TIPS OF PART 1
Speaking Test
► Part 1:
Introduction and Interview (4 - 5 minutes)
The examiner will introduce himself or herself and confirm your identity. You answer general questions about yourself, your home, your job, your interests and a range of similar topic areas.
• Be aware of question types; the areas covered are fairly predictable so practice at home recording ideas onto a tape recorder.
• Keep in mind that examiners can assess what they hear. They will expect you to speak up so don't give one or two word answers.
• Make sure to relate your answer to the interviewer's question.
First, answer the question then give 'Added Information'.
Examiner: Do you have any plans for going to university?
Candidate: That's for sure. I'd like to major in chemical engineering.
Examiner: Do you like swimming?
Candidate: Yes, I do, but I don't get much time to go swimming these days.
• In general, good answers have 'main and supporting ideas'.
- I love swimming because it's so relaxing. Besides, it helps me be in shape.
love swimming= main idea
relaxing= supporting idea 1
in shape= supporting idea 2
• Use appropriate linking words. e,g. Because, Besides.
- I love swimming because it's so relaxing. Besides, it helps me be in shape.
Because= linking word 1
Besides=linking words 2
• If you can't think of a word, simply paraphrase it.
- He's a reliable person.
- He's the sort of person you can always trust /depend on.
- She's so punctual.
- She's never late; always on time.
• In order to present yourself in the best way possible, you should try to sound positive about your past, present and future.
• Reply by offering a full and appropriate response in each case. Always add some extra information to your answer; you are unlikely to get a second chance to answer them, but don't anticipate related questions. For example, if you are asked what your job is, a suitable answer would be:
- I work for a market research company. We do market research for companies that are planning to develop new products.
- NOT I work for a market research company. We do market research for companies that are planning to develop new products. My job is very demanding. It requires strong communication and interpersonal skills to get the right results. The best thing about my job is the team that I work with. My work starts at 9 am and finishes at 7 pm.
As this sounds like a 'learned answer' and the examiner's next question might be:
- How do you like your job? OR
- Tell me about your working hours.
• Listen to the questions carefully and make sure you answer the question; answer the questions directly and to the point.
• It is important to relax and speak confidently.
• There are a number of expressions used to express your feelings.
I'm very interested in ...
... seems fantastic
I'm fond of...
I am keen on...
That sounds like fun
... would be really rewarding/ a lot of fun
... sounds more interesting than...
I find it really helpful
... seems pretty difficult
... is rather complicated
... was rather difficult
... was much more difficult compared with...
... sounds kind of boring
.... doesn't interest me
To be honest, I don't enjoy...
I've lost interest in ...
BEST OF LUCK
