Guidelines for the examiner

EXAMINERS NOTES: SPEAKING TESTS

It is recommended that the oral test be recorded for analysis afterwards. Oral performance should always be
assessed by at least two teachers. In the event of disagreement, award a score midway between the two (if two
assessors), or take an average (if three or more assessors).
The oral performance of candidates with a pass score of 8 or more can be described as follows: The candidate
can use English to communicate effectively and consistently, with few hesitations or uncertainties.
(Description based on level 7 of the English speaking Unions Framework of Examination Levels.)

ENTRY TEST: SPEAKING

This test should take 10 minutes per candidate. Candidates each give a 5 minute presentation and
then answer your questions about it.
Allow candidates time to prepare. While one candidate is being tested, the next one can prepare their
presentation.
Notes on assessment:
Total 15 marks. Award 3 marks each for:
Fluency and confidence.
Overall comprehensibility (including clear pronunciation).
Accuracy and appropriacy of language.
Ability to organise ideas and structure the presentation.
Range of language (grammar, function phrases, vocabulary).

EXIT TEST: SPEAKING

This test should take abut 15 minutes per candidate. There are two parts:

Part A: a short (34 minute) presentation

Part B: gathering information about two companies, making a summary, and stating (with reasons)
which one offers the best potential for a takeover
While one candidate is being tested, the next one can prepare their presentation.
The information you need to give the candidate is Part B is set out in the boxes below. This is a test of
the candidates ability to ask questions. Do not volunteer information unless asked specifically for it.

PHOTOCOPIABLE 2011 Pearson Longman ELT

NuuSofft
Produces apps popular with Apple iPhone users.
Sales: Excellent. Produced a best-selling app (DataXlinx) which has sold over 2 million downloads.
The company was set up 6 years ago.
Market value: 350 million
Profit last year: 71 million
Share price: Has been increasing over the last year and currently stands at 1.02.
PDQriter
Produces database software.
Sales: steady, not spectacular. But the company has recently released a piece of software that is being described by
reviewers as revolutionary.
The company was set up only 2 years ago.
Market value: 176 million
Profit last year: 29 million
Share price: Has remained at about 0.71 since the company went public last year.

Notes on assessment:
Part A: Presentation. Total 5 marks. Award 1 mark each for:

Fluency and confidence

Overall comprehensibility

Accuracy and appropriacy of language

Ability to organise ideas and structure the presentation

Range of language (grammar, functional phrases, vocabulary)

Part B: Gathering information. Total 10 marks.
Award 4 marks for:

Good questioning and ability to get all the facts by asking for repetition or clarification where necessary.
Award 2 marks each for:

Inclusion of all facts in the summary

Ability to organise ideas and give reasons for choice

Accuracy and appropriacy of language

EXAMINERS NOTES: WRITING TESTS

For each writing task award a maximum of 15 marks, 3 for each of these criteria:

Including all the information required

Politeness (thanking, looking forward to meeting, etc.)

Organisation and clear structuring of ideas

Accuracy of language (grammar, functional phrases, vocabulary, etc.)

Range of language (grammar, functional phrases, vocabulary, etc.)

PHOTOCOPIABLE 2011 Pearson Longman ELT