SPEAKING (5-7 minutes)

Test format
This test contains two parts. The standard format for Speaking test is one
candidate and one examiner. The examiner acts as an assessor and joins in the
conversation by asking questions and setting up the tasks.
Task types
Short exchanges with the examiner.
Timing
5 to 7 minutes per candidate.
Marks
Candidates are assessed on their performance throughout the test. There are a
total of 25 marks in this test making 25% of the total score for the whole
examination.
Preparing for the Speaking Test
Take every opportunity to practise your English with as many people as possible,
Asking and answering questions in simple role plays provides useful practice.
These role plays should focus on everyday language and situation and involve
questions about daily activities and familiar experiences. It is also a good idea to
practise exchanging information about things such as costs and opening times
of, for example, a local sports centre.
Par
t
1

Task Type and Format

Task focus

Timing

Each candidate interacts with

the examiner.
The examiner will ask the
candidate some questions.
The examiner follows a frame
to guide the conversation,
ensure standardization and
control level of input.
These questions will be about

Language normally
associated with the
candidates daily life, past
experience and future plans.
For example, the candidate
may have to speak about
his/ her school, job, hobbies
or home town.
Bio-data-type questions to
respond to.
Factual information of a nonpersonal kind related to
daily life

3-4 minutes

This is prompt card activity.

Candidate interacts with the
examiner.
The examiner reads out
instructions and gives an
answer card with some
information on it to the
candidate.

2-3 minutes

The examiner asks and the

candidates answer questions
using prompt material.

Assessment
The candidate is assessed on his/ her own individual performance. The assessor
awards marks according to: Grammar and Vocabulary, Pronunciation and
Interactive Communication. Then, she awards a mark for overall performance.
Grammar and Vocabulary
This refers to the candidates ability to use vocabulary and structure. It also
covers the ability to paraphrase to convey meaning
Pronunciation
This refers to the intelligibility of speech. Having an accent from the candidates
first language is not penalised if it does not affect communication.
Interactive Communication
This refers to the candidates ability to take part in the interaction appropriately.
Hesitation while the candidate searches for language is expected and is not
penalised so long as it does not strain the patience of the listener. Candidates
are given credit for being able to ask for repetition or clarification if necessary.

PACK ONE
Part 1 (3-4 minutes)
1. Hello, I would like to ask you some questions about yourself. Whats your
name?
2. Whats your surname? How do you spell it?
3. Where do you live?
4. What is your position in the company?
5. What do you do in your free time?
Part 2 (2-3 minutes)
The examiner reads out these instructions and gives an answer card to the
candidate.
Here is some information about a museum. The examiner doesnt know
anything about the museum so she will ask some questions about it.
Now, you answer them.

PACK TWO
Part 1 (3-4 minutes)
1. Hello, I would like to ask you some questions about yourself. Whats your
name?
2. Where are you from?
3. How long have you lived here?
4. Tell me about your house/ flat
5. What music do you like?
Part 2 (2-3 minutes)
The examiner reads out these instructions and gives an answer card to the
candidate.
Here is some information about a skateboarding competition. The
examiner doesnt know anything about the competition so she will ask
some questions about it. Now, you answer them.

PACK THREE
Part 1 (3-4 minutes)
1. Hello, I would like to ask you some questions about yourself. Whats your
name?
2. Whats your surname?
3. Where do you come from?
4. Can you play the piano?
5. Tell me about your favourite CD.
Part 2 (2-3 minutes)
The examiner reads out these instructions and gives an answer card to the
candidate.

Here is some information about a horse-riding lesson advertisement.

The examiner doesnt know anything about the lesson details so she
will ask some questions about it. Now, you answer them.

Where is the Willow Riding School?

Are the lessons expensive?
What do you have to wear?
Are there lessons on Fridays?
Are the horses friendly?

PACK FOUR
Part 1 (3-4 minutes)
1. Hello, I would like to ask you some questions about yourself. Whats your
name?
2. How do you spell your name?
3. Where do you live?
4. What did you do yesterday?
5. What will you do next weekend?
Part 2 (2-3 minutes)
The examiner reads out these instructions and gives an answer card to the
candidate.

Here is some information about a bird park. The examiner doesnt know
anything about the park so she will ask some questions about it. Now,
you answer them.

PACK FIVE
Part 1 (3-4 minutes)
1. Hello, I would like to ask you some questions about yourself. Whats your
position in the company?
2. What do you like to read?
3. What do you like doing with your friends?
4. Where did you meet your best friend?
5. When do you prefer to be with friends?
Part 2 (2-3 minutes)

The examiner reads out these instructions and gives an answer card to the
candidate.
Here is some information about some football lessons. The examiner
doesnt know anything about the lessons so she will ask some
questions about it. Now, you answer them.

PACK SIX
Part 1 (3-4 minutes)
1. Hello, I would like to ask you some questions about yourself. Where do you
live?
2. How long have you lived here?
3. Tell me about your house/ flat.
4. What do you like to do in your free time?
5. What is your position in the company?

Part 2 (2-3 minutes)

The examiner reads out these instructions and gives an answer card to the
candidate.
Here is some information about maths lessons. The examiner doesnt
know anything about the lessons so she will ask some questions about
it. Now, you answer them.