Conduct of the test: The test is very well conducted and there are no recommendations for improvement.
The examiner has a sympathetic approach and uses appropriate questions in the warm
up. She selects an appropriate speaking assessment card based on the candidate’s
responses to her questions in the warm up.
Introduction:The examiner introduces the test with the candidate number and name.
Part A: (Explanation of the test) The examiner reads the script from the Teacher’s/Examiner’s Notes to the candidate
and asks the candidate if he had any questions.
Part B: (Warm up) Adequate
time is given (3’20”). The examiner uses appropriate warm up questions “Can
you tell me a bit about what you like to do in your free time?” “How long have
you been playing the guitar?”
Part C:(Preparation time) Adequate
time is given (2’13”). However, the candidate has not understood the word
‘Awards’. The examiner attempts to explain the meaning to the candidate but is not entirely successful.
Part D: (Assessed discussion) Adequate
time is given (9’45”) and all prompts are used. The examiner paraphrases the
prompts when the candidate does not understand and uses open questions
throughout in an attempt to draw out the candidate.
Structure: The
candidate generally uses very simple, limited structures: “I got a lot free
time.” “…it feel happy.”, “… play basketball five or six times per week.” He also attempts more complex
structures: “After I become famous than
before, more people knows me.”, “I have to work hard than others, that’s why I
can win”. This demonstrates that the candidate has ambition and can improve by
focusing on subject/ verb agreement, accurate use of verb tenses and a wider
range of connecting words. Mark awarded = 3 out of 10 Vocabulary: The
candidate uses a restricted range of vocabulary, which limits his ability to
convey simple ideas. He did not
understand some vocabulary used in the speaking assessment card and by the examiner: awards, worth, encourage. There is hesitation, particularly in
responding to prompt 3, and a lot of repetition: win, play, free time, more time, for example. Mark awarded = 3 out of 10 Development and fluency: The examiner encourages the candidate to go beyond responses which are
brief and widely spaced. The candidate is not able to develop a conversation, although he does respond to all of the
prompts. Prompt 2 – “…advantages is I become more famous, disadvantages is I
need to spend more time in it”. Prompt 4
– “…if you like the sport, you will do this not only for win award.” Prompt 5 –
“For example, MBA players, they win a lot but they also want win more.” He replies to most of the examiner’s
questions in a limited way. Hesitation
in speaking was probably due to his limited vocabulary rather than a shortage
of ideas. Pronunciation and intonation
cause some difficulty. Mark awarded = 4 out of 10
Moderator comments (whole test)
How the examiner performance could improve:
The examiner is sympathetic to this candidate and supports him by asking a wide range of open questions.
How the candidate performance could improve:
The
candidate should focus on the accurate use of articles and simple verb
structures. He needs to build on his basic core vocabulary relating to common
topics. The candidate would benefit from learning some topic specific vocabulary connected with sport, the environment, travel, work etc and then asking a friend to ask him questions on the topic. The candidate could improve development and fluency by practising speaking as much as possible with a teacher/friend on a familiar subject using a pre-prepared list of vocabulary. Common mistakes and misconceptions: When candidates ask for clarification, it is acceptable for examiners to explain the meaning of words and phrases used in the prompts. Examiners should remind candidates that they can ask questions, if needed. Examiners should familiarise themselves with the content of the speaking assessment cards prior to the examinations, and consider the additional clarification they might need to provide.
Some candidates ask for
clarification of the word ‘awards’. Weaker candidates struggle with understanding the difference between award and reward. Most candidates are able to give
examples of the advantages of winning an award in response to prompt 2 (usually
an award they had won in sport or at school), but some struggle to find a reason why winning an award
would have disadvantages. Some examiners help weaker candidates respond to
prompt 5 by suggesting the world of film.
Conduct of the test:
The test is very well conducted and there are no recommendations for improvement.
The examiner has a sympathetic approach and uses appropriate questions in the warm up. She selects an appropriate speaking assessment card based on the candidate’s responses to her questions in the warm up.
Introduction: The examiner introduces the test with the candidate number and name.
Part A: (Explanation of the test) The examiner reads the script from the Teacher’s/Examiner’s Notes to the candidate and asks the candidate if he had any questions.
Part B: (Warm up) Adequate time is given (3’20”). The examiner uses appropriate warm up questions “Can you tell me a bit about what you like to do in your free time?” “How long have you been playing the guitar?”
Part C: (Preparation time) Adequate time is given (2’13”). However, the candidate has not understood the word ‘Awards’. The examiner attempts to explain the meaning to the candidate but is not entirely successful.
Part D: (Assessed discussion) Adequate time is given (9’45”) and all prompts are used. The examiner paraphrases the prompts when the candidate does not understand and uses open questions throughout in an attempt to draw out the candidate.
Structure:
The candidate generally uses very simple, limited structures: “I got a lot free time.” “…it feel happy.”, “… play basketball five or six times per week.” He also attempts more complex structures: “After I become famous than before, more people knows me.”, “I have to work hard than others, that’s why I can win”. This demonstrates that the candidate has ambition and can improve by focusing on subject/ verb agreement, accurate use of verb tenses and a wider range of connecting words.
Mark awarded = 3 out of 10
Vocabulary:
The candidate uses a restricted range of vocabulary, which limits his ability to convey simple ideas. He did not understand some vocabulary used in the speaking assessment card and by the examiner: awards, worth, encourage. There is hesitation, particularly in responding to prompt 3, and a lot of repetition: win, play, free time, more time, for example.
Mark awarded = 3 out of 10
Development and fluency:
The examiner encourages the candidate to go beyond responses which are brief and widely spaced. The candidate is not able to develop a conversation, although he does respond to all of the prompts. Prompt 2 – “…advantages is I become more famous, disadvantages is I need to spend more time in it”. Prompt 4 – “…if you like the sport, you will do this not only for win award.” Prompt 5 – “For example, MBA players, they win a lot but they also want win more.” He replies to most of the examiner’s questions in a limited way. Hesitation in speaking was probably due to his limited vocabulary rather than a shortage of ideas. Pronunciation and intonation cause some difficulty.
Mark awarded = 4 out of 10