Format 1
How long should each part of the test take?
Pairs / Trios:
p1: 2-3 / 3-4
p2: 2-3 / 4-5
p3: 3 / 4
p4: 3 / 4
TOTAL: 10-12 / 15-17
Which materials are used for a group of three? How are they different?
Check speaking packs. The same Part 1 material is used. In Parts 2, 3 and 4, only sets 7 or 8 may be used for groups, as these contain additional rubrics and visual material for the third candidate.
How many questions should the interlocutor ask in each phase of Part 1?
In Phase 1, there is a fixed number of questions to ask each candidate. In Phase 2, each candidate should be asked at least one, different question, according to the time available.
How long is each candidate required to speak in Part 2 of the test?
No more than a minute. Candidates are not expected to fill a minute and may be able to complete the task adequately in less time. If a candidate has difficulty speaking and/or stops before one minute has elapsed, the interlocutor should make use of any or all of the back-up prompts in the examiner booklet. If the candidate continues to have difficulty and cannot continue speaking, it may be more appropriate to proceed to the next part of the test before one minute has elapsed. However, interlocutors must always wait for at least 5 seconds before saying ‘Thank you’ and bringing the long turn to a premature close. This pause ensures that candidates are given an opportunity to extend their long turn if they wish.
How should examiners introduce themselves at the beginning of the test?
According to the interlocutor frame in Part 1. The norm is to give both first name and surname.
To what extent should examiners follow the frames provided in the materials?
The exact wording should be followed without variation. There should be no unscripted comments or questions.
When should a Back-up question be used in Part 1?
If a candidate fails to respond, or asks for clarification, even after the original question has been repeated.
What should the interlocutor do in case of breakdown of the interaction in Part 3?
If the interaction fails to develop or breaks down completely, the interlocutor should intercede and give an additional prompt. This can take the form of a repetition of all or part of the rubric or pointing to a visual. Interlocutors must not appear to be taking part in the task themselves, however, and so direct questions related to the material must not be asked.
How should the seating be arranged?
As described in the Instructions to Speaking Examiners Section 2.1.
In which part of the test should the assessor concentrate on discourse management?
Throughout. Candidates are assessed against all criteria in all parts of the test. Discourse Management is a feature of both interactive and descriptive language.
Should candidates be asked the same number of questions in Phase 2 of Part 1?
Not necessarily. As candidate responses may vary in length, one candidate may be asked one question, while their partner is asked two. This is acceptable so long as each candidate is provided an equal opportunity to speak in the given time frame.
In what order should the Part 4 questions be used?
The interlocutor should select the most appropriate questions following the candidates’ discussion in Part 3. The order in which the questions appear in the interlocutor frame is intended to gradually widen the scope of the discussion so that it develops away from the collaborative task. The interlocutor should follow the order of the questions unless it seems inappropriate to do so (e.g. likely to elicit repetition).
May candidates choose to take the test in a group of three?
No. The group format is only permissible where there is an odd number of candidates at a centre. The group will always be the last to be examined in a session, so that if there is an unexpected absentee, and therefore an even number of candidates, the group format is avoided altogether.
What are the four analytical assessment criteria used in assessing candidates?
Grammar and Vocabulary, Discourse Management, Pronunciation, Interactive Communication.
When are the Part 2 Candidate Booklets handed out and when are they retrieved?
When instructed in the Interlocutor frame. After Candidate A’s long turn the booklet is retrieved and turned over for Candidate B’s long turn.
Can both candidates be asked the same question in Part 4?
Yes. There are prompts in the box in the Examiner booklet so that both candidates can be given the opportunity to respond on a question topic. The interlocutor may specifically invite one of the candidates to respond or throw the question open to the pair.