Introduction
The first part of the test is a 'getting to know you' exercise by the examiner. However, do not be fooled by the easy questions and the conversational style. This is in some ways the most important part of the test. During the next few minutes the examiner will make a quick judgement of your English language ability.
During the rest of the speaking exam that judgement will be revised upwards or downwards, but this is where that important first impression is made. For example, if the examiner asks 'What is your name?' and you, perhaps because you are nervous, reply 'Yes, it is', then you will have to work a lot harder to show that you are really a competent English speaker!
Remember, if you are confident, and look as if you are looking forward to showing off your English, the examiner will assume you have a reason for being confident - that you have good English.
At the start of the test the examiner will introduce herself, and check your identification. This is already testing your English ability, but it is also to relax you, and prepare you for the more difficult questions later.
The questions you will be asked in this part come from a set 'frame' they usually be about you, your family and your life. Popular topics are:
- Where you live
- Your family or friends
- Your job or your school
- Food
- Your holidays
- Clothes
- Your favourite books or films
- Pets
Remember While you can and should make sure that you can talk about the subjects mentioned above, do not prepare your answers so carefully that they seem rehearsed.
Examiners are very good at spotting prepared answers and will not be impressed. It is much better to be spontaneous, even if you make a few mistakes.
Remember Some questions require explanatory answers.
e.g. Did you have to travel far for this exam?
Sample answer: 'Well, I live on the other side of town, but it's just a twenty minute bus ride.' (Don't just say 'yes' or 'no' Explain why you are answering affirmatively or negatively.)
And other questions are more 'open-ended'.
e.g. Do you think city life is better than country life?
Sample answer: 'Well, there are advantages and disadvantages to both. On the one hand ...' (continue for three or four more sentences.)
Remember In every language, spoken sentences sometimes fail. Speakers realize that they can't finish a sentence grammatically, or realize that what they are saying is not what they mean. In this case, the sentence is simply abandoned and restarted.
Native English speakers do this all the time. So do you in your own language. Listen to yourself and your friends to see what I mean. In English if you abandon a sentence, start the next one with a 'restart indication'. E.g. 'I mean..', 'Well, anyway ..', 'In other words ...'.
Learn relevant vocabulary for talking about yourself, your job and your hobbies.
Learn vocabulary and conventions for comparisons and likes and dislikes.
Practice connecting ideas using 'link' words.
Practice correcting yourself, and asking for clarification if you have not understood something.
Practice interviewing your friends. Get them to interview you.
Here is an extract from part 1 of an example speaking test.
Examiner: So Sasha, it says here that your name is Alexandra. Is Sasha a nickname?
Sasha: It's a kind of short form of my name. Like in England someone whose name is, um .. I dunno ...William? Yes, if his name is William, it might be Bill. So my name is Alexandra or Sasha, depending.
Examiner: Depending?
Sasha: Well, if its formal or not, you know. My teacher calls me Sasha, but if I'm in trouble, then it's Alexandra. I prefer Sasha!
Examiner: So all your friends call you Sasha?
Sasha: Yes, mostly. Sometimes they call me J-lo, because they say that I have expensive tastes, like a film star, but that's mostly just to tease me.
Examiner: So what do you and your friends do when you are not studying?
Sasha: It's such a problem at this time of the year! We have so many tests and exams it feels sometimes like we are always studying. Even if we can sometimes do it both at once when .. I mean, sometimes we get together at each other's houses, and study and maybe, you know, share a pizza and watch a DVD or something.
Examiner: Do you like watching DVDs?
Sasha: Yes, its okay. I prefer going out to the cinema, but that's more expensive. One DVD is cheap, especially if five people share ... um ..take it out together and share the cost. But everyone has to buy their own ticket for the cinema, and if you also get some coffee or something before, it costs a lot more. Also at home, you can stop the DVD and get something to drink, or answer your mobe. Is mobe right for mobile telephone? I know Americans call it a 'cell'.
Examiner: Most English people say 'mobile' but some do use 'mobe'. Now, what do you like ...