Section outline

◄Topic 2
►Topic 4

  • Now that you have read through the Speaking Assessment Criteria Grids, you may want to practise marking a speaking test. Listen to the candidate responses below, make a note of the strengths and weaknesses of the candidate and give a mark, before you read the moderator comments and marks. 

    Please note: Information about the candidate and centre has been removed from the start of the recording to protect the identity of the candidate, however it is very important to include this information when submitting audios for moderation.



    • High level response


      • Listen to high level response

    • Moderator comments (Part 1 Presentation)

      Conduct of the test:
      The examiner follows the Speaking examination protocol correctly. She introduces the candidate putting her at ease. She explains the three parts examination and time allocation for each part.
      Content and Presentation:

      The candidate gives a well structured and organised presentation. She uses props to illustrate the concept related to the topic of Festival of Diwali which creates a lively presentation and sustains interest. She mentions two different theories behind the reason for celebrating Diwali and says which one she believes to be true. She describes the traditional practices of having fireworks to celebrate Diwali and gives her own opinion by saying that she does not like fireworks as they cause air and noise pollution. She goes on to support her opinion by the data about the three fold increase in air and noise pollution during the festival period. She expresses her own idea of how to celebrate Diwali by sharing food and drinks with friends and family.

      Vocabulary, Pronunciation, Intonation:
      The candidate uses a wide range of topic appropriate vocabulary accurately, with clear pronunciation and intonation. She uses words like उत्साह (enthusiasm), उमंग (excitement), खुशियाँ मनाना (celebrating happiness), भारतीय संस्कृति का एक महत्वपूर्ण त्योहार (an important festival of Indian culture) etc to convey the atmosphere of festivity. When asked about the meaning of the word ‘Diwali’, she gives a clear and full explanation. दीवाली शब्द का अर्थ है दीपों का कतार या पंक्ति, दीवाली के दिन हम दीप जलाकर...।Her responses are prompt and precise.


      Structures:
      The candidate uses some complex structures accurately and fluently to describe the two different theories for celebrating Diwali, दीवाली के बारे में विभिन्न समुदाय के लोग विभिन्न मान्यताएँ रखते हैं। रामायण में राम और सीता के बनवास से लौटने की खुशी में लोग दीवाली मनाते हैं और दूसरे समुदाय का यह मानना है कि नरकासुर नामक असुर के वध के कारण दीवाली मनाई जाती है।.

      Mark awarded = 20 out of 20

    • Moderator comments (Part 2 Topic conversation)

      Conduct of the test:
      The examiner handles the test competently; she asks an implicit question and slightly changes the direction of conversation by asking if Diwali means just food and drink or anything else.
      The candidate responds well to changes in the conversation brought about by the examiner and gives a full answer. She shows the ability to present and justify a point of view and uses complex sentences such as, दीवाली महत्वपूर्ण है क्योंकि यह एक पारंपरिक त्योहार है, हम अपनी परंपरा को भूलते नहीं हैं। इसके अलावा दीवाली एक धार्मिक त्योहार भी है,   अंत में दीवाली का असली मकसद बुराई पर भलाई की जीत है। (Diwali is more than food and drink; it’s about following our traditions and spending happy times with friends and family. It means that we do not forget our traditions. Besides, it is also a religious festival and finally its real aim is to show the victory of Good over Evil).

      Comprehension and Responsiveness:
      The candidate’s responses are natural and spontaneous even to unexpected questions. She demonstrates a thorough knowledge of her chosen topic’s personal, social and religious significances. She shows the ability to process questions which have more than one part and answers all the parts precisely. The candidate’s sequential response to a question about vegetarian and non vegetarian dietary habits, its effect on health and what constitutes a balanced diet exemplifies her understanding and responsiveness.

      Vocabulary, Pronunciation, Intonation:
      The candidate uses a wide range of vocabulary to a good effect. पौष्टिक और संतुलित आहार का ग्रहण करना चाहिए, पर्यावरण को हानि, नापसंद

      Structures:
      The candidate uses a variety of structures (relative clauses, passive structures etc) accurately and effectively. खाने पीने की अच्छी आदत की शिक्षा घर से शुरू होनी चाहिए, पर स्कूलों की भी जिम्मेदारी है, वे मेरी बात सुनने को तैयार नहीं हैं, पर अभी भी कोशिश जारी है, यहाँ हम देख सकते हैं कि...मिठाइयाँ बाँटकर शुभकामना देती हूँ।.
      Mark awarded = 20 out of 20

    • Moderator comments (Part 3 General conversation) 

      Conduct of the test:
      The examiner informs the candidate about the topics for the General conversation. She make the General conversation interactive by asking carefully structured secondary questions to follow up from the candidate's previous answers. The question about her plans for further studies leads up to the next question about her career plans. 
      Comprehension and Responsiveness:
      The candidate seems to enjoy sharing her future education plans and chosen career path. Her responses are clearly considered and well developed. She displays a sustained ability to maintain the conversation and contributes extensively. She sustains the examiner’s interest as well as answers her question about instead of wanting to become a teacher why she doesn’t want to pursue a career in engineering. The candidate explains that there are plenty of people studying engineering; her aim is to train as a teacher to help those children who do not get the opportunity to attend school. She also explains the step by step route to her chosen career path.


      Vocabulary, Pronunciation, Intonation:
      The candidate uses precise vocabulary with clear pronunciation; she uses some phrases, almost like a first language speaker.

      शिक्षा को बाँटना चाहिए, बेचना नहीं (education should be shared, not sold), कहा जाता है कि सुबह के खाने को बादशाह की तरह खाना चाहिए और रात के खाने को भिखारी की तरह।.

      Structures:
      The candidate shows a good command of vocabulary to respond precisely and communicate sophisticated ideas about her future planning, healthy life style etc. She does not need any prompting and responds relevantly at length while keeping the flow of conversation, sustaining the examiner's interest.

      Mark awarded = 20 out of 20

    • Moderator comments (Whole test)

      How the examiner performance could improve:
      An exemplary Speaking examination. The timings of each part are appropriate. The examiner also provides the candidate opportunities to perform best to her ability. Considering the strength of the candidate, some of the questions could have been a little implicit.


      How the candidate performance could improve:
      A strong candidate. She came well prepared and handled the test competently. She remained relaxed throughout to make the experience an enjoyable one.


      Common mistakes and misconceptions:
      There are some errors in correct use of verbs, उत्साहित बनाते हैं (उत्साहित करते हैं), some confusion with gender of common nouns like दीपों का कतार (दीपों की कतार) ,शिक्षा घर से शुरू होता है। but these errors do not impede meaning.

      Total mark awarded = 60 out of 60

◄Topic 2
►Topic 4