Speaking: Fluency & Coherence B1 - Lesson 1
Speaking with More Flow on Familiar Topics
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to structure a longer answer on a familiar topic using discourse markers and connectors to improve your speaking flow.
"Level Up" Your Fluency
At B1 level, fluency is not just about avoiding pauses. It's about creating flow1 by structuring your thoughts and connecting them smoothly. Let's compare an A2 answer with a more fluent B1 answer.
Question: "What do you like to do in your free time?"
Good A2 Answer (A list of simple sentences):
"I like to read books. I also like to watch movies. I sometimes hang out with my friends."
Better B1 Answer (A structured answer with flow):
"Well, that's a good question. In my free time, I have a few hobbies that I really enjoy. First of all, I love reading, especially5 fantasy novels. Also, I'm a big fan of watching movies. For example4, I saw the new Marvel movie last week. And sometimes, if I'm not too tired, I like to hang out with my friends, you know, just go to a café and chat."
Your Fluency Toolkit
- Flow (in speaking): Speaking smoothly and continuously, with ideas that connect well logically: ភាពរលូន ↩
- Discourse Marker: A word or phrase that organizes speech and signals a change or connection (e.g., Well, Anyway, First of all): ពាក្យរៀបចំការនិយាយ ↩
- Also: A word used to add another point or idea: ផងដែរ ↩
- For example: A phrase used to introduce a specific example of what you are talking about: ឧទាហរណ៍ ↩
- Especially: A word used to show that one thing is more important or true than others: ជាពិសេស ↩
- I mean...: A phrase used to correct yourself or to explain something more clearly: ខ្ញុំចង់មានន័យថា... ↩
Pronunciation Focus: Chunking and Pausing
To speak for a longer time with good flow, you must break your speech into "chunks" or "thought groups". You say one chunk smoothly, pause briefly, and then say the next chunk.
Listen to how the B1 answer can be chunked. A slash (/) shows a place for a short, natural pause.
First of all, / I love reading, / especially fantasy novels. / Also3, / I'm a big fan of watching movies. / For example, / I saw the new Marvel movie last week.
Pausing between chunks gives you time to think and helps your listener to follow you easily.
Structuring a Longer Answer
When you have to speak for a longer time, don't just say random sentences. Follow a simple structure.
1. Opening Phrase: Start with a discourse marker2 to give yourself time to think.
Examples: "Well...", "That's an interesting question...", "Let me see..."
2. State Your Main Point: Give your first main idea.
Example: "First of all, I really enjoy traveling."
3. Add a Detail or Example: Give more specific information.
Example: "...For example4, last year I went to Mondulkiri."
4. Add Another Point: Use a connector to add your second idea.
Example: "Also, I like to read books about history."
5. Self-Correct if Needed: If you make a mistake, don't stop! Use a phrase to correct yourself.
Example: "I went last year, I mean6, two years ago."
Practice Your Flow
Activity 1: Upgrade the Connection
Combine the two simple sentences using the more advanced connector in parentheses.
- I like Khmer food. I really like amok. (especially) -> I like Khmer food, especially amok.
- She is a great student. She always gets top marks. (For example) -> She is a great student. For example, she always gets top marks.
- He likes playing sports. He enjoys reading. (Also) -> He likes playing sports. Also, he enjoys reading.
Activity 2: One-Minute Talk
Work with a partner. Choose one of these familiar B1 topics: Your Hometown / Your Job / Your Favorite Holiday. Take one minute to prepare some keywords. Then, try to speak about the topic for one full minute. Use the 4-step structure (Opening, Main Point, Detail, Add another point). Your partner will listen for your flow and use of connecting words.
Your Fluency Mission
This week in Siem Reap, your mission is to practice speaking with better flow.
Choose one familiar topic (like your studies or hobbies). Plan a short talk using the 4-step structure from this lesson. Practice saying it until you can speak for one minute. Try to include phrases like "For example..." and "Also...". Recording yourself on your phone is a great way to check your flow!