Knowing how to replace coffee with tea in one memorised sentence is a start, not the destination. A useful speaking drill changes the information, then changes what you want to achieve, and finally removes the prompt.
Use substitution to vary meaningful details and expansion to add a reason, time or condition. Each repetition should still communicate something plausible.
Round one: replace details that matter
Take I'd like to book a table for two. and adapt it to three real needs: I'd like to book a table for four., I'd like to book a table near the window., or I'd like to book a table for tomorrow evening.
Listen to a model, speak each version, and check that the result makes sense. Replacing a word just because it fits a blank is not enough; I'd like to book a blue practises a position on the page, not a useful request.
Round two: add one communicative detail
Start with Could you help me? and add one layer at a time: Could you help me with this form?, then Could you help me with this form before lunch?, and finally I'm not sure about this section.
You don't have to say the entire expanded version every time. If a colleague already knows the form and the deadline, a shorter request is better. Expansion gives you options; it doesn't reward the longest possible sentence.
Round three: let the situation choose the wording
Now ask a colleague for help, ask a shop assistant for an exchange, and explain a delivery problem to a neighbour. Could you may still work, but Can we... or Would it be possible to... might fit better.
If you can only reproduce the original sentence with a different noun, you have rehearsed a pattern but haven't tested flexible use. Change the listener, goal or constraint, not just the vocabulary.
Give yourself useful feedback
Record only three or four versions per round. First ask whether a listener would understand the request. Then listen to the changed word's stress. Finally check one language issue rather than stopping over every preposition.
Choose natural combinations with the help of formulaic chunks, remove the written support gradually through model fading, and use interleaved practice when you need to choose among several patterns.
In MirrorSay, start with the meaning you want to express, listen to a natural version and repeat it. Then change the time, listener and goal. The app repairs a sentence; your final unscripted response completes the practice.
References
- Nation, I. S. P., & Newton, J. (2009). *Teaching ESL/EFL Listening and Speaking*. Routledge. DOI
- Cambridge University Press & Assessment. (2024). *Drill down: Three reasons to use drills in your EFL classroom*. Teaching article
*MirrorSay is a free AI speaking practice app. Say what you want to express, see a natural native version, hear it and shadow it. No sign-up required, with on-device processing whenever possible.*