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Micro Lessons (15 Minute Boosters) - Set 1

A set of 10 compact IELTS micro lessons you can run in 15 minutes each. Every lesson has a clear goal, offline friendly materials, a minute by minute plan, success checks, and a quick extension. Use them between classes or on busy days to build reading speed, listening accuracy, writing control, speaking fluency, and core vocabulary. Simple steps, strong results, and easy to track progress.

4 Minute Read
Last Updated 3 months ago

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.