Exam part 1
How many questions should you ask in Part 1?
No fixed number, candidates should be given equal opportunities to speak.
At which point do you hand over the pictures?
At which point do you hand over the candidate material?
As directed in the rubric “Here are some ideas for… and a question for you to discuss”
How many questions do you need to ask from the list given?
As many as needed to fill 4 minutes.
Do you need to use all the packs?
You should try to use as many different packs as possible and vary the combinations, for security.
Should you ask candidate A all his/her questions and then move to candidate B; or should you alternate?
Do you place the pictures in the middle of the table or give them to the candidate whose turn it is?
Put it on the table in front of the candidate whose turn it is.
Can you leave the candidate material on the table during Part 4?
No, it is retrieved at the end of Part 3.
Do you ask one candidate in turn a question, or is it a ‘three-way discussion’?
You should vary the pattern of questioning, sometimes to individual and other times to both candidates.
How do you choose the materials? Do you start with Set 1 and 2 and 21 and then work your way through? Do you have a different system? Is one way more correct than another?
Answers will vary. Examiners should try to vary their approach to increase security
How long does Part 1 last? When do you start timing Part 1?
Should you look at the candidate while he/she is talking for one minute?
Yes, you should use eye contact to encourage the candidate to speak.
Can you maintain eye contact with the candidates during Part 3?
You should withdraw eye contact so candidates talk to each other and not you, unless there is a problem.
Do you need to ask the questions in order?
The questions are in order so they gradually widen the scope of the discussion, so you should aim to do this if possible, but don’t ask a question that candidates have already discussed. It is important to try to ask the final questions as these are designed to ‘push’ the candidates the most.
As interlocutor, do you give the assessor the numbers of the packs you are going to use in advance?
Yes, you should do this before each test starts.
At which point do you introduce yourself and ask for candidate names and mark sheets?
At the beginning of the test, as per the rubrics.
Do you have to retrieve the pictures after the canidate has finished his/her long turn ?
Yes, as directed in the rubric.
How can you’“withdraw’ from the test when necessary?
By leaning back slightly and not looking at the candidates.
Can you add comments to the candidates’ responses, such as, “Really?” or “Mm, I see”?
You should try to avoid this, but should use the candidates’ names, gesture and enquiring looks to encourage candidates to react or comment on their partner’s ideas.
Can/should you discuss the marks at the end?
No, no discussion of marks is allowed.
Do you say anything at the end of Part 1, such as “Thank you”?
No, you move directly on to Part 2.
What do you do if a candidate speaks less or more than a minute.
You use body language to elicit more speaking or to politely stop the long turn
Can/should you intervene in Part 3?
Only if there is a breakdown of interaction (see Instructions booklet)
Should you ask the same number of questions to both candidates?
Not necessarily. The most important thing is to keep sample equality
Can/should you ‘alter’ the material or reword the questions and promps ?
No, the material must be used exactly as described and you must use the exact words in the rubrics.