Speaking Tests

NEW SPEAKING TEST EFFECTIVE AS OF MAY 2009

STAGE 1 (Introductions and small talk, approx. 5 minutes)

Examiner 1 asks candidates non-sensitive, factual background information (e.g. family, school,
occupation, hobbies, or questions relating to the theme of the speaking task, such as What are your
favorite subjects at school? , If a new course could be added to the curriculum, which course do you this
should be?, Why do you think this course should be added? etc.). Examiner 2 sits unobtrusively at the
back of the room.

STAGE 2 (Summarizing and recommending, approx. 5 minutes)

Examiner 1 introduces the topic and gives instructions to candidates: You have been asked by the
local school board to serve on a committee to select a new high school course. As a member of this
committee, your task is to select the best new course, from a choice of four. You will each be given a
sheet with brief notes about only two of these courses. You will have about 2 minutes to read your sheet
and prepare a summary of each course. Then you will present these two courses to your partner. You may
look at your sheet at any time, but you are not allowed to read your partners sheet. Remember that you
do not need to memorize anything and that you may take notes, if you wish, but there is no need for
notes since you are free at any time to ask your partner to repeat or clarify any of the information he/she
is presenting. If you have any questions about the instructions, please feel free to ask.

(Examiner 1 gives candidate 1 a sheet with two different courses. Candidate 2 receives a similar sheet with the
remaining two courses. Candidates work silently to read and prepare their summaries. While candidates are
preparing their summaries, they should remember that they must use their own words and provide as much
detail as possible based on the information provided on their sheet. Candidates are not assessed during the
planning of the summaries.)

When the candidates are ready to begin, Examiner 1 gives the following instructions:
When you are presenting each of your new courses to your partner, you should use your own words and
provide as much detail as you can, based on the information you have been given. Listen carefully to
your partner so that you can give him/her your recommendation of the best course from the two he/she
will present to you.

(Candidate 1 presents his/her two courses to candidate 2. Then candidate 2 recommends one of these courses
to candidate1. Then candidate 2 presents his/her courses and candidate 1 makes his/her recommendation.
Candidates may ask each other to repeat or clarify information. Examiner 1listens to the interaction but
becomes involved ONLY to answer questions about the instructions or to encourage candidate involvement.)

Then Examiner 1 gives the following instructions: Choose one of your two courses and think of reasons
why you believe it is better. Remember that either course is good, but you need to select only one.

(In making their decision, candidates may take their partners recommendation into consideration or they
may choose to reject it. Then they present their choice to their partner and explain their reasons.)

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STAGE 3 (Consensus Reaching, approx. 5 minutes)

Examiner 1 gives instructions for this stage: Now you will compare and contrast the course you
have chosen with the one your partner has selected. You will need to discuss the advantages and
disadvantages of each course. Your goal is to choose the best course. Remember that either course is
good, but you need to select only one. You also need to give the reasons for your final decision and
explain why they are important. Remember that you are not allowed to look at each others sheet.

(Candidates work together to choose the best course by comparing and contrasting the two courses, by
requesting and supplying information/opinions, negotiating, and providing reasons. Examiner1 listens to the
interaction, but becomes involved ONLY to clarify instructions or to encourage candidate involvement.)

STAGE 4 (Presenting and Convincing, approx. 5 minutes)

Examiner 1 gives the following instructions: For this stage, you will formally present your final decision
to the Examiner 2 (the School Board President). You will each need to present two different reasons and
explain why they are important. You will also need to convince Examiner 2 that your choice is the best.
After your presentation, Examiner 2 will ask you some questions about your decision. You can take 2-3
minutes to plan your presentation and which reasons you will each present. You may at this point read
each others sheet.

(Candidates prepare a presentation of their recommendation and decide on the reasons each will present.
Candidates are allowed to read each others sheet. Candidates are not evaluated during the planning of their
presentation.)

(When candidates are ready to begin, Examiner 1 introduces Examiner 2 and then sits quietly at the back of
the room.)

Examiner 2 asks the following:

I understand that you have reached a decision and you would like to give me your recommendation.

(Candidates present their recommendation to Examiner 2. Each presents two reasons and justifies them.)

STAGE 5 (Justifying and defending, approx. 5 minutes)

(Examiner 2 questions each candidate about the reasons they provided, asking them to justify and
defend their final decision. Examiner 2 challenges candidates only about their reasons for their
recommendation. The questions Examiner 2 asks will depend on the reasons that each candidate gives.

(Examiner 2 closes the speaking test by thanking the candidates for their presentation.)

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Speaking Test 1

Candidate 1 Information Sheet

Proposals for new high school course

Art Courses
The following list provides some relevant information about the art courses.

Courses in drawing, painting and photography

Inexpensive to set up
Creative outlet for students
Talented students get recognition
Students become more well-rounded
Many qualified teachers in local art community
Art considered a waste of time by some parents

Computer Science

The following list provides some relevant information about computer science.

Courses in Internet, Word and some programming

Knowledge of computers important
Popular with both students and parents
Opportunity to learn for students without home computer
Programming component may inspire young software engineers
Can be peer taught by those students already computer proficient
Equipment very expensive to buy

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Speaking Test 1

Candidate 2 Information Sheet

Proposals for new high school course

High School Band

The following list provides some relevant information about starting a high school
band.

Many instruments needed

Students learning an instrument privately can contribute
Qualified teacher on staff eager to start a band
May inspire students to learn an instrument
Can perform at local community events and pageants
Creative outlet for students
Not all students directly benefited

Business Management

The following list provides some relevant information about business management.

Prepares students to be secretaries or managers

Some hands-on experience
Students get head start on careers
Strong support from parents
Students can enter business universities
Classrooms available for courses
Hard to find business people willing to work for a teachers salary

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Speaking Test 2

Candidate 1 Information Sheet

Proposals for new Olympic sport

Freestyle Windsurfing

The following list provides some relevant information about windsurfing.

Popular throughout world

A definite crowd pleaser
Rules can be based on existing models of competitions
Both womens and mens events
Indoor windsurfing venue can be built
Great demand for this exciting sport
Very expensive to build venue

Womens Ice Hockey

The following list provides some relevant information about womens ice hockey.

One of fastest growing sports in world

Need for more winter sports
Team-building
Number of goals determines winner easy to judge
Can use venue for mens ice hockey
Many established amateur womens ice hockey teams
Not very popular spectator sport

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Speaking Test 2

Candidate 2 Information Sheet

Proposals for new Olympic sport

Golf

The following list provides some relevant information about golf.

Played in over 100 countries

Was Olympic sport twice before
Well-established sport, competitions since 19th century
Chance for amateur golfers to make their mark
Popular spectator sport
Easy to judge
Golf considered sport for rich

Canoe-Kayak Polo

The following list provides some relevant information about canoe-kayak polo.

Already recognized as official Olympic sport

Relatively new sport (played for 25 years)
Will introduce sport worldwide
International rules already in place
Swimming venues can be used
Established mens and womens teams
Already two canoe-kayak events in slalom and speed

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Speaking Test 3
Candidate 1 Information Sheet

Proposals for community development project

Adult Education Courses

The following list provides some relevant information about adult education.

Courses in art, languages and social sciences

Introduces idea of learning as life-long endeavor
Encourages residents to pursue their interests
Employs many qualified teachers in the community
Evening courses
Courses available to all, as fees subsidized
Adult education considered unnecessary by many community members

Childrens Playground

The following list provides some relevant information about a childrens playground.

Safe place for children to play

No large, central childrens play area in community
Strongly supported by young childrens parents
Pre-fabricated wooden structures available
Adult jogging course can be built around playground
Venue available in central town park
Few members of the community benefited

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Speaking Test 3
Candidate 2 Information Sheet

Proposals for community development project

Football Field

The following list provides some relevant information about a football field.

No place in town to hold matches

Local teams can use for football practice
Field can also be used for concerts
Spectator seating available behind high school
Strongly supported by local community
Field can be rented to traveling circuses
Venue very expensive to build

Soup Kitchen

The following list provides some relevant information about a soup kitchen.

For feeding those in need

Many people willing to volunteer time and money
Strongly supported by humanitarian agencies
Inexpensive equipment and maintenance
Involvement in community activities encouraged
Raises awareness of need to help others
No appropriate venue in town

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Speaking Test 4
Candidate 1 Information Sheet

New country for volunteer organization

Darfor Africa

The following list provides some relevant information about Darfor.

War-torn country in desperate need of aid

Orphanages first priority
Other development projects can be focused on later
Many volunteer doctors and nurses
Orphanage venue available in abandoned school
May help bring warring tribes together
Concern about safety of volunteers

Kazakhstan Central Asia

The following list provides some relevant information about Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan is eager to be international player

Adult English schools and teacher training centers to be set up
English not yet widely spoken in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstani teachers to be trained in effective new methods
Existing schools to be used as venues
Great support by Kazakhstani officials
Difficulty in finding well-trained volunteer English teachers

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Speaking Test 4
Candidate 2 Information Sheet

New country for volunteer organization

Belize Latin America

The following list provides some relevant information about Belize.

Funding and expertise to support grass roots small businesses

Funding for small business, including artisans and farmers
Many grass roots businesses already formed
Most small businesses have incentive, but lack business skills
Many business school graduates willing to volunteer
Opportunity to help people help themselves
Difficulty in choosing which business to fund

Sri Lanka South Asia

The following list provides some relevant information about Sri Lanka.

Need for knowledgeable agricultural extension agents

Nutrients in land depleted by old-fashioned cultivation methods
Great need for awareness of harmful pesticides
Farmers not making the most of available resources
Agricultural produce often goes to waste
Many agricultural extension agents willing to volunteer
Strong resistance by farmers to innovation and aid

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Speaking Test 5
Candidate 1 Information Sheet

New line of products for store

Affordable Electronic Goods

The following list provides some relevant information about affordable electronic
goods.

mp3 players, DVD players, TVs, and laptops

In great demand by customers of all ages
Make items affordable to all
Sure moneymaker for store
Discount on laptops for students
Replace more expensive electronic goods in store
Concern over quality of low-cost items

Local Handicrafts

The following list provides some relevant information about local handicrafts

Ceramics, jewelry, embroidery, and woven carpets

Will support local artisans and craft guilds
Demand for well-crafted products
Aesthetic display on ground floor of store to be created
Helps raise awareness of traditional handicrafts
Young people may be inspired to take up craftmaking as hobby
No substantial contribution to stores bottom line

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Speaking Test 5
Candidate 2 Information Sheet

New line of products for store

Bonos Red Clothing Brand to Help Africa

The following list provides some relevant information about Red clothing brand.

T-shirts, sports shoes and sunglasses

Proceeds go to help fight AIDS in Africa
Will raise awareness of good cause
Very popular, in brand
Selling well in chain stores
Separate room for display and information available in store
Concern about getting products in timely manner

Energy Efficient Appliances

The following list provides some relevant information about energy efficient
appliances.

Great need for affordable energy efficient appliances

Consumers can save money
Products help reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Raises awareness about individual responsibility in using resources
Basement of store can be used as display area
Future is towards green products
Some customers may be reluctant to replace old appliances

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Speaking Test 6
Candidate 1 Information Sheet

Candidates for recipient of scholarship

Candace Crowley

The following is a list of some of Candaces qualifications and comments made by her
teachers.

Class president
Outgoing and popular
Cheerleader
Drama club
Grades just above average
Middle-class family
Little involvement in class projects

Rupak Khan

The following is a list of some of Rupaks qualifications and comments made by his
teachers.

Class valedictorian
Studious and serious
Plays cello in school band
Chess team
Volunteer work
Family runs Indian take-out shop
A bit distant and reserved

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Speaking Test 6
Candidate 2 Information Sheet

Candidates for recipient of scholarship

Stefan Jobe

The following is a list of some of Stefans qualifications and comments made by his
teachers.

Computer and science whiz

Quiet and intellectual
Inventor
Won national science contest
Plays piano
Family is well off
Not very social

Jeanne Gonzalez

The following is a list of some of Jeannes qualifications and comments made by her
teachers.

Born in Mexico
Brilliant and personable
Mastered English first year in the US
Honor student
Writes poetry in Spanish
Family with 6 children
No extra-curricular activities

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Speaking Test 7
Candidate 1 Information Sheet

Proposals for architectural design for new town hall

Ultra-Modern

The following list provides some relevant information about the ultra-modern
design.

Steel, brick and glass structure

External glass elevator
World-renowned architect
All modern conveniences
Up-to-date security system
Potential tourist attraction
Very expensive

Renovate Existing Art Deco

The following list provides some relevant information about the renovation.

Original Art Deco building from 1920

Cultural landmark
Sentimental value for town
Unique town clock
Supported by townspeople
Saves money for town
Small for population

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Speaking Test 7
Candidate 2 Information Sheet

Proposals for architectural design for new town hall

Neoclassical

The following list provides some relevant information about the neoclassical design.

Lavish exterior decoration

Respected local architect
Natural lighting throughout
Outdoor caf for the public
Supported by town officials
Cost high but affordable
Clashes with surrounding buildings

Functional

The following list provides some relevant information about the functional design.

Brick with large windows

Architecture student donating her services
No-frills, yet efficient design
Energy saving
Wireless computer hook-up
Affordable
Plain-looking

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Speaking Test 8
Candidate 1 Information Sheet

Proposals for sending $1 million endowment to university

Upgrade Library

The following list provides some relevant information about upgrading the library.

Existing library out-dated

Establish on-campus research facilities
Install wireless computer hook-ups
Purchase new books
On-line professional journals
Not supported by alumni

Establish MBA Program

The following list provides some relevant information about establishing an MBA
program.

MBA programs in demand

Boost enrollment
Increase school status
Sure money-maker
Available classroom space
Top-notch professors expensive

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Candidate 1 Information Sheet

Proposals for sending $1 million endowment to university

Investments

The following list provides some relevant information about investments.

Invest in stocks and property

Potential to increase endowment
Interest earned will help support school
Market doing well
Supported by alumni
Can be risky

Set up Scholarship Program

The following list provides some relevant information about setting up a scholarship
program.

For needy students

Also for foreign students
Attract brilliant students
Contributes to campus diversity
Supported by community
Not income generating

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