How to avoid losing points in the TEF/TCF speaking section
Most of the errors here will be intertwined with problems in the written part.
So, in order not to lose points:
- Make sure you understand the assignment correctly. ⠀
Sometimes you don’t know a keyword and it’s unclear to you what exactly the examiner needs from you: ⠀
“Agree on SOMETHING”
“Ask questions about SOMETHING” ⠀
ABOUT WHAT?⠀
There’s nothing wrong with asking the examiner straight away what that ‘SOMETHING’ means. It’s riskier to launch into the conversation and guess blindly as you answer — that will definitely cost you points. ⠀
- Adhere to the conditions specified in the task. ⠀
For example, in 2 minutes you need to ask a dozen questions on a topic. But instead you start with a long greeting, introductions, explanations, etc. ⠀
Get to the point and ask as many questions as you can to demonstrate your skills. ⠀
- React to the examiner's cues. ⠀
Most tasks are based on dialogic speech. You need to show that you know how to conduct a conversation. The examiner may divert the conversation and expect a reaction from you rather than the next question. Here you need to be concentrated and follow the rules of the game. ⠀
- Don't invent unnecessary information. ⠀
If the assignment contains conditions - “convenient schedule and high salary, persuade a friend to become a teacher.” In your arguments, do not immediately go to some fictitious numbers, working hours, etc., use what is given, you can assume something, turn to your own experience. Sometimes you can add something of your own, but don’t overdo it. ⠀
- Use linking words.
In TCF you need to give a monologue for 4.5 minutes.
One of the indicators of your skill is good story structure. And the structure is maintained precisely with the help of linking words, which must be in place and correspond to the meaning. ⠀
- Do not overload your answers with memorized phrases and vocabulary. ⠀
It happens that a candidate briskly gives a greeting or some thematic part, and then begins to float and take long pauses. Speech should be natural and strive for uniformity. ⠀