Mid-course Test Units 1-6 - Speakout Pre-intermediate

If you are currently navigating the Speakout Pre-Intermediate course, you know it is a dynamic blend of real-life English, BBC content, and practical communication skills. By the time you reach the mid-course point (covering Units 1 through 6), you have likely tackled everything from describing memories to making predictions about the future.

But now comes the checkpoint: The Mid-Course Test.

Whether you are a teacher preparing your students or a learner trying to pass with flying colors, this guide will break down exactly what Units 1-6 cover, the common traps students fall into, and actionable strategies to ace every section.

(Exact timing depends on your teacher or institution.)

The test frequently includes high-frequency irregular verbs from Units 3-4 (the "travel past"). You must know: drive → drove → driven; swim → swam → swum; ring → rang → rung.

Because students translate directly from their native language, they forget countable vs. uncountable nouns.

Good luck — consistent practice and targeted review of Units 1–6 will make the mid-course test manageable. If you want, I can generate a timed mini-test (listening script, reading text, Use of English, speaking prompts, and a writing task) based on Units 1–6.

Master Your Progress: Speakout Pre-Intermediate Mid-Course Test (Units 1-6)

Reaching the halfway point of the Speakout Pre-Intermediate course is a major milestone. You’ve moved beyond basic survival English and are now tackling more nuanced conversations, varied tenses, and essential life skills.

The Mid-Course Test (Units 1–6) is designed to evaluate how well you’ve internalized these lessons. Whether you’re a student preparing for the exam or a teacher looking to support your class, this guide breaks down the core components you need to master. What Does the Mid-Course Test Cover?

The test specifically targets the functional language, grammar, and vocabulary introduced in the first half of the Pearson Speakout Pre-Intermediate textbook. 1. Grammar Essentials speakout pre-intermediate mid-course test units 1-6

By Unit 6, you are expected to switch comfortably between different time frames. Key topics include:

Question Forms: Mastering auxiliary verbs (do, be, have) to ask open and closed questions.

Past Simple vs. Present Perfect: Knowing when to use "I went" (specific time) versus "I have been" (unspecified experience).

Future Plans: Differentiating between be going to (intentions) and Present Continuous (fixed arrangements).

Comparatives and Superlatives: Describing places, people, and objects.

Modals of Obligation: Using must, have to, and should for rules and advice. 2. Vocabulary Themes The test pulls from the thematic units you’ve studied:

Life & Work: Jobs, daily routines, and free-time activities.

Travel & Transport: Navigating cities and describing holidays. Health & Lifestyle: Food, exercise, and common ailments. Stories: Verbs for describing life events and sequences. 3. Functional Language (The "Speakout" Speciality)

One of the hallmarks of this course is "real-world" English. Expect questions on: Making requests and offers. Giving directions. Ordering food in a restaurant. Giving advice and making suggestions. Preparation Tips for Success Review the "Checklist" Pages

At the end of every unit in the Speakout book, tBefore the mid-course test, revisit the Language Bank and Vocabulary Bank for Units 1 through 6. These are the "cheat sheets" for everything that will appear on the exam. Focus on Irregular Verbs (Exact timing depends on your teacher or institution

Since Units 3 and 4 lean heavily on the Past Simple and Present Perfect, you must be confident with irregular past participles. If you still struggle with seen, gone, taken, or bought, now is the time to drill them. Listen to the BBC Clips

Speakout uses authentic BBC content to improve listening skills. Re-watching the video podcasts or listening to the unit audio tracks will help you get used to different accents and speeds of speech, which is vital for the listening portion of the test. Practice Writing "Short Texts"

The mid-course test often includes a writing task, such as an email to a friend or a short description of a past holiday. Focus on using linkers (because, but, however, although) to make your writing flow more naturally. Example Test Format

While versions may vary, most Speakout Mid-Course Tests follow this structure:

Grammar/Vocabulary (30–40 marks): Multiple choice, gap-fill, or "find the mistake" sentences.

Listening (10–20 marks): Two recordings with true/false or short-answer questions.

Reading (10–20 marks): An article or blog post followed by comprehension questions.

Writing (10–20 marks): A guided writing task of approximately 70–100 words. Conclusion

The Speakout Pre-Intermediate Mid-Course Test isn’t just about getting a grade; it’s about proving to yourself that you can communicate more effectively in English. By focusing on the transition between past and present tenses and polishing your functional "social" English, you’ll be well on your way to completing the second half of the course with confidence.

Many educators find these resources via the Pearson English Portal or official teacher resource discs. Test tip: If you can put a number in front of it (e

You’re looking for the “Speakout Pre-Intermediate Mid-Course Test (Units 1–6).”

Here’s what you need to know:

Here are three authentic-style questions you might encounter:

Grammar (Present Perfect vs. Past Simple – Note: Present Perfect is often introduced by Unit 6 in some editions, but check your syllabus) Complete the sentence: I ____ (never / be) to Japan, but I ____ (go) to China in 2019.

Answer: have never been / went

Vocabulary (Travel) Fill in the blank: Before you get on the plane, you must show your _____ at the gate.

Answer: boarding pass

Functional Language (Unit 2 – Asking for clarification) What do you say when you don’t understand someone on the phone? a) “Repeat.” b) “Sorry, could you say that again, please?” c) “What?”

Answer: b