Mini-Tasks by Theme: Speaking and Writing Prompts

What “Mini-Tasks by Theme” Means (and Why It Works)

Mini-tasks are short speaking or writing challenges that force you to use a small set of words from one theme in a realistic situation. Instead of memorizing vocabulary in isolation, you practice retrieving it under a clear goal (for example: “ask for help,” “describe a problem,” “make a plan,” “write a short message”). This creates a bridge between knowing a word and being able to use it quickly.

In this chapter, you will use prompts that are intentionally small and repeatable. Each mini-task is designed to fit into 3–10 minutes. You can do them alone (speaking to yourself, recording audio, or writing) or with a partner. The key is to keep the task narrow: one theme, one goal, a few target words, and a clear output.

Mini-task principles

• One theme at a time: Choose a theme (for example: “appointments,” “messages,” “weather,” “travel day,” “at the bank”). Keep the vocabulary set small.
• One communicative goal: Inform, ask, request, complain politely, invite, apologize, confirm, compare, or describe.
• Time limit: Short tasks reduce pressure and increase consistency.
• Recycling: Repeat the same task on different days with small changes (time, place, person, mood).
• Output matters: Always produce something: a 6–10 sentence text, a 60–90 second recording, a short dialogue, or a list of questions.

How to Do a Mini-Task (Step-by-Step)

Use this simple routine whenever you see a prompt in this chapter. It works for both speaking and writing.

Step 1: Pick a theme and select 8–12 target words

Choose a theme you want to strengthen. Then select a small set of words you want to force yourself to use. If you don’t have a list ready, choose words from your notes or from your last lesson. Keep it manageable.

Step 2: Choose a format (speaking or writing)

• Speaking: record yourself or speak aloud. Aim for 60–120 seconds.
• Writing: aim for 80–140 words (beginner-friendly but still challenging).

Step 3: Plan with a micro-outline (30 seconds)

Write 3–5 bullet points in German (even if simple). This prevents freezing and helps you include your target words.

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Step 4: Produce the output (no stopping)

Speak or write without pausing to look up every word. If you forget a word, paraphrase with what you know. Mark gaps with a symbol like “___” and continue.

Step 5: Quick self-check (2 minutes)

• Did you use at least 6 of your target words?
• Did you complete the communicative goal?
• Did you use simple connectors (und, aber, weil, dann, danach)?

Step 6: Upgrade (optional, 3 minutes)

Do one upgrade only:

• Add 2 questions.
• Add 2 time expressions (heute, morgen, am Montag, um 8 Uhr).
• Add 1 polite request (Könnten Sie…? / Kannst du…?).
• Rewrite in the past (gestern) or future (morgen).

Speaking Prompts: Micro-Dialogues (Role Play)

For these prompts, speak both roles: “A” and “B.” Keep each role to 2–4 lines. Repeat the same dialogue twice: first slowly, then at normal speed.

Prompt Set 1: Asking for information

• Task: You are new in a place. Ask for two pieces of information and confirm you understood. Output: 8–12 lines dialogue.
• Upgrade: Add one misunderstanding and a correction (Wie bitte? / Meinen Sie…?).

A: Entschuldigung, ich habe eine Frage. …? B: Ja, gern. … A: Danke. Und …? B: … A: Also, …, richtig? B: Genau.

Prompt Set 2: Making an appointment

• Task: Call and ask for an appointment. Offer two possible times. Accept or suggest a different time. Output: 60–90 seconds speaking.
• Upgrade: Add a reason (Ich brauche einen Termin, weil…).

Prompt Set 3: Polite complaint

• Task: You received something that is not correct. Explain the problem politely and ask for a solution. Output: 10–14 lines dialogue.
• Upgrade: Add one positive sentence first (Eigentlich ist alles gut, aber…).

Prompt Set 4: Invitation and response

• Task: Invite someone to a simple plan. The other person accepts but changes one detail (time/place). Output: 8–10 lines.
• Upgrade: Add a follow-up message: “See you then” with time and place.

Speaking Prompts: 60-Second Monologues

Set a timer for 60 seconds. Speak continuously. If you stop, restart the timer and try again. The goal is flow, not perfection.

Prompt Set 5: Describe your day (with a twist)

• Task: Describe today in 6–8 short sentences, but include one unexpected problem and how you solved it.
• Upgrade: Do the same story for “yesterday” and “tomorrow.”

Prompt Set 6: Compare two options

• Task: Compare two choices (two places, two activities, two products). Say what is better and why. Use at least two “weil” sentences.
• Upgrade: Add a final decision (Ich entscheide mich für…).

Prompt Set 7: Explain a simple process

• Task: Explain how to do something step-by-step (for example: how to prepare for a trip day, how to organize a small meeting, how to return an item). Use sequence words: zuerst, dann, danach, am Ende.
• Upgrade: Add one warning or tip (Wichtig: … / Tipp: …).

Prompt Set 8: Ask for help

• Task: You need help with a small problem. Explain what you need, ask two questions, and thank the person.
• Upgrade: Add a polite alternative: “If that’s not possible…” (Wenn das nicht geht, …).

Writing Prompts: Short Text Types You Actually Use

Writing mini-tasks are powerful because they slow you down just enough to notice gaps. Keep texts short and practical. After writing, read your text aloud once to connect writing and speaking.

Text Type 1: Short message (Nachricht)

Goal: Inform someone quickly and clearly.

• Prompt: Write a message to a friend: you are late, give a reason, suggest a new time, and ask for confirmation.
• Constraints: 60–90 words. Include one question.

Hallo …, ich bin … Minuten spät, weil … . Können wir uns um … treffen? Passt das für dich? Danke und bis gleich!

Text Type 2: Email request (formell)

Goal: Ask for information politely.

• Prompt: Write a short formal email asking for details (time, price, address) and how to register or book.
• Constraints: 90–130 words. Use a greeting and a closing line, but keep it simple.

Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, … Ich habe eine Frage zu … . Können Sie mir bitte sagen, …? Vielen Dank im Voraus. Mit freundlichen Grüßen …

Text Type 3: Note to yourself (Notiz)

Goal: Plan and remember.

• Prompt: Write a checklist for tomorrow with 8–10 items. Add times for at least three items.
• Constraints: Use short phrases, not full sentences.

Text Type 4: Mini-review (short opinion)

Goal: Express a simple opinion with reasons.

• Prompt: Write a short review of a place or service. Mention 2 positives, 1 negative, and 1 recommendation.
• Constraints: 90–120 words. Use “aber” and “weil.”

Theme-Based Prompt Bank (Mix-and-Match)

Choose one theme and one task. Then add your target words. This section is designed so you can reuse it many times without repeating the same output.

Theme: Communication and messages

• Speaking: Leave a voicemail: who you are, why you call, when you are available, and a callback request.
• Writing: Write a short chat conversation (6–8 lines) to confirm a plan and clarify one detail.
• Upgrade: Add a change of plan and an apology.

Theme: Time and scheduling

• Speaking: Explain your weekly schedule in simple blocks (morning/afternoon/evening) and mention two fixed appointments.
• Writing: Write a short plan for next week with 5 bullet points and 2 reasons (weil…).
• Upgrade: Add one “if” condition (Wenn…, dann…).

Theme: Weather and seasons

• Speaking: Describe today’s weather and what you wear because of it. Add what you prefer and why.
• Writing: Write a short forecast message to a friend: today, tomorrow, and the weekend.
• Upgrade: Add advice (Nimm… mit / Vergiss… nicht).

Theme: Travel day and accommodation

• Speaking: At a hotel: check in, ask about breakfast time, Wi‑Fi, and check-out time.
• Writing: Write a message to accommodation: arrival time, a request, and a question.
• Upgrade: Add a problem (room not ready / noise) and a polite solution request.

Theme: Money and payments

• Speaking: Ask if you can pay by card or cash, ask for a receipt, and confirm the amount.
• Writing: Write a short note: you track expenses for one day (3–5 items) and total cost.
• Upgrade: Add a budget limit (Ich möchte nicht mehr als … ausgeben).

Theme: Services and repairs

• Speaking: Describe a problem with a device or service, say when it started, and ask what to do next.
• Writing: Write a short complaint message with: problem, date, desired solution, and polite tone.
• Upgrade: Add a deadline request (Können Sie das bis … erledigen?).

Theme: Learning and language routine

• Speaking: Explain your learning routine: when you study, what you practice, what is difficult, and one goal for this week.
• Writing: Write a short learning diary entry (80–120 words): what you learned today and what you will repeat tomorrow.
• Upgrade: Add one question you want to ask a teacher or partner.

How to Build Your Own Mini-Tasks (Template)

When you want unlimited practice, use this template. It helps you create prompts that are always “just hard enough.”

Mini-task template

• Theme: ________
• Situation: Where are you and who are you talking to? ________
• Goal: Ask / inform / invite / complain / confirm / compare ________
• Target words (8–12): ________
• Output: 60–90 seconds speaking OR 90–130 words writing
• Must include: 1 question + 1 reason (weil) + 1 time expression

Example of a self-made mini-task

Theme: Scheduling

Situation: You write to a colleague.

Goal: Confirm a meeting and change the time.

Target words: Termin, Zeit, verschieben, passen, leider, morgen, um, kurz, bestätigen, treffen

Output: 90–110 words email/message.

Quality Control: Simple Checks That Improve Accuracy

Mini-tasks are fast, but you still need a small quality check so you don’t repeat the same mistakes. Use one of these checks after each task.

Check A: Verb position (quick scan)

Scan your sentences and look for the verb. In simple main clauses, the verb is usually in position 2. In “weil” clauses, the verb goes to the end. Don’t overthink it—just correct the obvious ones.

Check B: Questions (do you have at least one?)

Many learners avoid questions. Force one question into every mini-task. If you wrote none, add one at the end.

Check C: Replace repetition

If you used the same word too often (for example “gut” or “schön”), replace one with a more specific word you know. Keep it beginner-friendly: “praktisch,” “wichtig,” “einfach,” “teuer,” “billig,” “nah,” “weit.”

Progressive Challenge: 3 Levels for the Same Prompt

To avoid boredom and to create steady growth, repeat one prompt at three difficulty levels. Use the same theme and situation, but increase the language demands.

Level 1 (Beginner): Simple and clear

• 6–8 short sentences
• Mostly present tense
• 1 question

Level 2 (Stronger beginner): Add reasons and structure

• 8–10 sentences
• 2 “weil” sentences
• 2 time expressions

Level 3 (Confident beginner): Add a complication

• 10–12 sentences
• One problem + one solution
• One polite request

Mini-Task Packs (Ready-to-Use Weekly Rotation)

Use these packs when you don’t want to choose. Each pack is one speaking task and one writing task. Do them on different days, then repeat next week with new target words.

Pack 1: Plan + confirmation

• Speaking: Invite someone, propose two times, decide on one.
• Writing: Short message confirming time and place; include one question.

Pack 2: Problem + solution

• Speaking: Explain a problem and ask for help; thank the person.
• Writing: Polite complaint message with desired solution.

Pack 3: Information request

• Speaking: Ask for information and repeat it back to confirm.
• Writing: Short formal email asking for details (time, price, address).

Pack 4: Opinion + recommendation

• Speaking: Compare two options and choose one.
• Writing: Mini-review: 2 positives, 1 negative, 1 recommendation.

Optional: Recording and Reuse (Fast Feedback Loop)

If you record your speaking tasks, you can reuse them for quick improvement without extra study time.

Method

• Record 60–90 seconds.
• Listen once and write down 3 words you missed or wanted to say.
• Record again using those 3 words.

This keeps mini-tasks short but makes them cumulative: each repetition adds a small upgrade and strengthens active vocabulary.