B1 Preliminary for Schools Handbook

Speaking Test 1
 
 
Part 2 (2–3 minutes)
 
1A Learning a new skill
 
Interlocutor 
 
 
 
Now I’d like each of you to talk on your own about something. I’m going to give 
each of you a photograph and I’d like you to talk about it.

 
A
, here is your photograph. It shows 
someone learning how to do something.
 
Place 
Part 2
 booklet, open at 
Task 1A
, in front of candidate. 

B
, you just listen.
 
A
, please tell us what you can see in the photograph. 
 
Candidate A 

approx. 1 minute
 
………………………………………………… 
 
 
 
Back-up prompts 

Talk about the people/person. 

Talk about the place. 

Talk about other things in the photograph.
 
Interlocutor 
Thank you. (Can I have the booklet please?)
 
Retrieve 
Part 2
 booklet.
 
1B At home after school
 
Interlocutor 
 
 
 
B
,
here is your photograph. It shows 
someone at home after school.
 
Place 
Part 2
 booklet, open at 
Task 1B
, in front of candidate. 
 
A
, you just listen.
 
B
, please tell us what you can see in the photograph. 
 
Candidate B 

approx. 1 minute
 
………………………………………………… 
 
 
 
Back-up prompts 

Talk about the people/person. 

Talk about the place. 

Talk about other things in the photograph.
 
Interlocutor 
Thank you. (Can I have the booklet please?)
 
Retrieve 
Part 2
 booklet.
 
Paper 4
57
Speaking
Preparing learners

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Speaking Part 3
THE TASK
u
The interlocutor sets up the task, but does not take part in the interaction.
u
The interlocutor reads the instructions once, setting up the situation, while 
the candidates look at the prompt material. The prompt material is a set of 
images which is designed to generate the candidates’ own ideas about an 
imaginary situation. 
u
The candidates discuss their ideas together, making and responding 
to suggestions, discussing alternatives, making recommendations and 
negotiating agreement.
u
Candidates may bring in their own ideas, and should negotiate turns and 
elicit each other’s ideas.
u
The interlocutor will allow candidates time to discuss the task. The whole 
task takes 4 minutes. 
u
If the interaction breaks down, the interlocutor will help to redirect the 
candidates but will not take part in the task itself.
HOW TO APPROACH THE TASK
u
Candidates should concentrate on taking part fully in the task, rather than 
completing it. They are assessed on their use of appropriate language and 
interactive strategies, not their ideas.
u
Candidates should respond to each other’s ideas and move the discussion 
forward by, for example, giving their opinion on their partner’s idea or 
asking a question.
u
They should discuss all the visual prompts, and not try to come to a 
conclusion too quickly. If they do this, they will not give themselves the 
opportunity to show their full range of language ability. 
u
Candidates should not worry if the interlocutor stops them before they 
have reached a conclusion. This is because they have filled the allocated 
time. They are not assessed on whether they complete the task.
ASSESSMENT
u
Candidates are assessed on their use of appropriate language and 
interactive strategies, not on their ideas.