Teacher Guide: How to Use Perspicacity Modules

Perspicacity modules are designed to be easy to run, low-prep, and flexible.
This guide explains how to use them confidently in real classrooms, without extra preparation or specialist knowledge.

What is a Perspicacity module?

A Perspicacity module is a short, speaking-focused activity (25–30 minutes) that combines:

  • clear language practice
  • structured discussion
  • simple critical thinking

Each module can be used on its own or as part of a wider theme.

What materials do I need?

Each module includes:

  • a teacher–student PDF (teacher notes + student handout)
  • a 3-slide PowerPoint

That’s all you need.

No extra worksheets, videos, or background reading are required.

The Perspicacity lesson flow (3 simple steps)

All modules follow the same structure.

1. See & Think (Slide 1)

You show an image or prompt and ask students to observe and discuss.

Typical questions:

  • What can you see?
  • What is happening?
  • What do you think?

This stage activates ideas and lowers speaking anxiety.

2. Language Tools (Slide 2)

You model the key language students will need.

This may include:

  • sentence starters
  • useful grammar
  • linking words

Keep this stage short and oral.
Students do not need to write anything yet.

3. Model & Discuss (Slide 3 + Handout)

You give a short model example, then students work in pairs or small groups using the handout.

There are no right answers.
The focus is on:

  • clarity of expression
  • giving reasons
  • listening to others

How long does a module take?

Most modules take 25–30 minutes.

They can be used:

  • as a full speaking lesson
  • as part of a longer lesson
  • as a warm-up or follow-up to a coursebook unit

Teachers often combine two or three modules into a 90–120 minute sequence.

Do students need background knowledge?

No. All tasks are designed so that:

  • ideas come from the images and prompts
  • everyday knowledge is enough
  • imagination and reasoning are encouraged

Teachers do not need to teach subject content before the activity.

What is the teacher’s role?

The teacher’s role is to:

  • model language clearly
  • encourage participation
  • prompt students to explain their ideas

You do not need to:

  • correct every mistake
  • judge answers as right or wrong
  • provide expert knowledge

Focus on communication, not perfection.

Differentiation and mixed ability

Perspicacity modules work well in mixed-ability classes.

Simple ways to differentiate:

  • provide sentence starters on the board
  • allow stronger students to give longer explanations
  • ask confident groups to give two possible answers instead of one

Assessment

Assessment is informal and light-touch.

You can ask:

  • Is the student making a clear point?
  • Is a reason given?
  • Is the message understandable?

Formal marking is not required.

Adapting the modules

You are encouraged to adapt modules to suit your class.

You can:

  • shorten or extend discussions
  • change group size
  • remove or add one question
  • link the topic to your current unit

The structure remains the same.

Licensing and classroom use

Perspicacity resources are licensed for classroom use by the purchasing teacher.

They may be:

  • printed
  • shared with students in that class
  • reused across different groups

They may not be redistributed or uploaded to shared platforms.

Why Perspicacity?

Perspicacity modules help students:

  • speak more confidently
  • explain ideas more clearly
  • think before they answer

They fit naturally into existing lessons and support language development without adding pressure.

Next steps

If you’re new to Perspicacity:

  • download the free sample module from the Resources page
  • explore the Animals & Conservation theme
  • try one module and see how students respond