Guidelines for the examiner

Entry test: speaking

Ask the candidate some questions about themselves, their work/studies, family, hobbies, etc. This is a test of
the candidate’s ability to give personal information. Do not prompt them with information. Ask follow-up
questions to develop the conversation as appropriate.
Include the following questions.
 What is your name?
 Where are you from?
 What do you do?
 What do you least enjoy about your job/studies?
 What do you most enjoy about your job/studies?
 Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
 Do you have any hobbies?
 What would be your ideal job and why?

Exit test: speaking

Students spend five minutes preparing the short presentation (about 10 minutes long, including examiner’s
questions). This is a test of the candidate’s presentation technique. After the candidate has given his/her short
presentation you may ask questions, as appropriate.
Here are some possible questions.
 How long have you been at the company/college?
 What size is the company/college?
 What training opportunities are there?
 How long will the afternoon’s programme last?
 Ask about the variety of jobs and courses.
 Ask what experience or qualifications are needed relating to the student’s course/career.

Examiner’s notes: speaking tests

For each test, award a maximum of 10 marks, 2 marks for each of the following criteria.
 Clarity of pronunciation
 Level of fluency (long answers, lack of hesitation, confidence and ability)
 Accuracy and appropriateness of language (grammar, functional phrases, vocabulary)
 Range of language (grammar, functional phrases, vocabulary)
 Ability to organise ideas clearly (linking ideas, justifying, reasoning, etc.)

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Note: It is recommended that the speaking tests be recorded for analysis afterwards. Oral performance should
always be assessed by at least two teachers. In the event of disagreement, award a score midway between the
two (if two assessors) or take an average (if three or more assessors).
The oral performance of candidates with a score of 8 or more can be described as follows:
The candidate can use English to communicate effectively and consistently, with few
hesitations or uncertainties.
Description based on level 7 of the English Speaking Union’s Framework of Examination Levels.

Examiner’s notes: writing tests

For each writing task award a maximum of 10 marks, 2 for each of these criteria.
 Including all the information required
 Politeness (thanking, looking forward to meeting, etc.)
 Organisation and clear structuring of ideas
 Accuracy of language (grammar, functional phrases, vocabulary, etc.)
 Range of language (grammar, functional phrases, vocabulary, etc.)

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