Preparation is the key - tips from the Examiners

I was busy going through the seminar I'll be giving in Bilbao tomorrow, and was checking links to speaking test videos that I'd written about before on this blog, when I came across a clip that I hadn't seen or heard about before.

3 examiners who often appear on Cambridge English speaking test videos appear in a short video giving tips to help candidates do well in speaking tests.

The tips they mention also appear on screen.

http://www.thefutureworkplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/hints1.jpg

I noted some down and am sharing them here:

Listen carefully.  (Photos)  Maintain the flow for a full minute. Know how long your answer should be.

Know when and how you have to expand your answer.  Move the interaction forward or to a conclusion.

React.  Don't be put off if the examiner interrupts.

Keep the conversation going.  Extend.  Paraphrase.  Find a way of keeping the conversation going.
Ask questions if you don't understand.

Interact.  Use eye contact and body language to encourage your partner.  Overcome nerves.

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLpAmvxF3s1O2AGba5Qib5zHqGgMZvp6syaqCToNz3JQdJ4K3XZdGjOi6Pw9iXwQO_E8MmAAa3EfYhWtcbp7EkXQTng07zIgNlnXBw8imjfMMNRXUaY1LfVSiSIdOahq9fh0lYdLaqPU/s1600/EyeContact.jpg

Balance accuracy and fluency.


Some good advice!  From the examiner's mouth!

Inspiration from the Inspiration Room

Tomorrow morning, bright and early I'll be heading along the coast again to San Sebastian.

I'm addressing the subject of writing all morning - Developing Writing Skills for B2 & C1 learners and Preparing for Success at Cambridge English: First for Schools writing.


As I know that some people will be attending both sessions, I wanted to make them different.

For the second session, I'll be sharing some websites to use with teenage learners to inspire them for the content of the writing tasks.

One of the sites I'll be mentioning will be the Inspiration Room.

This fantastic site has adverts from around the world.

I thought the Fiat Texting or Driving campaign from Brazil would make great material for use in class

Fiat’s road safety work in Brazil has included Texting or Driving, a print and poster advertising campaign featuring the letters R (Girl), F (Bus), N (Dog), L (Truck) and Z (Cow). “You either see the letter or the bus. Don’t text and drive”. The campaign won Gold for Poster and Bronze for Art Direction in the Design category at the London International Awards.

A new view of those pictures that circulate from time to time where you can see 1 thing or another.

Webinar: Changes to Cambridge English: First, First for Schools and Advanced

This webinar will focus on the revised versions of Cambridge English: First, Cambridge English: First for Schools and Cambridge English: Advanced, which go live in 2015.

It is aimed at teachers who are preparing, or going to prepare candidates for these exams. The presenters will concentrate on the formats and timings of the exams in order to fully inform teachers of the changes which are taking place.

To register for this webinar, please choose your preferred date and time.

Monday 11 November 2013  14.00 – 15.00 (UK time)

Wednesday 13 November 2013  10.00 – 11.00 (UK time)