Section outline

◄Topic 2
►Topic 4


  • Now that you have read the mark schemes, 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 examiner comments and marks below.

    Please note: Information about the candidate and centre has been removed from the recording to protect the identity of the candidate.


    • High level 1 response



    • Transcript High 1 File
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    • Section 1: Presentation

    • Content and Presentation: The teacher/examiner prompted the student to begin the presentation and appeared engaged throughout, as evidenced by their conversational expressions.

      The candidate demonstrated confidence in both language use and content. The presentation provided comprehensive and well-organised coverage of the topic, incorporating both ideas and opinions alongside factual points. It was a dynamic presentation that maintained the teacher/examiner’s interest throughout.

      The presentation did not make any reference to the contemporary society or cultural heritage of a country where Portuguese is spoken, therefore the mark should have been halved. 

      Mark awarded = 5 out of 10 


      Pronunciation and Intonation: The candidate demonstrated exceptional pronunciation and intonation, with only occasional minor slips or hesitations.

      Mark awarded = 5 out of 5


      Language: The candidate has a very good feeling for the language, speaks fluently and accurately. Moreover, they show good use of relevant idiom and use a wide range of structures and vocabulary. 

      Mark awarded = 5 out of 5


      Total mark awarded for Presentation = 15 out of 20 

    • Section 2: Topic Conversation

    • Comprehension & Responsiveness: The candidate has no problems with comprehension. The responses are natural and spontaneous even to unexpected questions. They are able to present and defend a point of view in discussion.

      Mark awarded = 10 out of 10


      Accuracy: Speech is consistently accurate, with only a couple of minor slips

      Mark awarded = 10 out of 10


      Feel for the Language: The candidate demonstrates a very good feeling for the language and is able to express concepts fluently in appropriate idiom

      Mark awarded = 10 out of 10


      Providing Information and Opinions: The candidate shows an extensive range of appropriate vocabulary and is able to use a wide range of structures with confidence. 

      Mark awarded = 5 out of 5


      Seeking Information and Opinions: The candidate asks one question spontaneously and another when prompted. In both cases, questions arose out of conversation and were relevant to the topic under discussion.

      Mark awarded = 5 out of 5


      Total mark awarded for Topic conversation = 40 out of 40


    • Section 3: General Conversation

    • Comprehension & Responsiveness: No problems with comprehension. The candidate responds naturally and spontaneously to a variety of questions related to hobbies and plans for after graduation from secondary school. They can defend a point of view in discussion.

      Mark awarded = 10 out of 10


      Accuracy: The candidate’s performance is consistently accurate throughout and shows a sound understanding of the grammar.

      Mark awarded = 10 out of 10


      Feel for the Language: The candidate has a very good feeling for the language and can discuss concepts fluently.  

      Mark awarded = 10 out of 10


      Providing Information and Opinions: The candidate shows great command of the language by using a wide range of vocabulary and structures with confidence. 

      Mark awarded = 5 out of 5


      Seeking Information and Opinions: The candidate asks questions to the teacher/examiner and engages with the answers. Questions are asked confidently and spontaneously, showing a high level of accuracy.

      Mark awarded = 5 out of 5


      Total mark awarded for General conversation = 40 out of 40


      Total mark awarded for Speaking test = 95 out of 100



    • Moderator comments (Whole test)

      Conduct of the test:
      The exam was conducted in a highly professional manner. The teacher/examiner introduced both the exam paper and the candidate appropriately. They adhered to the established guidelines, strictly observing the time allotted for each discussion. There were no noticeable deviations or considerable delays. The teacher/examiner engaged with thoughtful questions and offered relevant information when the candidate asked questions. These contributions arose naturally from the conversation and, while the teacher/examiner’s answers were brief, they were never rushed. The conversation flowed smoothly.

      How the teacher/examiner performance could improve:

      The teacher/examiner should have clearly announced the start of section 2, topic conversation.

      How the candidate performance could improve:

      The candidate could have made some references to the chosen sport “racing cars /Formula 1” in the context of a Portuguese speaking country in their presentation.

◄Topic 2
►Topic 4