C1: 2016

Wednesday, 30 November 2016

What is taken into account in the oral exam

Grammar
Vocabulary
Coherence
Entonation/pronunciation/rhythm
Fluency
Use of discourse markers: I mean, well, you know, it’s kind of, it’s sort of, it’s like, etc.
Use of connectors
Interaction (in talking)

Really?

Honestly?

What a great/horrible idea!

I agree/disagree with you.
Don't you agree/ think?
Do you agree?

I think/don’t think so.

I see what you mean.

Oh! I see

Yes, sure.

Yes, you are right.

Yes, that’s right.

Exactly.

In the talking you are supposed to show that you can initiate and maintain a discussion and express your ideas clearly and precisely. In order to do this, It is helpful to become familiar with some common expressions so that you can ask for opinions (e. g. “What do you think?”), agree with your partner’s opinion (e. g. “You’re right.”), partially agree (e.g. “That might be true, but…”) or disagree (e.g. “I don’t know about that. Don’t you think…?).

In this part, you and your partner have to discuss the topic for about four minutes. Remember, this part of the test is a dialogue, not a monologue, this means you should take turns to ask and answer questions. Comment briefly on what your partner says and in turn ask for your partner’s opinion. When you share your opinion, remember to include reasons and personal experiences.Make sure that you pay attention to your partner. The two of you have to work together in order to handle this task well. For example, if you are a very talkative person and your partner is rather quiet, try not to dominate the conversation. Listen to your partner and give him/her time to express his/her ideas. You can also help each other if one of you gets stuck or can’t think of a word. If you do not understand what your partner said, ask for clarification.