Speaking Test Notes

The Speaking Test is with a partner. It has 2 parts and lasts about 8 - 10 minutes.  If there is an odd number of students, the last group will be a group of 3 and will last 13-15 minutes. 
Part 1: "getting to know you" questions; talk about yourself.
Part 2: the candidates talk to each other about pictures on a specific topic. Discuss a topic, talk about likes and dislikes, giving reasons. 

1. There are 2 examiners. Both will give you marks, but only one will ask you questions. 
2. Relax and have fun. The examiners want you to do well.
3. Don't compare yourself to your partner.  Students are marked individually. 
4. Listen and react to what the examiner and your partner say, but don't interrupt.  In the 1st part, you will speak to the examiner. In part 2, to your partner. Be prepared to ask them questions and start the discussion. 
5. Speak clearly and loud enough for both examiners to hear you.
6. Answer in full sentences, not just one word.
7. You can ask the examiner to repeat the instructions. This will not affect your score.  REMEMBER that REPEAT means to say something again.
8. If you don't understand, say so. For example, if the examiner asks, "Which foreign languages are you studying?" and you don't understand foreign, you can say: 

• I'm sorry. I don't understand "foreign".
• What does "foreign" mean?
• What is "foreign"?

        9. If you can't remember a word you would like to use, explain it: 

• "I can't remember the word. It's something we use to keep our pens and erasers in." (Are you talking about a pencil case?)
• "We usually wear them in the winter when it's cold; not shoes, but those things we wear on our feet and cover our ankles or go up higher on our legs."  (Do you mean boots?)

        10. The clock is always ticking, so keep talking. Show that you understand the question and know the vocabulary.   Don't worry if the  examiner stops you.  This is due to the time limit. All candidates are given equal time. 

        11. A true answer is not always necessary.  If you can't remember what the weather was like, what you had for lunch, or what you wore yesterday, don't say you don't remember. You can answer anyway:

• It was cold and rainy / It was warm and sunny. / It rained in the morning, but it was sunny in the afternoon.
• I had a ham and cheese sandwich with some chips. / I had pasta with tomato sauce, some chicken and a salad. 
• I wore jeans,  a hoodie], and trainers.  / I wore a sweatsuit** because I had football practice after school.
  (*hooded sweatshirt; **tracksuit, sweats, sweatpants and sweatshirt)

       

Be sure to see the other posts on Speaking and watch the videos of some speaking tests.