Speaking Hack 10: Know HOW you'll be evaluated. 1
OK, here we are at the final hack for the speaking exam - and this is a BIG one! 2
Do you know HOW you're going to be evaluated? 3
If you do, this will give you a better idea of how to prepare. 4
Let's go over the four Speaking Band Descriptors. 5
First, we have Fluency and Coherence. 6
Are your ideas flowing from one to another? 7
Are you using linking expressions and subordinate clauses? 8
Next, we have Lexical Resource. 9
Are you substituting various words, using expressions, paraphrasing and figures of speech? 10
Third, we have grammar, or GRA. 11
Are you utilizing the correct verb tenses? 12
Are you employing complex and compound sentences, or just simple sentences? 13
Finally, we have Pronunciation. 14
Is your pronunciation easy to understand? 15
Are you applying stress in the correct areas of your sentences? 16
Is your voice rising and falling, in the correct places? 17
So, how does your final score get calculated? Scores for each of the mentioned areas can vary from a Band 18
1 to a Band 9. 19
For example, a candidate could achieve the following score. for Fluency and Coherence: 7. 20
For 21
Lexical Resource: 7 22
Next, for Grammar, a 6...and then finally for Pronunciation...a 6. In this case, the test-taker would 23
receive a total score of 6.5 based on the average of the 4 scores. 24
Guys, remember that the examiners can only give whole numbers for each band descriptor. 25
Moreover, examiners don't total the final mark. 26
It's totaled later on. 27
While these band descriptors may not be new to you, it's worth reviewing them, 28
just to be clear on how the examiner will evaluate you.