Role play candidate card two

Conduct of the test: 

The role play was generally conducted well by the teacher/examiner. The teacher/examiner understood the need to adhere precisely to the questions in the teacher/examiner script (instructions can be found in the Instructions for Teachers/Examiners booklet. The teacher/examiner read the scenario for the role play as instructed in Chinese which is important to set the scene for candidates. 

The teacher/examiner asked the questions clearly, at a good pace and gave the candidate sufficient time to respond.

Candidate response:

The candidate responded very well and achieved full communication, without the need for repetition of any task.

The candidate answered in full detailed sentences, although in the role play, 2 marks can be awarded for a one word/brief answer provided it is correct and appropriate.

Mark for task 1 = 2 out of 2

Mark for task 3 = 2 out of 2

Mark for task 4 = 2 out of 2

Conduct of the test

The topic conversations were generally conducted well by the teacher/examiner. Despite reversing the order of the topic conversations. 

The teacher/examiner asked each question exactly as provided in the Instructions for Teachers/Examiners, in a clear and well-paced manner. 

The teacher/examiner gave the candidate a good amount of time to answer without interrupting too soon and kept within the recommended 4-minute time slot for each topic conversation. 

The teacher/examiner asked extension question 4 in the topic conversation 1, which solicited more information from the candidate. He also made effective use of a further question in the topic conversation 2 to ensure the test lasted approximately 4 minutes.

Candidate response

The candidate had prepared very well for the test. The candidate responded well to questions and only required one rephrasing (use of the alternative question in topic conversation 1, question 5). The candidate communicated information which was almost always relevant to the questions, and frequently developed their ideas and opinions and justified and explained their answers.

As there was one rephrasing, the candidate can only be placed in the Good descriptor level for Communication, but the performance was definitely on the border with the Very Good descriptor level, so the candidate was awarded the highest mark in this level of 12 marks.

For the Quality of Language, the candidate demonstrated an accurate use of a wide range of structures and vocabulary, which placed the candidate in the Very good descriptor level. This level allows for occasional errors.

Overall, the candidate also demonstrated very good pronunciation and fluency. The performance adequately met the level descriptor statement, so the candidate was awarded a mark in the middle of the range of 14 marks.

Mark for Communication = 12 out of 15

Mark for Quality of language = 14 out of 15

Total mark awarded = 36 out of 40

• The teacher/examiner could have been more detailed in the introduction and transitions in each part of the test. Specifically,  the teacher/examiner could have indicated that the first part was a role play and which parts each of them were playing – this would have set the scene more clearly for the candidate.
• It would also have been helpful to the candidate if  the teacher/examiner had clearly indicated the transition from the role play to the topic conversations.
• It is important to follow the topic conversation order as indicated in the topic grid in the Teachers’ Notes, asking topic conversation 1 questions first.

How the candidate performance could improve

This candidate had prepared very well and demonstrated solid speaking skills. The candidate showcased a range of structures with an occasional error. To improve the performance, the candidate could have practised speaking more with Chinese speakers to further improve his pronunciation.

Question 4 Some candidates required the alternative question as they did not understand the key word 零花钱 pocket money or 好处／坏处advantage/disadvantage.

Question 5 The key word 交通方式mode of transport proved a challenge for some so they needed the alternative question.

Topic conversation 2, Topic 5 Technology:

Question 3 The phrase 什么样的网站？what types of websites proved challenging for some candidates and they required the alternative question.

Question 4 Weaker candidates did not always understand the word 合适suitable/appropriate.

Question 5 The phrase 新的知识new knowledge was not always comprehended and the alternative question was needed.