks expected pairings, vivid images, degree words and exact amounts with "reach a consensus", "an uphill battle", "markedly better than ..." and "roughly a third of ...". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: reporting a local club's year to its members.

Making a long point clear

Goal: hold the floor while you make a point that takes more than one sentence. Outcome: signals shifts, concedes, fronts the key part and repairs mid-sentence with "That brings me to ...", "Admittedly, ..." and "What I mean is ...". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a university seminar where you must justify a complicated proposal.

Reading dense texts

Goal: extract a claim, stance and evidence from a dense text. Outcome: finds the stance, the strength of the evidence and the thread of a long argument through signals such as "so-called", "one might object that ...", "it follows that ..." and "these results suggest that ...". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: your tutor's reading list, from which you pick the studies worth reading before a seminar.

Emails with weight

Goal: write the one sentence that moves a serious email forward. Outcome: proposes, hedges and cuts the padding with "I'd like to propose that ...", "We would expect ..., though ..." and "In short, ...". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a formal complaint to an airline about a refund for a cancelled flight.

Meaning in conversation and media

Goal: interpret short spoken messages and the meaning beneath their wording. Outcome: from dialogues, debates, pitches and broadcasts, reads irony in "well, that went brilliantly", recovers "shoulda" as "should have", places positions after "I'd push back on that" and names the goal behind "the window closes on Friday". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a radio discussion about a city plan.

Standing your ground

Goal: hold your ground when someone wants more than you can give. Outcome: refuses without damage, concedes only conditionally and leads with what matters, using "I'm afraid that won't be possible", "What I can do is ..." and "provided that ...". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a volunteer organiser pressing you to take on more than you can.

Register on demand

Goal: say the same thing in the tone the moment needs. Outcome: understates, switches register and drops words for a casual reader with "not exactly ideal", "the street party has been deferred" and "any news on that?". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a late sofa delivery reported in a flatmates' chat and then to your landlord.

Discussing sensitive topics

Goal: discuss contested subjects while distinguishing wording, intention and interpretation. Outcome: qualifies claims, states the other side fairly, spots loaded wording and names cultural framing with "it's more complicated than that" and "the strongest version of their argument is ...". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a group of friends divided after one of them felt left out of a planned weekend away.

Negotiating what matters

Goal: negotiate a bigger agreement from opening position to confirmed terms. Outcome: opens a position, finds what the other side needs and trades conditionally with "What we're looking for is ...", "What's driving that?" and "If you can ..., we can ...". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: renewing a lease with a landlord who wants a rise.

Speaking to a group

Goal: carry a short talk and handle the questions after it. Outcome: opens, signposts, lands the key point and answers pressure with "I want to start with one number" and "Let me take that in two parts". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a short talk at a community event, followed by questions.

Leading a group

Goal: say the hard things that leading a group of people involves. Outcome: delegates precisely, regroups after a setback, refuses and corrects with "I need you to own ...", "What I can do instead is ..." and "What I'd like to see instead is ...". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: coordinating volunteers for a neighbourhood event.

Nuance and precision

Goal: respond precisely to challenging questions without overstating claims or concessions. Outcome: controls emphasis, hedging and concession so each claim keeps its intended scope, with "Never have we ...", "We recommend that ... be ...", "It would appear that ..." and "While that is true, ...". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a residents' association answering the housing authority's letters about its late objection to a rent rise.

Words that carry weight

Goal: make a persuasive public case using precise and context-appropriate word choices. Outcome: uses metaphor, collocation, evaluation, formal verbs, understatement and fixed expressions, such as "a tourniquet, not a cure", "a compelling case" and "that argument cuts both ways", while separating evidence from rhetorical framing. Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a parents' group asking the council's health committee to trial car-free streets outside schools.

Reading critically

Goal: evaluate an opinion piece before relying on or sharing it. Outcome: from several short paragraphs, identifies stated claims, assumptions, evidence limits, allusion and irony, then gives a supported one-sentence verdict such as "that is assumed rather than established". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: reading the week's opinion pieces on the four-day week before a debating club evening.

Finding the message beneath the words

Goal: infer a person’s position from wording and context. Outcome: from displayed exchanges, distinguishes commitment from conditional openness in "In principle, yes", interprets allusions and irony, and reconstructs compressed forms like "should've" without assuming an unheard vocal delivery. Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: three neighbours deciding how to share the cost of repairing your shared roof, followed through displayed messages and conversation.

Public discourse

Goal: communicate responsibly in a challenging public exchange. Outcome: mediates, opens with "By the end, I'll ask you for one decision", leads with "Recommend we proceed, subject to ...", corrects with "Let me correct one point of fact" and closes with "Here is what we will do by ...". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a public debate about a new road through your town.

Big public moments

Goal: handle a big public or ceremonial moment with clear and considerate language. Outcome: announces hard news, toasts, offers sympathy and declines an honour with "I'll come straight to it", "Please join me in raising your glasses", "I'm honoured to be asked, but ...". Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: speeches and hard news at a community gathering in the local hall.

Wit and diplomacy

Goal: repair misunderstandings and manage delicate exchanges while preserving relationships. Outcome: offers face-saving interpretations with "I may have explained it badly", corrects facts precisely with "Unless I'm mistaken, that was ...", chooses optional self-directed humour and closes with "I won't keep you" and an explicit follow-up when needed. Default running scene, if the learner's context gives none: a dinner party with friends of friends.