4-3-2 Speaking Activity

Same story told three times to different partners with decreasing time: 4, 3, then 2 minutes.

Procedure

1. Assign or let students choose a familiar topic.
2. Round 1: Student A talks to Student B for 4 minutes.
3. Students change partners.
4. Round 2: Same story, new partner, 3 minutes.
5. Students change partners again.
6. Round 3: Same story, final partner, 2 minutes.

Tips

• Topics must use language learners already know -- this is fluency practice, not new learning.
• Use a visible timer and give 30-second warnings before transitions.
• Pair with 3/3/3 (no time pressure, same format) on a previous day to build accuracy first.
• Number students 1-2; 1s move clockwise each round to avoid repeat partners.